January 22, 2018
For John Spellman, the former governor of Washington and Seattle U alumnus who passed away last week, the Jesuits were a big influence throughout his life.
After graduating from SU as valedictorian in 1949, Spellman actually spent nine months in a Jesuit seminary before opting to go to law school, as recounted in Politics Never Broke His Heart.
As his children shared in a statement published by Puget Sound Business Journal, “From his days at Seattle Prep and Seattle University and Georgetown Law School, the Jesuits’ style of discernment played an essential role in John’s life. He was always able to pause and look at the other side of an issue. He was able to weigh the options. He was fair and just. He was able to work towards common goals and to humbly change his mind.”
Back to top