Seattle University Launches Largest-Ever Comprehensive Campaign

Seattle University has launched the public phase of its largest-ever fundraising campaign. The Campaign for the Uncommon Good seeks to raise $275 million in the form of scholarships and academic and student success initiatives that will shape the world’s next generation of leaders.

To date, $251 million, or 91 percent of the goal, has been raised since the “quiet” phase began in 2013, thanks to gifts from more than 20,000 donors.

The campaign will help fund programs in three broad initiatives: Scholarships, the Center for Science and Innovation, and mission-related programs in areas such as service learning and global engagement as well as mental health support. The public phase invites our 83,000 alumni worldwide and the community at large to join us in in support of the success of current and future students and shaping the world for the better.

In announcing the campaign, Seattle U President Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J., expressed his deep appreciation for the support the campaign already has received.

“We begin the public phase with profound gratitude, confident that we can be an even greater force for good in a world more in need of Jesuit-educated students than ever,” he says. “The Campaign for the Uncommon Good will transform Seattle University for the benefit of our students in many ways. As a Jesuit university, we are seeking not only the common good but also to empower graduates to bring about an uncommon good for positive and lasting change in their professions and communities. Our time is now to deepen and broaden the impact we make.”

Global leaders Amazon, Microsoft and PACCAR have made significant gifts to the campaign. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust also has contributed to the campaign.

The campaign is steered by well known and respected civic and business leaders. Honorary chairs are PACCAR Executive Chairman Mark Pigott, Costco co-founder and former CEO Jim Sinegal, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. chairman, Pacific Northwest, Phyllis Campbell. Campaign co-chairs are Maureen Lee, philanthropist; Stuart T. Rolfe, ‘78, president of Wright Hotels, Inc.; and Dave Sabey, chairman and president of Sabey, Inc.

Following are links to more information about how the campaign will provide transformative impact for Seattle U students:

Unprecedented access to education (scholarships): Goal: $75 million ($65 million raised to date)

Unparalleled mission and programs: Goal: $100 million ($90 million raised to date)

Unconventional science and innovation: Goal: $100 million ($95 million raised to date)