$302 Million Raised in Seattle University’s The Campaign for the Uncommon Good

Publicly launched in fall 2019, Seattle University’s largest ever comprehensive campaign surpassed its original fundraising goal of $275 million, raising more than $302 million through the generosity of nearly 25,000 donors.

The Campaign for the Uncommon Good priorities included scholarships, the new Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation and mission-related programs in community-engaged learning, global engagement, mental health support for students and more.

“The impact of this campaign is already being felt,” says Dave Sabey, campaign co-chair and president of Sabey, Inc. “We can see right now new programs, the new Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation and new students enjoying the impact and generosity of our Seattle U donors. There is more good to come as a result of this campaign and what it makes possible for Seattle U’s future.”

Opening fall 2021, the Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation is the new home of Seattle U’s STEM programs. With more than 110,000 square feet that includes 20 new teaching and laboratory spaces, Seattle U anticipates that the Sinegal Center will lead to 50% growth in STEM education and 145% growth in computer science at Seattle U. 

“The Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation and the pivot the university is making toward STEM through the campaign is a strong opportunity to broaden the university’s reputation for excellence,” says Drew Herdener, ’01, Amazon's vice president of Global Corporate Communications and Seattle U Trustee.

During the campaign, 119 new scholarship endowments were created, supporting students in 14 schools, colleges and programs across campus. These and other scholarship endowments are expected to provide nearly $10 million in financial support this coming year. The scholarships provide greater access to an education for more students and reduce student debt.

More than $113 million was raised to deepen Seattle U’s Jesuit mission and commitment to caring for the whole person through improved student experiences, wellness, campus engagement, athletics, experiential learning and residential life. 

“This campaign is essential to the sustainable practices of community engagement at Seattle U in areas of housing justice, environmental justice, racial justice. That’s our future,” says Assistant Professor Claire Garoutte, director of the photography program.

In addition to the campaign goal, alumni successfully met Father Stephen Sundborg's ask of at least 10,000 alumni becoming engaged in the university by connecting, volunteering and giving as part of Our Moment for Mission: The President's Challenge.

Global leaders Amazon, Microsoft and PACCAR made significant gifts to the campaign, along with a contribution from The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

The campaign was steered by well-known and respected civic and business leaders. Honorary chairs included PACCAR Executive Chairman Mark Pigott, Costco Co-founder and former CEO Jim Sinegal and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. Chairman, Pacific Northwest, Phyllis Campbell. The Campaign co-chairs were philanthropist Maureen Lee, President of Wright Hotels, Inc., Stuart T. Rolfe, ‘78, and Chairman and President of Sabey, Inc., Dave Sabey.

“The Campaign for the Uncommon Good, through the generosity of our donors, will continue to transform Seattle University for the benefit of our students,” says President Sundborg. “As a Jesuit university, we seek 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.”

Learn more about The Campaign for the Uncommon Good and personal stories of impact at www.seattleu.edu/uncommongood/.