Celebrating Father Topel

After decades of extraordinary service to Seattle University, John Topel, S.J., is retiring. Father Topel, who currently serves as Jesuit adviser to the dean of the law school dean, in the coming week will be honored for his incredible dedication to our university. You are invited to join with others in celebrating and thanking Father Topel at the following:

• Mass at the Chapel: Topel will preside at the Sunday Masses at the Chapel of St. Ignatius this weekend for one last time before his retirement. Everyone is invited to attend the 11 a.m. Mass on March 5 for a special tribute and blessing for Father Topel, followed by a reception in the Chapel narthex.

• Retirement Celebration: Dean Anthony Varona and Seattle University School of Law invite you to a celebration of gratitude for Father Topel on Wednesday, March 8, 3:30–5 p.m., Sullivan Hall (Second Floor Gallery). Please RSVP here.

Father Topel’s Service to Seattle University

Fr. John Topel, S.J. has served as the Jesuit adviser to the law school dean at Seattle University since 2016 and has been a senior member of SU’s theology faculty since 1973. During his tenure, Fr. Topel has also served Seattle University as acting president, vice president for Academic Affairs, and a member of the Board of Trustees. His academic background includes a BA degree in classical languages and literature and an MA in philosophy from Gonzaga University, an MA in doctrinal theology from Santa Clara University, a teaching doctorate (licentiate) in biblical exegesis from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and a research PhD in biblical theology from Marquette University.

Read more about Fr. Topel here.