Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Christina Roberts, associate professor of English, is the recipient of the 2018-2019 James B. McGoldrick, S.J., Fellowship. Named for a legendary Jesuit who devoted a half-century of his life to Seattle University, the fellowship recognizes an extraordinary faculty member who embodies the mission and values of our institution.

Father McGoldrick would be heartened to know that the fellowship bearing his name is being awarded to someone who represents the best of our university. Whether she is in the classroom, engaged in scholarly pursuits, serving our students or helping to lead our university, Dr. Roberts brings to her work an insistence on excellence, a spirit of openness and a commitment to social justice.

Widely admired and valued by colleagues for her leadership and wisdom, Dr. Roberts is founding director of the Indigenous Peoples Institute and director of the Women and Gender Studies Program. In numerous important ways, she has served the university, including as co-chair of the Matteo Ricci College Strategic Planning Task Force, a member of the Core Executive Committee, founding member of the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Staff Senate, faculty advisor to the First Nations Club, member of the Advisory Boards for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Center for Faculty Development and the Center for the Study of Justice in Society.

Perhaps the most impactful role Dr. Roberts fulfills is as a mentor to the multitude of students who seek her guidance and support. She has a special connection with, and commitment to, those students who are underrepresented in higher education and those who are the first-generation in their families to attend college.

Among other recognitions, Dr. Roberts has received the Spirit of Community Faculty Award and the College of Arts and Sciences Student Executive Council Teacher of the Year Award and has also served as a Service-Learning Faculty Fellow.

The McGoldrick Fellowship, which includes a one-quarter or semester sabbatical, is the most prestigious award we confer upon our faculty. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Roberts as the 2018-2019 recipient of the McGoldrick Fellowship.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President