Dear Members of the Seattle University Community:

As chair of the Seattle University Board of Trustees, I am pleased to share that last week the Board unanimously voted to reappoint Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J., to a new five-year term as president of Seattle University. The decision followed a comprehensive evaluation of Fr. Steve’s service, leadership and accomplishments. An outside consultancy was engaged to oversee the evaluation based on in-depth interviews and surveys of university stakeholders.

This will be Fr. Steve’s fifth, five-year term as president and covers the period 2017 to 2022. Fr. Steve has led Seattle University to new heights of excellence and impact over the past two decades. Working together with an exceptional faculty and staff, he has extended the reach of SU’s Jesuit Catholic education to more students from more regions, elevated the academic reputation of the university regionally, nationally and internationally, created a mission-driven culture across the campus community, established the nationally recognized Youth Initiative and engineered Seattle U’s return to NCAA Division I athletics.

We look forward to Fr. Steve’s continued service as president and working with him over the next five years to build upon an impressive record of achievement.

Socially Responsible Investing Action Items Approved

The Board also approved two important action items related to socially responsible investing (SRI). The first item approved included three amendments to the Investment Policy Statement. The amendments establish the SRI Advisory Working Group, explicitly restrict the university from making direct investments in fossil fuel companies, and include environmental, social and governance factors among the criteria for selecting and evaluating investment managers.

The second item approved was the charter for the SRI Advisory Working Group, a permanent standing sub-committee of the Board’s Investment Committee. As stated in the charter, the working group will provide information and make recommendations to the Investment Committee on SRI issues and it will consist of key stakeholder representatives, including students, faculty, administrators, alumni and trustees. The SRI Task Force recommended these action items in its final report.

We are grateful for your continued commitment to the university and wish you continued success in all your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Bob Ratliffe
Chair, Seattle University Board of Trustees