Dear Seattle University community,
This is a truly historic day for Seattle University. I am delighted to share that we are receiving the renowned Hedreen Art Collection, valued at more than $300 million, along with $25 million in seed money to create the Seattle University Museum of Art. This transformational gift is the largest gift of art ever made to a U.S. university and largest single gift of any kind to a university in our state. Please join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to Richard “Dick” Hedreen and his beloved late wife and SU alumna Betty, for their incredible generosity and support.
I also want to express my appreciation to all those who helped to bring this to fruition: Edgar Gonzalez (VP, University Advancement), Mary Petersen (VP/University Counsel), Provost Shane P. Martin and, most notably, Jim Hembree, senior director of development in University Advancement for stewarding this extraordinary gift from Dick and his family and who cultivated a close relationship with the Hedreens over many years. And of course, a special thanks to Stephen Sundborg, S.J., and former Board Chair Nicole Piasecki, who years ago began a dialogue with Dick and Betty about the opportunities for Seattle University related to their collection.
We are especially well-positioned—as both a Jesuit university and a university that is deeply embedded within the fabric of our city— to make sure this gift has the greatest impact possible for our students and for the city of Seattle.
I invite you to read more about this incredible gift and look forward to providing updates as we move ahead with planning for the Seattle University Museum of Art. For now, let’s all celebrate this special moment for our university!
Respectfully,
Eduardo M. Peñalver
President
Learn more:
- The New York Times | Seattle University to Receive $300 Million Art Collection
- The Seattle Times | Seattle University gets $300 million gift of art — among largest in history
- Read the official news release announcing the gift