College of Science and Engineering Dean Michael J. Quinn calls the Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation—which opened in the fall—“the gateway to campus” and “the interface between the campus and the city.”

What began in 2019 with blueprints and schematics is fully realized as a center—housing Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science—that represents the future of STEM. It also is a facility for all of campus to experience, whether it’s convening a study session in one of the many spaces for collaboration, attending a lecture or connecting with service opportunities through the Fr. Stephen Sundborg, S.J. Center for Community Engagement. Students will also take their CORE science classes here.

With its striking façade that merges the traditional with urban—think lots of glass and bricks, wood and steel, with walls of windows looking out onto 12th Avenue and across campus—and an interior with innovative research labs, meeting spaces and nooks, a creative makerspace, radio station and more, the Sinegal Center is truly transformative.

Equally impressive is the outdoor space, where students and visitors alike can soak up the serenity of the Kubota Legacy Garden, complete with lush greenery, native trees and wooden benches.

In addition to lab spaces and the Billodue Makerspace, there is the Convergence Zone Café by Microsoft, Oberto Commons and the Amazon Computer Science Project Center. It is also the new home to student-run radio station KXSU 102.1 FM.

The Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation, together with the newly renovated Bannan Science and Engineering buildings—now known as the Thomas J. Bannan Center—will support Seattle U’s commitment to fulfilling the greatest need of our city, region and industry at large.