Gladys Mwiti, CEO of Oasis Africa, speaks at the “For Such a Time as This” conference.
International Scholars, Leaders Speak at “For Such a Time as This” Conference
On April 23–25, 2015, Seattle Pacific hosted an international conference exploring the challenges and hopes of reconciliation. Interdisciplinary scholars, visionaries, and leaders from around the world — including Gladys Mwiti, Salim Munayer, David Kasali, and SPU faculty and staff — spoke and led workshops. The conference was presented by the John Perkins Center in partnership with the Center for Biblical and Theological Education, and sponsored in partnership with Scholar Leaders International.
School of Psychology, Family, and Community Faculty Travel to India
In January 2015, four faculty members in SPU’s School of Psychology, Family, and Community — Joey Collins, Margaret Diddams, Rob McKenna, and John Thoburn — taught and coached students and faculty at Immanuel University in Hyderabad, India. They were accompanied by three students in SPU’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s program and two members of the Board of Trustees. McKenna was also the featured speaker at the dedication of the new McKenna School of Education at Immanuel University, named after his father, Seattle Pacific President Emeritus David McKenna.
Faculty Present Around the World
In the last year, Daniel Castelo, associate professor of dogmatic and constructive theology, taught in Ahuachapan, El Salvador; Randy Franz and Don Lee, associate and assistant professors of management, presented a paper in Guildford, England; Priscilla Pope-Levison, professor of theology, joined a dialog between the World Methodist Council and the Roman Catholic Church in Assisi, Italy; and Albert Ferreiro, professor of European history, presented a paper in Vienna, Austria. As well, Arthur Ellis, professor of education, presented a paper in Moscow, Russia; Jaeil Lee, professor of apparel design and merchandising, spoke in Seoul, South Korea; and Kerry Dearborn, professor of theology, spoke in South Korea.
Students Serve Around the Globe on SPRINT Trips
Through international service-learning and mission trips ranging from two to six weeks, Seattle Pacific Reachout International contributes to community health and wholeness by connecting students to effective models of community engagement through opportunities to learn and serve outside the United States. SPRINT students learn firsthand from leaders engaged in significant ministry in their communities, and they learn to encourage others through their service. This summer, SPRINT trips will take students to Brazil, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, and Rwanda.
Sustainability and Nutrition the Focus of New Study Abroad Program
In September 2014, after over three years of planning, Associate Professor of Food and Nutrition Daniela Geleva led SPU’s new one-month global seminar on sustainable food production and the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. In Florence, Italy, students took classes, participated in cooking workshops, learned Italian language skills at the Florence University of the Arts, and took excursions to Tuscany.
Lectio Begins Next Four-Year Cycle
Lectio, SPU’s free online guided Bible reading program, began a new four-year cycle of Bible reading and study led by SPU School of Theology professors. The weekly content, beginning this year with Frank Spina’s guide to Genesis and Exodus, has been read or listened to hundreds of thousands of times by people in nearly 60 countries.