Seattle Pacific University

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Established in 1890 with nine members, the Board of Trustees is the governing body for Seattle Pacific University (formerly Seattle Seminary and Seattle Pacific College). Originally, all nine members were elected by the Washington Conference of the Free Methodist Church. By 1950, the Board had the authority to elect up to eight members. The Board had 22 members by 1944-45 and in 2011 had 15 members.

From the guide to the Board of Trustees Records, 1891-1994, (Seattle Pacific University Archives)

Seattle Pacific University was founded in 1891 by Free Methodist pioneers and was first known as Seattle Seminary. Its early focus was the training of missionaries, but the institution soon grew to become a liberal arts college. In 1915, the name was changed to Seattle Pacific College, and full college accreditation was granted in 1936. The College grew rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s with more students, programs and buildings and in 1977, became a full liberal arts university. Throughout its history, Seattle Pacific has remained attached to the Free Methodist denomination and committed to Christian higher education.

From the guide to the Seattle Pacific University Memorabilia Collection, approximately 1910-2000, (Seattle Pacific University Archives)

From the guide to the Seattle Pacific University Historic Photograph Collection, 1895-2000, (Seattle Pacific University Archives)

The Seattle Pacific University Office of University Advancement is the fundraising arm of the University. Activities undertaken by the Office include soliciting funds, creating and managing endowments and investments for the University and managing the Seattle Pacific Foundation. The SPU Alumni Office is also part of the Office of University Advancement. The Alumni Office runs the annual Homecoming Weekend, Class Reuinons and other alumni activities.

From the guide to the Office of University Advancement Records, 1960-1990, 1910-1995, (Seattle Pacific University Archives)