Honoring Excellence: Seattle University’s 2025 Alumni Award Winners

Seattle University is proud to announce this year’s Alumni Award winners, including the latest inductees into the Athletics Hall of Fame. These remarkable individuals represent the best of Seattle University with demonstrated exceptional leadership, service to the university and community, a commitment to care, excellence, diversity and justice and an alignment with our Jesuit values. They are: 

• Alumna of the Year: Kim Shirley, ’88, ’91 JD
• Outstanding Recent Alumna: Keisha Jackson, ’14 MA
• University Service Award: Joe Blaschka, ’73
• Professional Achievement Award: Mari Horita, ’99 MNPL
• Community Service Award: Alison Francis, ’24 
• Jesuit Mission Award: Sister Rosalie Locati, ’66 
• Athletics Hall of Fame: John King, ’91 
• Athletics Hall of Fame: Alex Roldan, ’17 

Together, the university will celebrate these exceptional individuals at the Alumni Awards ceremony on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Pigott Atrium and Auditorium. Learn more about these award winners who will be recognized for the positive impact they’ve made among their peers, in their professions and passions and in representing the Redhawk community.

ALUMNA OF THE YEAR
Kim Shirley, ’88, ’91 JD
Albers School of Business and Economics + School of Law

Seattle University honors Kim Shirley as Alumna of the Year for her lifelong dedication to the advocacy and advancement of the Seattle art community and embodying SU’s mission.

Shirley has spent her legal career dedicated to advocacy for nonprofit and startup organizations. A passionate advocate for arts and culture, she serves as a trustee of the Seattle Art Museum, the Tate Americas Foundation and previously Pacific Northwest Ballet. She is a member of several art committees and councils, most notably appointed by President Joe Biden to the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities in 2023. 

Shirley and her husband, Jon, are committed art collectors and were supporters of the creation of the specialized art collection at the Sinegal Center for Science of Innovation. In 2023 the Shirleys gained national attention by making one of the most significant gifts in history to the Seattle Art Museum through the establishment of the Shirley Family Calder Collection, which provides funding for educational programming to make art more accessible to the public.

One of Shirley’s nominators for Alumna of the Year said, “It is difficult to imagine anyone more deserving or whose life work is more closely aligned with the university’s strategic vision and values, particularly as we prepare to establish a campus art museum to serve our students, community and surrounding schools.”

OUTSTANDING RECENT ALUMNA
Keisha Jackson, ’14 MA
College of Education

For her impressive career achievements and enduring embodiment of Seattle University’s Jesuit mission and values, Keisha Jackson is the Outstanding Recent Alumna.

Currently Jackson serves as the Regional Lead for the West Region of the Philanthropies TEALS program at Microsoft and leads the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Showcase Schools programs. Jackson is an active board member for Treehouse for Kids, Boyer Children's Clinic, SU's Board of Regents and UW Foster School Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC). Previously, she has served on the boards for the College Success Foundation, the City of Seattle Women's Commission, the Women of SU Alumni Chapter and the Seattle Urban League of Young Professionals.

As a graduate of the Student Development Administration program in the College of Education, Jackson continues to be active with her alma mater, from attending events to serving on advisory boards. She also plays a crucial role in creating partnerships between SU and Microsoft. 

One of Jackson’s nominators for the Outstanding Recent Alumna award said, “She utilizes her position and connections to elevate anyone who needs assistance and support. Keisha is an exceptional ambassador for Seattle University in the community and at Microsoft. She exemplifies the mission in her work, community and immediate family by offering others assistance through her connections and experience.”

UNIVERSITY SERVICE AWARD
Joe Blaschka, ’73 
College of Science and Engineering

For his commitment to fostering growth in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Seattle University and his notable impact in engineering, Joe Blaschka is receiving the University Service Award.

For more than 40 years Blaschka owned and operated ADCOMM Engineering Company and is now the Chief Engineer at ADCOMM Engineering, LLC. He has served on the Electrical and Computer Engineering's Advisory Board for more than a decade and is currently a member of the Leadership Council for the College of Science and Engineering.

Blaschka is uniquely dedicated to student mentoring within the College of Science and Engineering, where he participates in mid-year project reviews, serves on the Best Poster Awards Committee and attends Projects Day annually. 

One of Blaschka’s nominators for the University Service Award said, “Joe’s integrity and dedication shine through his active involvement in student mentoring, professional development initiatives and his steadfast support of ECE programs. His leadership goes beyond his professional achievements—it is rooted in his dedication to cultivating future engineers and building a more connected and resilient community. His impact is both visible and profound, resonating throughout the Seattle University community and the engineering field at large.”

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Mari Horita, ’99 MNPL
College of Arts and Sciences

Seattle University honors Mari Horita with the Professional Achievement Award for her career achievements and social impact through roles at the Seattle Kraken and One Roof Foundation.

As the Senior Vice President of Social Impact and Government Relations for the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, Horita works to ensure the Kraken’s strategies align with values of equity, inclusion and service to the broader community. Horita is also the executive director of the One Roof Foundation, which focuses on addressing systemic challenges and uplifting underrepresented communities. Previously, Horita led a large strategic transition as President and CEO of Arts Fund to better serve the evolving arts community in the Puget Sound region. 

Additionally, Horita also serves on several nonprofit boards, including United Way of King County, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Board DE&I Committee for the Downtown Seattle Association. As an alumna of the Master of Nonprofit Leadership Program, Horita embodies Seattle University’s mission of service and care through her holistic approach to leadership.

One of Horita’s nominators for the Professional Achievement Award said, “Mari’s efforts have been highly visible within the Seattle community and beyond. Her dedication to nonprofit work and her leadership at Arts Fund have positioned her as a respected figure in the Seattle arts and nonprofit sectors. Moreover, her involvement in the Kraken’s social impact strategies has expanded her influence, allowing her to drive impactful initiatives that benefit both the local community and beyond.”

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Alison Francis, ’24
Albers School of Business and Economics

For her leadership in revolutionizing Costco’s DEI strategy and expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities, Alison Francis is the recipient of the Community Service Award.

As Costco’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Francis has worked to create a more inclusive environment with equitable opportunities for advancement. In 2024, she was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Chief Diversity Officers, a testament to her impact and continued drive for progress.

A dedication to advancing equity is seen in her volunteer work as a board member for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and mentor in community programs. And her commitment to creating dialogue and understanding around DEI initiatives has had a transformative impact on the community.

One of Francis’s nominators for the Community Service Award said, “Alison’s leadership in diversity and inclusion at Costco reflects a deep care for individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring equitable opportunities in the workplace. Her work with the UNCF and mentorship programs showcases her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities, making her impact both profound and far reaching. What sets Alison apart is her ability to inspire and mobilize others toward collective action, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment wherever she goes.”

JESUIT MISSION AWARD
Sister Rosalie Locati, ’66
College of Arts and Sciences

For her unwavering commitment to the Jesuit mission and dedication to service and care, Sister Rosalie Locati is the recipient of the inaugural Jesuit Mission Award.

Sister Locati has served the community as a Catholic school teacher, Campus Ministry member at Washington State University and leader at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane. In her work leading others with their relationship with Christ, she emphasizes valuing the whole person and understanding the human spirit.

Sr. Locati’s influence is an inspiration to the people she works with, embodying the Jesuit value of care.

One of her nominators for the Jesuit Mission Award said, “I think that in her contributions to society, she lives the Providence mission to make this a better world. Sister Rosalie has shown true love, gentleness and a real understanding of the human spirit. Her communication skills are like no other. She communicates with so much love. She understands each one of us.”

ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
John King, ’91 
Men’s Basketball
College of Arts and Sciences

For his stellar career on the Seattle University basketball team, John King is one of the newest inductees into the Athletics Hall of Fame.

During his impressive playing days at SU King played a total of 112 games, earning a number of accolades that include #2 all-time in scoring (1,899 points) and in field goals (831), #1 all-time in field goal attempts (1,724), and 5th all-time in rebounds (917).  In 1991, King achieved Third Team NAIA All-American status.

After his time at Seattle University, King has dedicated his professional career to uplifting underserved communities in Los Angeles. Currently the Director of Community Engagement and External Affairs of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, King also serves as the pastor of Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church.

Andre Lang, ’95, ’04 JD, men’s basketball alumnus and Hall of Fame committee member said, “John King is unquestionably one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders to play for the university. John continues to live a life consistent with the Jesuit mission as a leader in his community giving back to those less fortunate. John was and remains an exemplary representative of the university both on and off the court, conducting himself with humility, class and sportsmanship.”

Alex Roldan, ’17
Men’s Soccer
Albers School of Business and Economics 

Alex Roldan is one of the newest inductees into the Athletics Hall of Fame for his legendary career on the men’s soccer team.

As a Redhawk, Roldan played 82 games, earned First Team All-WAC status in 2016 and 2017, and led Seattle University to three WAC Championships. He made 18 career goals, 17 career assists and 53 career points, ranking #7, #3 and #5 in the modern DI era, respectively. 

In 2018, Roldan was the 22nd overall pick drafted by the Seattle Sounders FC and is in his seventh season playing for the team. In 2021, he was one of six Sounders players to start the Major League Soccer All-Star Game. In 2022, Roldan established new career highs in appearances (32), starts (26) and assists (7). He has totaled four goals and 18 assists over his professional career.

Arne Klubberud, ’99, men’s soccer alumnus, Hall of Fame inductee and a Hall of Fame committee member said, “Alex has gone on to be arguably the most prominent Seattle University men’s soccer alumni in the history of the program. When Seattle University’s name is mentioned in connection to his seven-year pro career with the Seattle Sounders, MLS Championships, his Concacaf Championship, his naming to the MLS All-Star in 2021 or his 25 caps with the Salvadorian National Team, the collective alumni group beams with pride. Alex has set a new standard for excellence for Seattle University soccer and all our alumni are proud to call him our own.”