Major Gift Allows SU to Expand Health Programs

In an effort to fill a critical need for health care professionals in Washington state, Seattle University has established an endowed deanship to expand its nursing and health sciences education and training programs over the coming years.

This new endowment, made possible by a $5 million gift from Charles M. Pigott—retired chairman and CEO of PACCAR Inc.—will support the appointment of Professor Butch de Castro to an enhanced role as the Charles M. Pigott Dean to lead these efforts. De Castro currently serves as Dean of the College of Nursing. The university will immediately begin a search for an academic dean to oversee the nursing programs under Dean de Castro’s direction.

The gift will help expedite the development of a College of Health Sciences, which will become the home for these new programs and a vision aimed at addressing the region’s most pressing health care workforce needs.

“I deeply appreciate the selfless generosity of Mr. Pigott and his belief in our commitment to addressing the health care needs of communities throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond,” De Castro says. “His gift strengthens our institutional ability to live out our Jesuit tradition in service of the greater good.”

Every county in Washington state has been designated as a Health Workforce Shortage Area according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, underscoring the urgent need for qualified healthcare professionals across a variety of fields. The endowed deanship will allow Seattle University to expand its nursing and health professions training programs to meet those needs.

“This will enhance our institutional identity as a hub and model for health innovation in the service of others,” Seattle University Provost Shane P. Martin says. “This is a significant step for Seattle University and we are deeply grateful to Charles for his commitment to our mission.”