Prayers for Our Community

Dear Seattle University Community, 

Even as we enter a joyous commencement weekend, our hearts are heavy for the Garfield High School community. Our prayers are with the victim of yesterday’s tragic shooting, his loved ones and all members of the Garfield family who are impacted by this senseless act of gun violence. The tragedy hits home in a particular way for our university. Less than a mile from Seattle University’s campus, Garfield is our neighborhood high school. Many of our students and alumni have graduated from Garfield and several of our faculty and staff currently have children attending the school. Our Sundborg Center for Community Engagement shares a special connection with Garfield through the Change Makers Program, which supports the transition from middle school to high school and from high school to post-secondary life. 

A number of resources are available for members of our campus community needing support at this time. Our Counseling and Psychological Services office is available for students and now has in-person urgent care hours, a 24-hour virtual Talk Now mental health support service and more community-based services. Campus Ministers are available in Student Center 120 or by calling 206-296-6053 for an appointment. Staff and faculty seeking support have access to Resources for Living, our employee assistance program offered through Human Resources, and the Center for Jesuit Education at 206-296-6133 or centerforjesuiteducation@seattleu.edu. 

Respectfully, 

Eduardo M. Peñalver
President