New Student Center at Seattle University Receives $2.5 Million Grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

SEATTLE -- Plans for construction of a new Student Center at Seattle University got a major boost yesterday with the announcement of a $2.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant brings the university within $3 million, or to 80 percent, of its $17 million fundraising goal for the new building and ensures it will break ground next spring.

The new Student Center will be the first structure of its kind at Seattle University, bringing together student services and activities that had previously been scattered across campus. The building's open layout will include new dining areas, a fireplace and hearth, a theatre-style multipurpose room, and two student collegiums. Services represented will include the International Student Center, student government, Minority Student Affairs, Campus Ministry, Career Development, the Counseling Center, and more than 85 social and service clubs.

"The new Student Center at Seattle University will provide a much needed gathering place for all student groups and activities," said William H. Gates, Sr., Co-Chair & CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is proud to contribute to Seattle University's capital campaign for this unique space."

The Student Center is part of a larger fundraising campaign that also includes $12 million in endowment funds for student scholarships, faculty development and academic programs. Previous donations to the entire campaign, titled 'Centered on Students', include $2 million from campaign chairman and Costco CEO Jim Sinegal and his wife, Janet Sinegal, and $2 million from S.U. alumnus and venture capitalist Kent Johnson.

"Just as the Chapel of St. Ignatius is a symbol of our spiritual roots, the new Student Center will realize our dreams for more spaces on campus that establish and nurture a sense of community," said Seattle University President Fr. Stephen Sundborg, S.J. "I am so excited about this wonderful start to the Centered on Students campaign. This strong support shows we have a winning combination in our vision to create more spaces for community on campus, maintain the highest academic standards, and consistently increase our efforts to make education affordable to future generations."

Former president and university Chancellor Fr. William J. Sullivan, S.J., called the new Student Center "the last major piece of our campus renaissance." In his 20-year term as president, Sullivan oversaw many major construction projects, including a new School of Law, a new faculty office building, and the Chapel of St. Ignatius. Of the current campaign, he said, "I am deeply grateful for the support of our friends and I am convinced that we will reach our goals."