This is a press release I wrote for a PR writing project at Seattle University.

1. 901 12th Avenue, P.O. Box 222000
Seattle, WA 98122
CONTACT: Martin Wojnar For immediate release
(206) 398-9267 April 7th, 2009
wojnarm@seattleu.edu
SEATTLE UNIVERSITY REACHES 6-YEAR CAMPAIGN GOAL!
Join in making a difference
Seattle, WA – Seattle University has proudly reached its goal of raising $160 million for
the “Difference We Make” Capital Campaign. With this new milestone in place it enables the
University to continue fiscal support to students, facilities, and academic programs within the
college community. Seattle University, named by U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges
2009" ranks among the top 10 universities in the West offering a full range of masters and
undergraduate programs. With the continued selfless support from donors the campaign
continues injecting high levels of service and excellence. This is needed to fulfill SU’s mission
for social justice as a premier independent university in the Northwest.
“With this wonderful feat we are able to provide the proper financial support to develop
our student’s educational growth.” says Fr. Steven V. Sundborg, the President of the University.
“I cannot thank everyone enough; this is truly a blessing and testament that hard fundraising
efforts can prevail in these tough economic times”.
-more-

2. The campus community began its efforts to run the Capital Campaign six years ago.
President Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J. had the ambition to focus on his priority commitment to
attract talented students from diverse backgrounds and offer them financial support. The
President’s goal was attained by raising $42 million for scholarships. Next up on the agenda was
providing outstanding teaching environment, which has been Seattle University’s greatest and
most distinctive attribute, providing a 14:1 student/teacher ratio and thus, allotting 38 million for
academic programs.
Facilities for Teaching and Learning have also been the President’s priority and include
the new structural additions such as the remodeling of Lemieux Library and McGoldrick
Learning Commons. These facilities will be providing an attractive space for intellectual
engagement of faculty and students. Included in this ‘face lift’ will also be the renovations of the
Connolly Fitness Center and the Lee Center for the Arts to support physical fitness of faculty and
students. Collectively, the renovations are supplemented by 52 million from the campaign
budget. Meanwhile, the remaining 20 million will be put towards nurturing the Seattle University
Fund.
“With your continued support you allow Seattle University to plan for the future with
confidence and flexibility. Working closely with John Meisenbach and James Sinegal I’ve seen
SU’s alumni and present community support first hand. Last year alone, generous donors made
unrestricted annual gifts totaling more than $2.1 million.” says Anne Farrell, President Emeritus
of Seattle University Foundation.
-more-

3. Thus, in spite the difficult economic times, Seattle University continues to be the premier
independent University in Pacific North West, which attracts students from diverse backgrounds
and continues to grow. For more information about Seattle University’s capital campaign,
please visit www.seattleu.edu/campaign.
-30-