10 from 10: The defining stories at Seattle University in the last decade

A lot can happen in 10 years, and as we move into the new decade, it's worth taking a look back at the 2000s, which for Seattle University were a time of huge growth and change and saw countless successes and failures. Reflection lets us learn from our mistakes and take pride in our accomplishments, and this retrospective glimpse of the last 10 years at Seattle U is intended to let readers do just that: reflect.

1. Return to Division I

May 11, 2007 held a surprise for many at Seattle University: local newspapers were reporting Seattle U would be reentering Division I athletics beginning as soon as the 2008-2009 school year.

Later that day, President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. sent an e-mail to the Seattle U community apologizing for being "scooped" by the newspapers and announcing the plan to leave Division II for D-I.

Since then, the term Division I—or one of its iterations—has appeared in every section of this newspaper in all sorts of stories.

These stories tell of everything from controversy and dissent over the move to new student spirit groups and games at KeyArena.

And already, as the Redhawks continue in the transition playing as independent teams, the D-I move is achieving at least one goal officials had: garnering attention for this growing university in the middle of Seattle.

Whether it has been a scapegoat or a welcome change, the Division I athletic transition is Seattle University's defining story of the decade.

Will Seattle U basketball ever have the stature of Gonzaga University? Who knows? But the story of Division I will continue to significantly shape Seattle University in the next decade, too.

2. Capital Campaign

Despite a devastating recession, Seattle University's Capital Campaign "For the Difference We Make" wrapped up Sept. 10, 2009 far exceeding its goal.

The university was aiming for $150 million and finished with $169 million from 21,000 donors, 14,000 of whom were first-time donors to Seattle U.

The Capital Campaign's stunning success is a sign that others are recognizing the university's drive and achievements. The campaign raised more than both of Seattle U's previous two, which brought in $27 million and $67 million.

While many things are needed to make a university premier, as is Seattle U's vision, a key ingredient that must not be overlooked is money.

The success of the campaign will aid students with scholarships, help improve academic programs, build state-of-the-art new facilities and contribute to the university's operating budget and Jesuit Catholic identity.

While the effects of the fundraising are only just being felt by current students, Seattle University's Capital Campaign is the second-ranking story of the decade for what it promises to deliver in the future: a premier, independent university that alumni will be proud to call their alma mater.

3. Campus expansion

Every college campus is constantly striving to grow and expand, but the 2000s for Seattle University were a time of huge expansion. When the decade began, there was no Student Center and no Sky Bridge. Chardin Hall was the Bessie Burton Sullivan Skilled Nursing Residence, Xavier Hall had yet to be named the global community hall and the Lemieux Library was even then in desperate need of renovation. Much of what is now the Seattle U campus in the early '00s was just a vision or a dream, but as we move into the new decade, those dreams are becoming realities. The university is raising its profile with every new building, but that brings more students and the rise of a housing crunch the likes of which Seattle U has never seen. Hopefully by 2020, we'll have increased administrative, educational and housing facilities to be proud of all around our campus and its surrounding neighborhood.

4. Focus on sustainability

Though gardening superstar Ciscoe Morris left Seattle University in 2002, he left an indelible mark on the way the campus's grounds were shaped. Seattle U is a campus that cares about sustainability, with meticulously maintained pesticide-free gardens beautifying every corner of the campus. It's also a forerunner in the recent composting movement around Seattle, and like its sister school Gonzaga University has already done, Seattle U has been striving for years to "ban the bottle." Sustainability is trendy nowadays, sure, but Seattle U has gone beyond pandering to global trends by making its green existence a foundational part of its institutional mission.

5. Recession and budget cuts

The recent recession impacted everyone, but perhaps what is most remarkable is how well the burden was handled at Seattle University. By cutting costs by 5 percent across the board in all departments, the university avoided unnecessary layoffs and kept its yearly tuition increase for the 2009-2010 school year almost startlingly low (just more than 3 percent). Its endowment took a hit, of course, but compared to the University of Washington, whose students were saddled with a 7 percent tuition increase in the fall, and whose endowment eroded with the fall of the economy, Seattle U pulled through the roughest moments of the recession as admirably as any institution of higher education could hope to.

6. Bessie Burton Sullivan becomes Chardin

At a university that prides itself in teaching social justice and putting it into practice, the decision to close Bessie Burton Sullivan, a skilled nursing facility on campus housing the elderly, was one many in the community wouldn't let pass without a fight.

The controversial decision, announced Jan. 8, 2007 in an e-mail from President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. sparked anger, debate and even a protest among the Seattle University community.