History of Seattle Pacific University in Timeline

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a private Christian university located in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1891 as the Seattle Seminary by the Free Methodist Church, it evolved through name changes to Seattle Pacific College before becoming Seattle Pacific University in 1977. As a Christian institution, SPU integrates faith and learning, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It maintains its affiliation with the Free Methodist Church while serving a diverse student body.

1905: Peterson Hall Opening

Opened in 1905, Peterson Hall is the second-oldest building on campus and houses the School of Education as well as the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. It was originally built to house administration and additional classrooms.

1905: Alexander Hall Used as Boys Dormitory

Upon completion of Peterson Hall in 1905, Alexander Hall was used for a time as a boys dormitory.

1913: Seattle Seminary and College

In 1913, Seattle Seminary became the Seattle Seminary and College.

1925: Jacob Moyer Professor of Chemistry and Dean

In 1925, Jacob Moyer became professor of chemistry and dean, remaining until 1946. Moyer Hall was named in his honor.

1929: Philip F. Ashton Joins as Psychology Professor

Philip F. Ashton joined as a psychology professor in 1929 and stayed until 1971. Ashton Hall was named in his honor.

1948: Calvin Dorr Demaray pastor of First Free Methodist Church

Calvin Dorr Demaray was the president of SPU from 1959 to 1968 and pastor of First Free Methodist Church from 1948 to 1959.

1953: Moyer Hall Opening

Moyer Hall opened in 1953 and is located in the center of the campus on the edge of Tiffany Loop.

1959: Calvin Dorr Demaray President of SPU

Calvin Dorr Demaray was the president of SPU from 1959 to 1968 and pastor of First Free Methodist Church from 1948 to 1959.

1962: Hill Hall Opening

Hill Hall opened in 1962 and is known as the 'family' hall for its comfortable atmosphere.

1965: Ashton Hall Opening

Ashton Hall opened in 1965 as SPU's largest residence hall.

1966: Clocktower Gift

In 1966, the clocktower in front of Demaray Hall was given to Seattle Pacific University by the class of 1966.

1968: Calvin Dorr Demaray leaves President of SPU

Calvin Dorr Demaray was the president of SPU from 1959 to 1968 and pastor of First Free Methodist Church from 1948 to 1959.

1971: Philip F. Ashton Leaves SPU

Philip F. Ashton joined as a psychology professor in 1929 and stayed until 1971. Ashton Hall was named in his honor.

1977: Seattle Pacific University Name Adoption

In 1977, Seattle Pacific College adopted its current name, Seattle Pacific University.

1983: Moyer Hall Remodel

Moyer Hall was remodeled in 1983.

1994: Ames Library Completion

The Ames Library was completed in 1994.

2001: Emerson Hall Opening

Emerson Hall opened in 2001 as the campus's second newest residence hall.

2003: Hard Sciences Facility Built

SPU's main hard sciences facility was built in 2003. It houses biology, chemistry and some psychology labs.

2008: Remodel of 35 West Cremona Apartments

The 35 West Cremona apartments were remodeled in 2008–09.

2009: Remodel of 34 West Cremona Apartments

The 34 West Cremona apartments were remodeled in 2009–10.

2011: Wesley Apartments Under SPU Ownership

As of the 2011–2012 academic year, the Wesley Apartments at Cremona and Dravus are now owned and operated by SPU and include the offices of two of the Residence Life Coordinators.

May 23, 2012: Building Named in Honor of Philip W. Eaton

On May 23, 2012, the SPU Board of Trustees announced that it named the hard sciences facility in honor of past SPU president Philip W. Eaton and his wife, Sharon.

2012: Sale of Robbins Apartments

The school sold the Robbins apartments in 2012.

June 5, 2014: Otto Miller Hall Shooting

On June 5, 2014, a shooting occurred in the Otto Miller Hall, during which one student was killed and two other students were injured.

2014: Arnett Hall Welcomes First Residents

Arnett Hall welcomed its inaugural residents in Autumn 2014.

2014: Seismic Retrofitting and Renovation of Alexander Hall

In 2014, a $6.2-million seismic retrofitting and renovation of the interior office space and chapel was completed on Alexander Hall.

November 16, 2016: Gunman Conviction

On November 16, 2016, the gunman was convicted in the shooting and sentenced to 112 years in prison.

May 2022: Board of Trustees Vote on LGBTQ+ Employee Ban and Student Protests

In May 2022, the university's board of trustees voted to keep rules in place that ban LGBTQ people from becoming employees, prompting student protests.

September 2022: Lawsuit Against Board of Trustees

In September 2022, multiple faculty, students, and staff brought a lawsuit against the Board of trustees for breach of fiduciary duty.

January 26, 2023: Deanna Porterfield Announcement

On January 26, 2023, it was announced that current Roberts Wesleyan University President Deanna Porterfield would conclude her work in June at the institution in Rochester, NY.

June 16, 2023: Budget Cuts Announcement

On June 16, 2023, the university's interim president, Peter Menjares, announced in an email to faculty that it would cut 40 percent of its budget academic programs via steep faculty layoffs.

November 2024: Announcement of Further Academic Cuts

In November 2024, university president Deana Porterfield announced further academic cuts, eliminating 19 more majors and cutting more faculty through layoffs, effective by June 2025.

2024: Continuing Education Enrollment

In the previous year (2024-2025), there were 747 continuing education students enrolled.

June 2025: Academic Cuts

As of June 2025, academic cuts are effective, which university president Deana Porterfield announced in November 2024, eliminating 19 more majors and cutting more faculty through layoffs.

2025: Student Enrollment Statistics

As of the 2025 Autumn Quarter, 2,101 students were enrolled, including 1,657 undergraduate students, 16 post-baccalaureate students, and 428 graduate students.