ANNUAL FUND
INVEST IN SEATTLE PACIFIC
“My SPU education
helped lead me to
this job, a job I love.”
Stacy Cleveland ’97
You might have read my story in the summer issue of Response magazine. And while I might look like the professional, Seattle Pacific University-educated administrator that I am, my life looked a lot different just ten short years ago.
My story started out very promising. I was raised in a loving Christian home with parents who graduated from SPU. I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, but after a few years my life took a devastating turn. I drifted away from church and entered a downward spiral leading to addiction and homelessness.
As terribly difficult as those years were, I know God protected me during that time and I am so grateful. Today I am the director of the Women and Children’s Shelter for Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. My SPU education helped lead me to this job, a job I love. So much of where I am today I can credit to my university years. Amazing and godly professors motivated me to explore truth and service, to grow intellectually and spiritually.
Now it’s my turn to share that same grace and love with those that I serve. Helping other women regain hope at the shelter gives meaning to my past struggles –– especially now, when the economy is forcing more people than ever to seek our assistance.
When I help others, I realize how much my family and I have to be thankful for. My husband, Scott, and I have four beautiful children. The oldest, a senior in high school, wants to continue our family’s tradition and attend Seattle Pacific to pursue a degree in nursing.
I know many alumni, parents, and friends gave gifts to The University Fund to make my studies possible. That financial support is now allowing me to change the world for many hurting families.
I’m told that almost nine out of every 10 SPU students receive some type of financial aid. That means more than 3,000 students are able to attend the University each year because of the help provided by the Seattle Pacific family. That’s just amazing.
I also know that the number of students who are struggling financially has never been higher at universities across the country. That is also true at SPU. As Autumn Quarter begins, many students are uncertain about their academic future. Will they be able to finish their degrees? Will they be able to continue into the next quarter?
Please join me in supporting the students at Seattle Pacific. Your gift and mine, combined with those of others, will make a difference in student lives –– I can vouch for that. Seattle Pacific students understand the sacrifice being made to allow their studies to continue. Thank you in advance for your generous support!
Stacy Cleveland
Class of 1997
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Click here to read Olivia's story
Click here to read Melyssa's story
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