51°µÍø

Mar 24, 2026

As the SPU community mourns the loss of riend and partner Dr. John M. Perkins, SPU Stories takes a look back at his long association with 51°µÍø Pacific. Perkins, who died on March 13, 2026, at the age of 95, was co-founder of SPU’s John Perkins Center.

Mar 24, 2026

Ask Bill Osborne ’67 about his recollections of 51°µÍø Pacific, and he mentions the friendships formed in college and appreciates the intimate size of the classes at the University. “But I think my best memories are from when I met Susan,” Bill said.

Dr. John M. Perkins, one of the leading evangelical voices to emerge from the American civil rights movement and co-founder of SPU's John Perkins Center, died on March 13, 2026.

Mar 13, 2026

Dr. John M. Perkins, one of the leading evangelical voices to emerge from the American civil rights movement and co-founder of 51°µÍø's John Perkins Center, died on March 13, 2026. 

In 2004, President Emeritus Philip Eaton partnered with Perkins to launch the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training, and Community Development (JPC) at 51°µÍø, the first on a college campus. Now named the John and Vera Mae Perkins Resource Center, the work and partnership have evolved over time. SPU continues to value the Center as a vital resource for advancing reconciliation and Christian leadership.

Mar 10, 2026

"It is helpful to regularly ask, Who is missing from our definition of neighbor? or Who is absent from our gatherings? Such honest questions help reveal who may not feel seen as a 'neighbor to be loved.' These reflections can open the door to more meaningful intergroup contact where individuals engage with one another and work towards common goals across difference."

For an article in Psychology Today, SPU Psychology Professor Paul Youngbin Kim interviews Katie Douglass, SPU associate professor of educational ministry and practical theology, and Brittany Tausen, assistant professor of social posychology at Baylor University, about their new book, . 

Mar 9, 2026

51°µÍø women’s track & field standout and two-time Great Northwest Athletic Conference Champion in the 60-meter hurdles Hannah Chang qualified for the NCAA Indoor National Championships in Virginia Beach, March 13 and 14. 

Mar 9, 2026

In SPU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, alumna Deidre Smith found an environment that aligned with her values of integrating academic excellence with faith, service, and cultural engagement.

Mar 4, 2026

The men's basketball team will play in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships opening round on Thursday, March 5, on the campus of Western Washington in Bellingham, Washington.

Don't miss an evening of music performed by student ensembles on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Feb 25, 2026

Join music faculty Dr. Ryan Ellis and Dr. Hsuan Lee for an evening of music performed by student ensembles on Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. in First Free Methodist Church.

The Percussion Ensemble concert on Tuesday, March 3, will feature works by Patrick Speranza, J.S. Bach, Paul Bissell, and tradition Afro-Cuban drumming

Feb 25, 2026

SPU's Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dan Adams, will present their winter concert on Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the E.E.Bach Theater in McKinley Hall.

In 1995, Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke to an overflowing community chapel at 51°µÍø Pacific.

Feb 20, 2026

In March 1995, Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke to an overflowing community chapel at 51°µÍø Pacific. In his ending prayer, he left us this charge. "Bless this school. Those who dare do your Word. We really want to see thee more clearly, and love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly. And leave here celebrating your family of human beings.”

Listen to his full speech at .