Library News & Updates

ScholarWorks: Exploring History in Seattle University's Institutional Repository

The photo above appeared on the front page of a special "Back-to-S.U." edition of Seattle University’s student newspaper, The Spectator, in Fall 1964.  You can read digitized copies of all past issues of The Spectator (dating back to 1933!) on ScholarWorks, Seattle University’s institutional repository.  The newspapers are full-text searchable and cover all topics from academics, athletics, and campus events to student fashion trends through the decades.  ScholarWorks also houses other digitized materials from the university’s history, such as yearbooks and commencement programs, and serves as a publishing platform for faculty and student scholarship. 

Historical newspapers are a fun way to learn about day-to-day life in the past.  In the photo above, students Chris Sifferman (left) and Greg Barlow are standing on a new piece of university property acquired from the Canada Dry Company earlier in 1964.  The area behind them is now the site of the School of Law and the Sinegal Center.  After graduation, Chris and Greg both chose careers that reflect the legacy mission of Seattle University: care for others, service, and leadership.  Greg Barlow served in Vietnam in the United States Army and, as Major General, commanded the Washington State Army and Air National Guard from 1989-1999.  Chris Sifferman became a second grade teacher, touching the lives of hundreds of students and appearing in the annual publication Who’s Who Among American Teachers several times for her dedicated service.  What will you achieve as you embark on your own journey at Seattle U? 

By Jane Connelly and Mary Sepulveda,