Seattle University History Collection 

The purpose of this collection is to collect and preserve important primary source materials relating to the history and activities of Seattle University, its past and present members and its surrounding communities. Materials in this collection include, but are not limited to: printed documents, administrative records, correspondence, photographs, film and videos, maps, scrapbooks, yearbooks, The Spectator, and sound recordings.

Several finding aids are available describing portions of this collection.

An issue of The Spectator from March 6, 1941.                             An issue of the Palestra from October 1923.

The Spectator is Seattle University's student-run newspaper. Archival issues are available online through Scholarworks.

The Palestra, Seattle College's student newspaper, from 1922-1927.

AEGIS (1937-1978, 1980, 1989-1992)

The title Aegis was adopted for the yearbook when Seattle College moved back to Broadway and Madison in 1931. The word aegis is taken from classical history and literature meaning “shield” or “banner.” The aegis of Grecian warriors bore an image of Minerva and represented power, wisdom and influence.

The Seattle University Bulletin of Information (1932-2009). Recent editions available online as the Course Catalog.

This archival collection includes separate bulletins for graduate and undergraduate programs listed by academic year; plus limited years for Summer School. These bulletins include general information on admission, financial aid, tuition and fees, academic regulations and course names and descriptions across all colleges and programs. Predecessors to the Bulletin of Information include: Seattle College Catalogue, 1901-1915; Seattle College High School Catalogue, 1919-1930; Seattle College Bulletin, 1932-1947. Some of the early catalogues may also include some historic photographs of students, faculty and activities.

The primary name Seattle University Bulletin of Information runs from 1948-2009. Information on academic programs is now found across individual schools, colleges and programs through the Seattle University website.

This set of Commencement programs lists the names of graduating students of Seattle College and Seattle University beginning in 1936 and runs consecutively to the present. The library will continue to provide digital copies to update this collection.

Two earlier programs, from 1915 and 1926, list the graduates of Seattle College High School when the campus was temporarily located on the north Capitol Hill at Interlaken, the current campus of Seattle Preparatory High School.

The Chapel of St. Ignatius on the campus of Seattle University is an award winning architectural sacred space designed by world renowned architect Steven Holl. The materials in this collection document the history of the Chapel of St. Ignatius from the initial project proposal in 1991 through the design, construction and dedication in 1997. The collection includes architectural drawings, artifacts, committee minutes, graphic materials, moving images, award certificates and textual materials.

Consult the online finding aid at Archives West for more information about the collection.

The E.M. Standing Collection of Maria Montessori Materials 

E. Mortimer Standing, an international authority in the Montessori method of teaching and early childhood education, was associated with Maria Montessori for more than thirty years. He assisted her in training courses and conducted many himself throughout the world. Author of 3 books on Montessori, his collection includes a variety of materials relating to her life and work, among them are manuscripts, correspondence, lectures, pamphlets, photos and some curriculum materials.

Consult the online finding aid Archives West to find out more about the collection.