The Falcon   |   Volume 83, Issue 53

Published 5/29/13   |   Log In

Martin talks nicknames and vision

Students see personal side of new president

By KALIE NELSON, Staff Reporter

Published: October 10, 2012

Dr. Daniel J. Martin told students at a Q&A session in Upper Gwinn last Thursday that becoming president of Seattle Pacific University was his dream—along with starring in a Wiz Khalifa music video, smoking a pipe with Gandalf and dancing with Beyoncé.

“‘D-Money’ would have to be my favorite nickname,” Martin said, in response to a student question. “It has a Beastie Boys vibe and you could probably create some pretty cool logos for it.”

“My previous students at Mount Vernon Nazarene used to call me ‘Dr. Dan,’ so that works too,” he said.

ASSP hosted the Dr. Martin Student Reception, where students had the chance to talk with President Martin over ‘pizookies’ before ASSP President Nate Strong moderated the Q&A session in Upper Gwinn.

“I enjoy meeting students, having conversations, laughing and connecting,” Martin said. “It’s just about putting myself out there as someone that I hope they take away as approachable.”

Questions sent in from different students ranged from serious matters to those that anticipated a light-hearted, humorous response.

One student asked what it is like living in Hillford House and whether Ashton or Hill was the better neighbor.

“It’s wonderful,” Martin said. “Our lawn has been sporked and we’ve had trick-or-treaters already.” “The best neighbors? Probably Hill, but my favorite floor is Fifth West Ashton Men,” he said.

Earlier that day, Martin had given the men of 5W Ashton a large bucket of popcorn, after they had placed spoons and forks all over his front lawn earlier that week.

“It was nice to see the personal side of him,” said sophomore Johnny Corazza of 5th West Ashton. “It brought him down more to our level and seeing him dance was pretty impressive.”

After spending time answering questions, Martin had some of his own for the audience.

“What do you desire to see happen on this campus?” Martin asked.

Some suggested building a recreational center or pool, while others said they felt floor hours should be lifted.

“I wanted to make myself available for that conversation,” Martin said. “[Creating] some way of communicating that I’m concerned about what happens on this campus, in the lives of these students, in the classroom, out of the classroom, all the time.”

At the end of the reception, students gathered around Martin, laid hands on him, and prayed.

“I know that faculty laid hands on you at the retreat, but I wanted to give us all here the opportunity to do so,” said Strong, as he led the prayer.

“We were able to lay hands on our president,” said junior Sarah Watkins with a smile. “In a normal school, you don’t get that kind of feeling, that kind of relationship.”

Martin also stuck around after the event to meet with students and answer questions. “My hope for this event was for students to see him in his element, which is with students,” Strong said. “I think they got that tonight.”

BY KALIE NELSON

STAFF REPORTER

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