Summer has officially arrived, and while that may mean a break for some academic institutions, here at Bastyr University we continue our active schedule of events and celebrations. First, a quick look back: congratulations are in order for the nearly 300 proud graduates who received Bastyr University diplomas at our 31st Annual Commencement Exercises at Benaroya Hall in Seattle last month. I foresee bright futures for the class of 2012 as well as for Bastyr University. Here’s a look at what we have planned.
Students Return, Travel Abroad
On July 9, summer quarter begins. While some students return to campus this month, others will take their studies out into the world, participating in study-away programs. This outside learning is a great way to gain valuable real-world experience that can enhance what is absorbed in a classroom setting.
Keeping Kids Healthy
At our teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, we see the return of summer Well-Child Visits. From July 1 – August 31, children ages 13 and younger can visit a naturopathic doctor (and receive a free bottle of pediatric vitamins) for just $20. Parents can learn about the benefits of keeping their kids healthy through good nutrition, exercise and taking care of their bodies as they grow.
Campus Additions & Updates
We are just a few short months away from the grand opening of our California campus. In addition to appointing a new leader, we are busy outfitting the building for the inaugural class of students. Here are a few pictures of the work being done in preparation for welcoming our new first-year naturopathic students in September.
Construction is also happening in Seattle at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. More classrooms are being created at our teaching clinic to reduce the commute time for many students and to help reduce our community’s overall carbon footprint.
Centennial Celebration Happenings
As part of our year-long John Bastyr Centennial Celebration to honor what would have been our namesake’s 100th birthday, we will be launching the John Bastyr Helping Hands Food Drive this month.
Between July 16-20, we will collect healthy non-perishable foods at both the Kenmore campus and Bastyr Center for Natural Health, with donations benefitting Hopelink’s End Summer Hunger Campaign. We believe this is a wonderful way to involve the community to help those in need and we are confident this is exactly the type of compassionate giving of which Dr. Bastyr would be proud.
At the same time, we continue to monitor the journey of one of Dr. Bastyr’s favorite books, Return to Nature by Adolf Just. You can follow the progress of Dr. Bastyr’s personal copy as it travels down the West Coast to our new campus in San Diego, a symbolic way to connect both campuses with Dr. Bastyr’s lasting legacy. The book will be passed along by 100 alumni in honor of the centennial.
We hope that your summer is as fun-filled and busy as ours, and we invite you to follow all the latest happenings at Bastyr University.
In Health,
Daniel K. Church, PhD
Bastyr University President
