Seattle Pacific University's Student Newspaper

The Falcon
Seattle Pacific University President Dr. Deana Porterfield smiles after her inauguration ceremony at the First Free Methodist Church on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Seattle.
Cutting back to come back
May 1, 2025
Portrait of Pope Francis by Conner DeCoursey in the lower lobby of Ashton Hall on April 23, 2025.
Mourning loss of historic Christian leader
April 25, 2025
Photo of Conner DeCoursey near Demaray Hall on April 23, 2025.
New majors raise concerns from students
April 17, 2025
Photo of The Barbell Brotherhood club founders Gideon Priest (far left), Emilio Tolomei (middle right), and Jack Wiebe (far right), and member William Davis (middle left) at the Royal Brougham Pavilion on Apr. 16, 2024 in Seattle.
A new club making waves
April 17, 2025
Skiers take the lift up to the peak at Whistler-Blackcomb on Nov. 30, 2024 in Whistler, BC, Canada.
Struggles getting to the slopes
April 10, 2025
A student grabs a pride scarf during an event on April 14, 2023, in Seattle.
Queer joy at SPU’s [Redacted] Fest
May 29, 2024
Dr. Kevin Neuhouser (left) points in support of a student speaker during a demonstration in Martin Square on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in Seattle. The demonstration was an announcement and commemoration of the lawsuit that students, faculty, and staff members brought against the Seattle Pacific University Board of Trustees.
SPU seems quiet after years of protest: why?
January 10, 2024
A pride flag can be seen next to a Seattle Pacific University Banner during a demonstration in Martin Square on Monday, Sept. 12, 2023 in Seattle. FILE PHOTO
First hearing for Seattle Pacific University V. Bob Ferguson
November 17, 2023
A flag in a window on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
End of the rainbow
September 27, 2023
End of Guillot v. Whitehead
End of Guillot v. Whitehead
July 31, 2023
Students Participate in a Genetics lab in Eaton Hall led by Dr. Tracie Delgado on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2023 in Seattle. FILE PHOTO
College continues after COVID-19
November 1, 2023
Students working early Friday morning in Dr. Cen's UFDN 1000 class on February 24th, 2023.
Reflecting on classes during COVID
March 1, 2023
Valerie masking as she heads for coffee. With illness on the rise, are more and more people masking again.
Recovery from the pandemic
January 18, 2023
COVID emergency no more
COVID emergency no more
October 26, 2022
A person checks in at the curative testing center at Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Wash. Sept. 16, 2022.
Coronavirus in the new year
September 21, 2022
Mississippi, Music, and Vampires
June 3, 2025
Shapadooah 2025: A night of music, community and tradition
June 3, 2025
Clover at Shapadooah
SPU’s hit band is set to have an exciting summer
May 28, 2025
The Falcon’s Weekly Event Rundown (5/20 – 5/23)
The Falcon’s Weekly Event Rundown (5/20 – 5/23)
May 20, 2025
A poster advertising All Hall Ball
All Hall Ball closes out 2024-25 school year
May 15, 2025
Future of SPU student government
Future of SPU student government
February 19, 2025
Jordan at Senate
Multiple public meetings detail plans for students experiencing cuts to their majors
December 10, 2024
President Deana Porterfield presents to Seattle Pacific University staff and faculty on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Seattle.
Fate of programs and faculty jobs uncertain as President Porterfield delivers speech to employees
November 22, 2024
Senior Justice Dean tosses a volleyball in Royal Brougham Pavilion's lower basketball court.
New look for intramurals
October 15, 2024
KSPU host Hadley Weathers queuing her favorite songs for her weekly segment "Hadley's Hard Day's Morning."
Tune in to be part of the excitement!
October 11, 2024
A steak Banh Mi from Curbside, photographed on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Seattle.
Long road to Curbside
May 1, 2025
Retreat Cafe's activated charcoal latte and Mayan bowl. (Gabrialla Cockerell)
Relaxed approach to mindful eating
May 4, 2022
Memos Mexican Restaurant, located in the University District, is a late night fast-food joint that offers a variety of burritos, tacos and other Mexican eats for a great price. (Gabrialla Cockerell)
Tacos for two
March 4, 2022
With a variety of creative tacos, including various vegan options, there is something for everyone at El Borracho. (Taylor VanLanduyt)
Plant-based flavor town
February 24, 2022
Tea Republik has a wide array of tea and pastry options for customers. (Taylor VanLanduyt)
More options than milk or sugar
February 18, 2022
Melanie Martinez performing on stage as her new character during the song 'Battle of the Larynx.'
Stepping through ‘Portals’ to new eras
June 19, 2023
Do the write thing
Do the write thing
June 2, 2023
Miguel Castellano on the floor, then L to R: Calder Shilling, Claire Marx, Kelly Karcher, and Tyler Matthew Campbell in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Robert Wade. Miguel Castellano on the floor, then L to R: Calder Shilling, Claire Marx, Kelly Karcher, and Tyler Matthew Campbell in Jeeves Takes a Bow at Taproot Theatre.
Standing ovation for ‘Jeeves Takes a Bow’
June 2, 2023
Wednesday preforms at Neumos for a 21+ only concert.
Let us in!
May 26, 2023
People gather at Gas Works Park to enjoy the sun on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Adventure on every avenue
May 10, 2023
‘Folie à Deux’ falls flat
October 18, 2024
'The Primevals,' released 30 years after filming. (courtesy of SIFF)
When a yeti, alien and a grad student walk into a battle arena…
May 24, 2024
The Höss family in their lovingly tended garden nextdoor to Auschwitz in The Zone of Interest.
Happening in your own backyard
February 9, 2024
‘The Holdovers’ is Hollywood holiday magic
January 26, 2024
A large interactive poster advertising the opening night of Mean Girls at Regal Cinemas Meridian on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Seattle.
Making ‘Mean Girls’ fetch again
January 19, 2024
Professor Snedker teaching a 9 am Prisons and Corrections class in Demeray Hall.
Vocational journeys
May 26, 2023
Ava Van Jenson's promotional image for "Love is Blind" Season Four courtesy of Ava Van Jenson and Netflix.
Former SPU student finds way to reality television on Netflix’s ‘Love is Blind’
May 5, 2023
Candace Vance and Nathan Hedman in Black Coffee.
Accepting God’s call to theatre
February 24, 2023
Jesse Jorgensen
Adjusting to unknown worlds through travel
February 3, 2023
SPU student Cara Hiroyasu displays her jewelry business "All Things Utensils." (Gabrialla Cockerell)
Silverware is a student’s best friend
April 15, 2022
Crypto Catastrophe
Crypto Catastrophe
February 13, 2025
Tyranny of popular opinion
January 24, 2025
Unpromised tomorrow
January 24, 2025
Unhelpful, yet immovable
January 24, 2025
Free to use image from pexels.com
Controversial marketing at 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
November 15, 2024
Falcons row fourth-place finish at NCAAs
Falcons row fourth-place finish at NCAAs
June 3, 2025
Fresh start ahead for women’s volleyball
Fresh start ahead for women’s volleyball
May 28, 2025
Another visit to NCAAs
Another visit to NCAAs
May 28, 2025
Falcon duo finishes in top 10 at NCAAs
Falcon duo finishes in top 10 at NCAAs
May 27, 2025
Maya Ewing (left) hugs Annika Esvelt (right) during SPU's Senior Day celebration after the GNAC meet (Courtesy of SPU Athletics).
Esvelt, Ewing will race for national success in Colorado
May 22, 2025
Par for course
Par for course
April 16, 2025
Running up ranks
Running up ranks
April 9, 2025
Brains, brawn, bright future
Brains, brawn, bright future
March 5, 2025
Seattle Pacific Univeristy middle blocker Hannah Hair reacts after getting a kill during a match on September 23, 2023, in Seattle.
Change of a journey
December 3, 2024
Tacoma Defiance goalkeeper Lars Helleren looks on during a training session with the Seattle Sounders on Jan. 19, 2024 at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. Helleren joined the Sounders organization after a five Seasons with the Falcons, Two with Ballard FC and a stint on Colorado Rapids II.
Pitch professional
May 14, 2024
Falcons row fourth-place finish at NCAAs
Falcons row fourth-place finish at NCAAs
June 3, 2025
Falcon duo finishes in top 10 at NCAAs
Falcon duo finishes in top 10 at NCAAs
May 27, 2025
Maya Ewing (left) hugs Annika Esvelt (right) during SPU's Senior Day celebration after the GNAC meet (Courtesy of SPU Athletics).
Esvelt, Ewing will race for national success in Colorado
May 22, 2025
Gold River once again
Gold River once again
May 21, 2025
Season Ends with Ws
Season Ends with Ws
May 14, 2025
(Last?) Lū-au
May 17, 2024
Courtesy of Seattle Pacific University Disabiliy Support Services
“You don’t notice it till you have to”
March 13, 2024
Seattle Pacific University forward Shaw Anderson (24) lays in the ball past a Northwest Nazarene player during the second half of a GNAC basketball game on Feb. 1, 2024, in Seattle.
Growing together, becoming more
February 29, 2024
Art and basketball
Art and basketball
February 6, 2024
Rae Perez speaks at a demonstration in front of Demaray Hall on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Seattle
Flags wave for Gaza at SPU
January 31, 2024
The Welcome Edition
The Welcome Edition
September 22, 2023
The Welcome Edition
The Welcome Edition
September 8, 2022
The Mind Edition
The Mind Edition
May 16, 2022
The Green Edition
The Green Edition
February 24, 2022
The Welcome Edition
The Welcome Edition
September 8, 2021
Naoshi Yonezawa is a third year majoring in Music Therapy
Creating a Home at SPU
March 1, 2024
Comfort and confidence after gender-affirming care
Comfort and confidence after gender-affirming care
November 15, 2023
Building connections through sports
Building connections through sports
November 14, 2023
Seattle's hidden gems
Seattle’s hidden gems
November 13, 2023
Rediscovering your roots after 18 years
Rediscovering your roots after 18 years
November 8, 2023
SPU's Season Recap with The Falcon
SPU’s Season Recap with The Falcon
September 14, 2023
Guantanamo Bay Exhibit - Opening Night
Guantanamo Bay Exhibit – Opening Night
November 21, 2022
Campus tradition returns: All Hall Ball is back
Campus tradition returns: All Hall Ball is back
May 24, 2022
Making the Mind Edition
Making the Mind Edition
May 8, 2022
A Day in the Life of a Student Athlete
A Day in the Life of a Student Athlete
April 25, 2022
Angela Ide has been the Opinions editor for The Falcon for the past year.
Farewell to The Falcon
March 11, 2021
Illustration by Mickey Flores-Nieves
Closeted life causing mental health concerns
February 25, 2021
Using the past, rewriting the future.
Excerpt of Spencer Vigil’s “Courage of Conviction”
February 20, 2021
Illustration by Gabrialla Cockerell
“Bimbo” is back
February 11, 2021
Illustration by Micky Flores-Nieves
Addressing the forgotten third-party
February 4, 2021
Seattle Pacific University's Student Newspaper

The Falcon
Seattle Pacific University's Student Newspaper

The Falcon
Rio Giancarlo

Rio Giancarlo, Editor-in-Chief

Rio is a senior visual communication major with a minor in journalism. After serving two years as the photo editor Rio was hired as editor-in-chief for his final year with The Falcon. An accomplished photojournalist Rio was accepted into the Eddie Adams XXXVII and does freelance photography for Getty Images, the AP, and other local outlets.  In his free time you can find him skiing, or wishing he was skiing. 

All content by Rio Giancarlo
Ashley Alter (left), Natalie Hoff (center), and Maya Hoff (right) talk during a huddle in the second half of the SPU Womens basketball game against Western Oregon on February 4, 2023.

[Photo] Women’s basketball Building blocks

Kyle Morrison, sports editor
February 7, 2023
January14_3921

Jon Owen (3) of Seattle pacifc crosses under the finish line light during a race at the Dempsy Indoor facility at the University of Washington on Jan. 14, 2023.

[Photo] Grit and relentlessness on the track

Callaghan Bluechel, staff writer
February 7, 2023
Seattle Pacific womens soccer assistant coach Derek Faulkner before the teams game against San Fransico State on Sept. 1, 2022.

[Photo] New beginnings at St. Martin’s for coach Faulkner

Dante Buell, staff writer
February 7, 2023
Dr. Kevin Nuehauser speaks at a demonstration

[Photo] Signs of welcome should not be considered divisive or polarizing

Kevin Neuhouser, Guest Writer
February 2, 2023
Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen (20) fist pumps in celebration after scoring in the third period against the Calgary Flames in an NHL game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Jan 27, 2023. The Flames defeated the Kraken 5-2.

[Photo] Kraken first in Pacific Division, drop Friday game vs Calgary

Callaghan Bluechel, staff writer
January 31, 2023
SPU student Adam Haagenson lines up his driver behind the ball before teeing off during a round at West Seattle Golf Course in Seattle, Wash. on Jan. 27, 2023.

[Photo] Waiting another year to putt

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
January 31, 2023
Dr. Deana Porterfield shakes hands with a faculty member after her introduction at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, Wash. on Jan. 26, 2023. Dr. Deana Porterfield was appointed to the position by unanimous vote and will begin work at Seattle Pacific on July 1st, 2023.

[Photo] Seattle Pacific University announces new president

Audrey Oscarson, News Editor
January 26, 2023
As part of the day of common learning there will be a poetry open mic with keynote speaker Lo Altman in upper gwinn.

[Photo] Art and Atonement: The 2023 Day of Common Learning

David Armour, Staff Writer
January 24, 2023
Junior Cox Lucy Sandahl steadies the boat before launch. The rowing team often launches at the canal before dark, prompting concerns about safety.

[Photo] Safety going forward

Uriah Aguon and Callaghan Bluechel
January 24, 2023
Seattle Pacific Athletic Director Jackson Stava hands Mens Basketball Head Coach Grant Leep the game ball from his 100th win at the helm of the Falcons.

[Photo] SPU men’s basketball team gains over 100 wins under head coach Grant Leep

Mahad Abdulqadir, staff writer
January 24, 2023
Seattle Pacific University professors enter Tiffany Loop during SPU's new student orientation on Sept. 9, 2022. Faculty members are being offered severance packages as the university faces cuts to try to stabilize financially.

[Photo] SPU faculty receive buyout options

Antonio Nevarez, Staff Writer
January 18, 2023
Fifth year guard Ashley Alter advances the ball during SPU's game against Pacific Lutheran at Royal Brougham Pavilion on Nov. 5, 2022.

[Photo] 31 on the 31st

Callaghan Bluechel, staff writer
January 17, 2023
Seattle Pacific forward Shaw Anderson (24) lays the ball past Western Oregon defenders during Great Northwest Athletic Conference game between the Seattle Pacific Falcons and the Western Oregon Wolves at Royal Brougham Pavilion in Seattle, Wash. on Jan. 12, 2022.. Seattle Pacific defeated Western Oregon 87-79.

[Photo] A millennium in points

Uriah Aguon and Dante Buell
January 17, 2023
The office of safety and security is located at 601 West Emerson St. across from Arnett Hall.

[Photo] Safety concerns arise after stabbing

David Armour, Staff Writer
January 11, 2023
xFormer SPU athletic director Jackson Stava (center) hands coach Grant Leep the game ball from his 100th win at the helm of the SPU mens basketball team as Zack Paulsen (right) looks on.

[Photo] What they left behind

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
January 10, 2023
Grad transfer Casson Rouse advances the ball against Douglass College on Nov. 22, 2022.

[Photo] Hit the court running

Callaghan Bluechel and Kyle Morrison
January 10, 2023
Fifth year guard Ashley Alter handles the ball during SPU's game against Pacific Lutheran at Royal Brougham Pavilion on Nov. 5, 2022.

[Photo] Contenders in the making

Mahad Abdulqadir and Kyle Morrison
January 10, 2023
Members of the SPU cross country team run on the Ship Canal trail near Wallace Field during a practice on Jan. 10, 2021.

[Photo] SPU student-athlete stabbed on Ship Canal Trail

Audrey Oscarson and Kyle Morrison
December 30, 2022
x

[Photo] Seasons come to a close

Maya Ewing and Callaghan Bluechel
November 15, 2022
Karson Kuhlman (25), Yanni Gourde (37), and Brandon Tanev (13) of the Seattle Kraken face off with Yakov Trenin (13), Mark Jankowski (17), and Tanner Jeannot (84) of Nashville to start the second period of the Kraken's game against the Nashville Predators at Climate Pledge Arena on Nov. 8, 2022. Seattle defeated Nashville 5-1.

[Photo] Second year success

Dante Buell, staff writer
November 15, 2022
Jackson Stava and Shelby Stuve converse after the volleyball senecio r day ceremony at Royal Braughamn Pavilion on Nov. 12, 2022.

[Photo] Seattle’s loss is California’s gain

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
November 15, 2022
x

[Photo] Midterm election results

Ella Beth Sessions and Audrey Oscarson
November 9, 2022
Chiara De Virgilio (11) carries the ball down the court during the third quarter of Seattle Pacific's exhibition game against Pacific Lutheran on Nov. 5, 2022.

[Photo] Back on the court

Callaghan Bluechel and Maya Ewing
November 8, 2022
Smoke fills Tiffany Loop on Wednesday Oct. 19, 2022. The AQI was nearly 200 at the time of the photo.

[Photo] Rain, rain, come to stay

Caleb Cissna, Staff Writer
November 2, 2022
x

[Photo] OL Reign closes a successful season

Maya Ewing, Staff Writer
November 1, 2022
x

[Photo] Bouncing back to the top

Stephanie Fombona-osorio, Staff Writer
November 1, 2022
5L0A1152

[Photo] Red wings can fly

Uriah Aguon, Staff Writer
November 1, 2022
x

[Photo] The making of Interbay

Callaghan Bluechel, Staff Writer
October 25, 2022
The SPU cheer team preforms a stunt during the 2021-2022 basketball season.

[Photo] Cheering along

Maya Ewing, Staff Writer
October 25, 2022
x

[Photo] A place students need

Uriah Aguon, staff writer
October 18, 2022
The Mens and Womens soccer final four and championship matches will be hosted at Interbay stadium.

[Photo] Championships on the line

Mahad Abdulqadir, staff writer
October 18, 2022
Trace Evans

[Photo] Trading places

Callaghan Bluechel, staff writer
October 18, 2022
Christian Bond smiles for the camera as he makes his way to Interbay Stadium for a women's soccer game in early September.

[Photo] Forging new bonds

Uriah Aguon, Staff Writer
October 11, 2022
The SPU women's varsity 8 launches from the UW boathouse before their race in the Windermere Cup last spring.

[Photo] Good Waters Ahead

Maya Ewing, Staff Writer
October 11, 2022
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