SU takes Capitol Hill to Division 1

In my part of Capitol Hill, Seattle University is known for one thing: babysitters. Parents think of the school as a neverending source of sober and responsible young women. Yay for the jesuits.

But SU is starting to beat its chest about a new reputation. Two announcements today:

• Seattle University is returning to Division 1 status in college basketball. Unfortunately, games will be at Seattle Center, not Miller Community Center. Here's more from the AP.
• The SU also has a study out touting its importance to the community and region:

The 117-year-old institution today has its highest enrollment ever, with 7,560 students, and a budget of $173 million.

Based on Seattle U's 2007-2008 budget of $158 million, the report found:
--University and student spending has an impact of roughly $580 million on the regional economy as it is spent and respent.
--Capital investments alone add up to roughly $170 million over the past dozen years, with another $100 million in coming years.
--Three out of every four students serve the community through volunteer activities, internships and professional development.
--Student volunteer efforts are the equivalent of more than 80 people working fulltime, with an estimated value of nearly $7 million a year in services.

Not one mention of babysitting in the entire report. Volunteer efforts? Those responsible young women do not work for free.