I recently had the privilege of hosting my college classmate, David Boxley ’74, for lunch in Gwinn Commons. By happy coincidence, President Deana Porterfield and her husband were also dining there at the time and I had the pleasure of introducing David to our new president.
Amid the bustling sounds of hungry 21st-century SPU students, David shared with the president how meaningful it was to return to campus after so many years. Reflecting on his upbringing in Metlakatla, a small village in southeast Alaska, he spoke about the limited options he had growing up, and how those opportunities expanded when he became a student at Seattle Pacific. He expressed deep gratitude for the time he spent here.
“My years at Seattle Pacific literally changed the direction of my life,” David explained. “My worldview was broadened, and the possibilities for what I could do after graduation became much clearer.”
After a lively conversation and great food (thanks to Sodexo), I took David on a tour of the Seattle Pacific campus.
First, we visited Hill Hall, where David had lived on the sixth floor during his four years as a student. Then, we toured newer buildings, such as the Eaton Science Building and Arnett Residence Hall, which had been added since our graduation 50 years ago. Our final stop was the Art Center, where David’s artistic talents were first recognized all those years ago.
Before David headed back to his home in Lynnwood, he presented Ames Library with an autographed copy of his captivating autobiography, Tsimshian Eagle: A Culture Bearer’s Journey (Chin Music Press, 2023). The beautifully illustrated volume chronicles David’s extraordinary life — from being raised by his grandparents to his time at SPU, and his unexpected journey into becoming a native carver.
“It was a blessing to meet David and receive a copy of his book for our campus library,” said President Porterfield. “I look forward to reading it. David’s artistry reflects both his legacy and remarkable artistic ability.”
In addition to celebrating his village’s cultural heritage through his carvings, David has played an essential role in preserving his tribe’s language and founded a dance troupe that tours across the nation. Of the 87 totem poles David has carved, one is in the Smithsonian, and three are on display at Disney World’s EPCOT theme park.
As we wrapped up the day, David shared his hope to someday carve a totem pole for the University that left such an indelible mark on his life. And he’s not alone in that vision.
The Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos is a 1974 Seattle Pacific alumnus and author. Now the SPU volunteer alumni ambassador, he served in pastoral ministry for 45 years in California, Illinois, and Washington.
