Bastyr University is hosting a retirement celebration for President David Church at the Bastyr Chapel on June 29.

Dr. Church began his tenure at Bastyr University in 2005 and has left an indelible mark on the institution. During his time in Kenmore, Church has fostered a closer relationship to the community, increased student enrollment and hiring of core faculty, established a new campus in San Diego, added eight new accredited degree programs, and has led the construction of 11 LEED platinum-certified housing buildings on campus.

According to Bastyr University’s site, through Church’s tireless efforts, he has helped bring a new level of credibility, increased visibility and prestige to both our school and the profession as a whole.

“As the face of the University, President Church exudes a dignity and confidence that is both inspiring and inviting, a trailblazer whose love of what he does is evident in the way he conducts his business,” the site states.

Church has a bachelor’s of arts in Speech and English from San Francisco State University (1967), a master of arts in Communication and Speech Therapy from San Francisco State University (1968) and a PhD in Communication Theory from the University of Washington (1978), and has more than 40 years in higher education, heath care, communications and executive management.

Dr. Church will be retiring in June and the next president, President-select Dr. Charles “Mac” Powell, will take over the position in the beginning of July.

For more information, please visit http://www.bastyr.edu/celebration#A-Lasting-Legacy.