They don’t do it for the awards, the accolades, or the attention, which makes it even more special for the department to honor this year’s Mark Escandon Service Award winners.
JoAnn Hulbert-Eagan is a vital behind-the-scenes part of the academic success of several Redhawk student-athletes, including men’s basketball and their first APR Public Recognition Award this past year.
Hulbert-Eagan is passionate about providing opportunities for students, especially student-athletes, to achieve their dreams, reflected in one of her favorite quotes by Horace Mann, which says “Education is the great equalizer.”
She adds, “Hopefully one day our educational institutions will overcome the inequalities that exist at every level and provide the same opportunities for everyone.”
A double graduate of the University of Utah, she has been living the dream for the past six years at Seattle University.
“I’m lucky that my job includes two of my favorite things – students and education. Working with college students brings a smile to my face every day. For them, it’s a time of discovery – trying to figure out who they are, what they want to be, and how to be an adult in the world. I truly enjoy watching the journey from the sidelines and am honored that I can work with them.”
While she loves and appreciates every student-athlete she has the pleasure of working with, some make an increased impact on her. One of those was recent graduate and 2016 SU Female Student-Athlete of the Year, Martina Samadan.
A native of Split, Croatia, Samadan saw in JoAnn a second mom, a comfort in a strange city so far away from home.
“She is a great person, friend, and inspiration,” Samadan says. "I always felt comfortable talking to her about everything and I would go into her office at least once a week to just talk about nothing.”
“Martina and I hit it off from the beginning,” Hulbert-Eagan reminisces with a smile. “We giggled a lot and tried to figure out the world, as well as talking academics.”
Fall 2015 brought a promise fulfilled, despite personal hardship for Hulbert-Eagan.
“In her junior year, she asked me to escort her on senior night and I told her I wouldn’t miss it!” Hulbert-Eagan looks back. “I had a personal situation occur late fall and wasn’t sure I could make the ceremony. But I thought of my daughter a thousand miles away and knew I couldn’t miss it.”
“Everything worked out and I was able to escort her to center court for her last collegiate volleyball game where she was honored as a great athlete, student, and leader.”
The personal sacrifice was not lost on Samadan.
“I told her that I completely understood if she couldn’t do it, it was totally fine, but she said she would be there for me no matter what. It just shows what kind of person she is, but I don’t know how she did it.”
Bill Eisiminger, the external award recipient, has also made a significant impact on not only the athletics department but Seattle University as a whole, reflected in the fitness center constructed in 2011, which bears his name.
“Bill has been vital to the growth and success of Seattle University athletics,” says Interim Director of Athletics Shawn Farrell. “He is a role model for our student-athletes and is cherished by everyone in the department.”
A two-time alum who grew up just steps from the Seattle U campus, Eisiminger was a self-made businessman whose life completely shifted course in 2007 when he sustained a series of seven strokes.
From then on, he realized his life wasn’t over but that a new life and opportunity began.
“Bill has made a major difference in the growth and remarkable success of our athletic program in only four short years of full NCAA Division I status,” says Bill Hogan, Seattle U Assistant VP for Athletics Advancement. “He has always been supportive, particularly of our men’s basketball team. He is a source of inspiration for all our student-athletes and is truly deserving of the award bestowed upon him.”
Now, Eisiminger lives to serve and give back and has been especially generous to the community that gave so much to him.
“I really enjoy staying engaged with SU,” Eisiminger said in an interview supporting Seattle U planned giving initiatives. “It’s great to see these bright, hardworking students and watch them perform – at a concert or on the basketball court. I’m proud to be supporting SU through gifts I can make today and as a member of the Legacy Society.”
In big and small ways, Eisiminger and Hulbert-Eagan are key to the present and continued success of the Seattle U athletics department and are worthy of this appreciation.
STORY 1 - June 10, 2016 - Mandie Maddux
STORY 2 - June 17, 2016 - Jennifer Cruz
STORY 3 - June 24, 2016 - Martina Samadan
STORY 4 - July 1, 2016 - Volleyball
STORY 5 - July 8, 2016 - Shaddye Melu
STORY 6 - July 15, 2016 - Men's Soccer