Archives West Finding Aid

A.A. Lemieux, SJ was the 15th president of Seattle University from 1948 until 1965, and is remembered as one of the most successful presidents in Seattle University history. Under his exceptional leadership, the university was transformed from a small Jesuit college into a major urban university, enrollment climbed steadily, twenty new and renovated buildings shaped the campus and the curriculum was enriched with new academic programs. Eight days after Lemieux's inauguration as President on May 28, 1948, Seattle College was granted its university charter and officially became Seattle University. During his twenty year tenure as President, Lemieux was recognized as a vibrant ambassador, civic leader and extraordinary fundraiser who reached out to the Seattle business community and established the university's first Board of Regents. An avid sports fan, Father Lemieux enjoyed the Chieftains basketball team's rise to national prominence in the NCAA. From 1948 to 1965, Father Lemieux saw Seattle University grow into the largest private university in Washington State. In 1975 Father Lemieux returned to Seattle University as Chancellor under William J. Sullivan, SJ.