Joseph C. Hope, Dean Of Spu's School Of Business, Economics

Joseph C. Hope was a builder.

He took the Seattle Pacific University business school from a small adjunct to the university to one of the school's major departments over a 10-year period, tripling its size, overseeing construction of a new building and instituting a master of business administration program.

Mr. Hope, 67, died Thursday of cancer. He was dean of SPU's School of Business and Economics from 1979-1990.

He leaves behind a legacy of excellence.

"One cannot overemphasize the significance of Joe Hope's role in developing our school of business," said Curtis A. Martin, provost and chief executive officer of Seattle Pacific. "Through his contacts in business and his commitment to students, Joe brought both professional expertise and an indomitable spirit to his office. He was a people person. And that's what endeared him to us all."

Under Mr. Hope's expert hand, SPU's business school flourished. He tripled the number of faculty and students and oversaw the completion of a new building in 1981.

He also developed one of the Northwest's premier MBA programs, drawing on the personal and professional insights of nearly 500 local chief executive officers. Now in its ninth year, the program is nearing Hope's goal of securing national accreditation.

"Joe's life demonstrated his commitment to the development of a quality Christian-based business education at Seattle Pacific," said Ken Knight, current dean of SPU's School of Business and Economics. "Through his tireless involvement in the Seattle business community, Joe was able to involve business leaders in SPU's business programs."

Mr. Hope's desire to integrate practical, working knowledge with academic expertise led to the creation of an Executive Advisory Council (EAC) for the School of Business, composed of 35 of the region's business leaders.

"There's an unquestionable sadness surrounding his death," said EAC member Fred Weiss, president of The Weiss Company. "But there's a joy, too, that we've been exposed to a character like him. He's brought so much to the life of the downtown community. He had extraordinary wisdom and love that permeated everything he did. When you met him you thought, `Here's a guy I want to help."'

"Joe unselfishly shared wisdom, philosophy, vision and enthusiasm with students, faculty and entrepreneurs for whom he had special regard," said Phil Smart Sr., chairman of the board of Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz and EAC member.

On May 18, 1990, Mr. Hope was named dean emeritus. A resolution drafted by the Executive Advisory Council recognized his numerous contributions to SPU and the business community.

The EAC also established an endowed professorship - the Joseph C. Hope Professorship, which currently exceeds $500,000.

"Joe dedicated his life to others," said Shirley Lansing, member of SPU's Board of Trustees, EAC and owner of General Employment Services Inc. "He did everything from a sound foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. He uplifted us and gave us courage. He had tenacity to push for that job opportunity for a student, to raise funds for the university or to lure a speaker into his classroom. Nothing stopped him.

"His death is a real loss to all of us, but his life will go on through the lives of those he touched."

Mr. Hope's career was varied. He worked in the aerospace industry at Hughes and Northrop and at both Azusa Pacific College and SPU.

He served on the boards of Junior Achievement of Puget Sound, Rotary Club of Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Puget Sound Education and Athletic Association, One Company, General Employment Services Inc. and the King County Commission on Marketing Recyclable Materials.

Mr. Hope earned his bachelor's degree in international business in 1969 from California State University, Northridge, and his master's degree in public administration in 1971 from the University of Southern California. In 1982, he received his doctorate at Claremont Graduate School.

Mr. Hope was born in Lockport, New York.

He is survived by his wife, Janell, of Edmonds; by five children: Kristina Hope of Studio City, Calif., Deborah Johnson of Mukilteo, David Hope of Edmonds, Julie Hope of Edmonds and Kathleen Hope of Everett; four grandchildren; a brother, James E. Hope of Bath, N.Y.; and cousins Mary Ann Schelby of Portland and Barbara Ramsey of Florida.

Interment will be Saturday at Evergreen-Washelli. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Aurora Church of the Nazarene, 1900 N. 175th St.

Remembrances are suggested to the Seattle Pacific University Joseph C. Hope Endowed Professorship, School of Business, Seattle, WA 98119, or the Northwest Cancer Center, 1560 N. 115th, Suite G-16, Seattle, WA 98133.