Tribute to President Heynderickx

After serving 14 years, Roy F. Heynderickx, Ph.D., is retiring from his role as president of Saint Martin’s University. Under his leadership, the institution has expanded its academic offerings, including new undergraduate majors across four colleges, new graduate programs and its first doctoral program; increased enrollment at the undergraduate and graduate levels; and broadened community partnerships and expanded fundraising efforts, including the addition of several new academic buildings, tripling the endowment and securing competitive federal grants. Each of these efforts led to greater support and opportunities for its students.

"I thank all of you who have supported me these many years, and I know the many accomplishments over my tenure are truly ours as many have worked hard to make things possible," said Heynderickx.

During his presidency, Saint Martin's also gained recognition for its efforts to support its increasingly diverse student body and surrounding community, including being named a top 40 "Most Transformative College" by Money magazine, the first Purple Heart University in Washington state, and the #2 most diverse private college in Washington state by Niche.com.

To honor Heynderickx's tenure, the University Board of Trustees awarded him the status of president emeritus and named part of the Lacey MakerSpace after him: The Heynderickx Hub for Innovation at the Lacey MakerSpace. Wife Kathleen was selected as a recipient of the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at the 2022 Saint Martin’s commencement ceremony for her dedication to supporting the students. These honors were announced in conjunction with the public launch of a $100 million comprehensive campaign, of which $82 million has been raised as of May 2022.

During the Saint Martin’s Gala in November 2021 and on 3.21GIVE, donors raised $360,000 in honor of the Heynderickxs. They chose to direct these gifts toward supporting the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives through the newly established DEI Fund. Gifts made toward the DEI Fund will support affinity group gatherings, cultural events, AHANA Connections, and future scholarships for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students. If you would like to make a gift in honor of the Heynderickxes and add to their legacy through a gift to the DEI Fund, please visit www.stmartin.edu/giving.

President Heynderickx became the tenth president of Saint Martin’s University on January 1, 2009. He has worked in Catholic higher education for 43 years.