Tech-savvy and forward thinking. Dramatic settings of natural beauty. Unparalleled aspirations for success. All of this and more make Seattle the place to blur the lines and plant the seeds for "Nourishing Partnerships for Lifelong Learning," the theme for the 2009 NASPA Annual Conference. Lifelong learning is the result of partnerships across lines and structures:

• Aspire
  Be challenged by colleagues, institutions, and leaders from a variety of disciplines to work towards a sustainable future grounded in lifelong learning.
   
• Find Balance
  Inspire your colleagues while learning from their experience, and discover opportunities for reflection, renewal, and personal and professional growth.
   
• Innovate
  Explore exemplary research and best practices that identify the current needs of students, and that ensure the development of creative and strong programs established with success in mind.
   
• Develop Partnerships
  Nurture inspiring relationships that illuminate the significance of our profession and the ability of higher education to further lifelong learning.
   
• Improve Sustainability
  Gain knowledge of innovative strategies and programs that further promote vitality, diversity, and technological advances within higher education today.

In the world class "Emerald City" - home to innovative corporations such as Microsoft, Costco, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Boeing, Nintendo, and Amazon.com - join student affairs leaders and educators for inspired perspectives that are both innovative and boundary-spanning.

As we work to set aspirations for a sustainable future grounded in learning, we will partner to connect our students, our colleagues, and our institutions as well as engage with leaders in education, business, technology, recreation, and healthcare. Together, we will strengthen our resolve to bring communities together for lifetime learning.

Robert Kelly
Vice President, Seattle University
2009 NASPA Program Committee Chair
rkelly@seattleu.edu
(206) 296-6040