For the Seaquists, Xavier has always been more than a school. It is the place where they began their careers and met each other.
Jeff and Deborah Seaquist ‘85 are long-time teachers who have returned to Xavier after an extended time away.
After 19 years in Colorado, the Seaquists’ return to Xavier felt natural. Their relationships with the staff and students has made the transition smooth.
“Their return creates a wonderful bridge between Xavier’s past and its present, and I am incredibly happy to welcome them home,” said Xavier’s principal Carol Ann Michaelson ‘89.
Michaelson explained how the couple brings an extremely unique understanding of Xavier’s mission as well as wisdom and experience.
Their rich involvement with Xavier dates back to when they met.
The couple met during Deborah Seaquist’s first year at the school. Jeff Seaquist was the dean of students at the time. They started dating and married a year later. “Xavier is what brought us together,” said Jeff Seaquist.
Now, years later, Deborah Seaquist has joined the math department to teach geometry. As a teacher she holds high expectations for all of her students.
She also has the unique experience of being a Xavier alumna. Having experienced Xavier herself, she tries to relate to her students.
She understands that math is not always a subject that all students enjoy, so she uses things like team tests and fill-in-the-blank outline notes to help make learning more engaging.
Above all, she wants all of her students to do well in her class. “Math really builds on itself … I want to push you to do your best,” she added.
Beyond the classroom Deborah Seaquist has enjoyed getting to connect with the students on a personal level. “I love Xavier. I love being back. The students here are so great … it is so nice to have interaction with the students beyond just teaching math.”
Similar to his wife, Jeff Seaquist brings a strict teaching style and high expectations to the classroom. He has joined the science department to teach Biology.
Prior to Jeffrey Seaquist’s returning to Xavier, he was a part of the science department for 22 years and a coaching dynasty with his father, Gerry Seaquist. They won 20 state championships in swim & dive as well as a national championship.
Jeff Seaquist is now one of the assistant coaches for the current Xavier swim and dive team. He is looking forward to learning about the new girls and coaches on the team, all while still maintaining the expectations that he held prior to leaving, including winning a state championship.
His approach to coaching and teaching are similar. While some assignments and practices are challenging, he tries to always make everything extremely fair.
“If you work hard, listen to teachers or coaches, and do what they are telling you to do, success will follow,” he said. He prepares his students and athletes to be the best they can be but they have to put in the work.
The Seaquists return is much more than just a new chapter. It brings back years of history, experience and success to the Xavier community.
