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What's in a middle name? "Pacific says 'where' we are. University says 'what' we are. Lutheran says 'who' we are. The word 'Lutheran' gives us our heritage, our commitment to God, our sense of being, and service to others." - Frank Johnson '66 What's in a Middle Name? This patchwork essay weaves together many voices describing what PLU's middle name means to them. Lutheran foundation provides PLU's academic identity BY PHILIP A. NORDQUIST '56 PLU stands in an educational tradition profoundly influenced by Martin Luther and the Reformation. Some of Luther's most compelling theological and educational ideas are still foundational at PLU. We find community in our middle name BY LOREN J. ANDERSON The future of community is an important issue at PLU. We must continue to work toward maintaining a strong, positive and shared community, both internally and externally. In the News Gift provides expression of thanks and hope for future BY D.E. STRANDNESS '50 Alumni couple says 'thank you' to PLU for their life-changing education. Their gift will establish an endowed chair in the biology department. Dr. Strandness explains why he and his wife, Edith, decided to make this major commitment to their alma mater. State considering major teaching certification changes BY KATIE MONSEN '96 Major changes are in the works for state teacher certification. PLU School of Education Dean John Brickell explains the proposal. NASA executive launches new MBA program BY SUSAN MARTENSEN New MBA program, designed in-part by a NASA executive on loan to PLU, focuses on technology and innovation management. Arts and Events Calendar Jim Johnson '61 explores Siberia by bicycle BY KATIE MONSEN '96 Kisses, Krackels and Whatchamacallits BY KATIE MONSEN '96 Alumni Profiles NAIA Hall of Fame Fall Sports Summary on the cover Eastvold Chapel, with its stained glass rose window and towering spire, graces the middle of campus. The inherent messages present in those symbols stand at the middle of Pacific Lutheran University's mission. It is our heritage, our future - our middle name.

MANAGING EDITOR Paul Porter SENIOR EDITOR Janet Prichard EDITOR Linda Elliott ART DIRECTOR Dean Driskell PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Tumbusch CLASS NOTES EDITOR Amy Kramer SPORTS EDITOR Nick Dawson EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katie Monsen '96 INTERN Kai Nelson '96 DESIGN ASSISTANT Joel Markquart '94 ADVISORY BOARD Loren Anderson Jan Brazzell Dana Endicott '92 Lauralee Hagen '75 Richard Londgren '59 Laura Majovski Jeff Rounce '85 Cliff Rowe Dan Voelpel '83 Office of Alumni and Parent Relations 1-800-ALUM-PLU E-mail: alumni@plu.edu Letters to the Editor Your letters are welcome and should be addressed to Pacific Lutheran Scene Editor, PLU, Tacoma, Wash., 98447, faxed to 206-535-8331, or e-mailed to scene@plu.edu. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP Publication Name: Pacific Lutheran Scene Issue Date for Circulation Data: Winter 1997 Date: October 30, 1996

An extraordinary ring for an extraordinary tradition

Pacific Lutheran University is an institution steeped in tradition. A walk through the campus pays tribute to its impressive past, a visit to any classroom shows a commitment to a promising future. There is an intangible link between past, present and future. It is the very core of tradition. Pacific Lutheran's unique characteristics are passed on with each graduating class - like a ring that comes full circle. That symbol, the college ring, is also part of the Pacific Lutheran tradition. Each year, seniors display rings that show their pride in joining a very special group of Pacific Lutheran alumni. This exclusive ring captures the Pacific Lutheran experience like no ring before it. The symbol for the design of the Pacific Lutheran ring is the Rose Window. It is representative of the stained glass window found on the east wall of Eastvold Auditorium. The Rose Window captures the essence of what truly drives a Pacific Lutheran student in striving for excellence. You have reason to be proud of your achievements at Pacific Lutheran University. Your exquisitely crafted ring shows a recognition of the milestone at hand and an understanding of the rare value in our university's long-standing traditions. For information, call the PLU Bookstore: 206-535-7665.