Constituent Relations

Through years of dedication and service, this alumnus has achieved professional or vocational distinction.

For his achievements within the professional organ community and his support of music at Pacific Lutheran University, David Dahl ’60 receives the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

An accomplished performer and leader among his peers David has played recitals across the United States, Europe and Japan.  During his 30 years of service as faculty member and University Organist, he encouraged each student to develop his or her full potential. David’s students have earned reputations not only as performers, but also as church musicians who understand the value that fine music has for congregational worship.

David earned his Bachelor’s degree in music from PLU in 1960 and Master’s degree from the University of Washington in 1962, followed by advanced training in Europe. A student of David’s identified him as a mentor who possesses the “wisdom of a scholar and the humanity that puts it to service for others.”  This is evidenced by his career as teacher, as church musician for Christ Episcopal Church, Tacoma, and his role in PLU’s acquisition of the acclaimed Gottfried & Mary Fuchs Organ in Lagerquist Hall.

Jeanette Zaichkin
Outstanding Alumnus Award

Awarded to an alumnus, beyond 15 years of graduation, who has excelled in a special area of life.

For her contributions to the field of Neonatal Nursing, Jeanette Zaichkin ’78 receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award.

During her 30 year career in neonatal nursing, Jeanette has been a bedside nurse, an educator and an author.  Jeanette received her nursing degree from PLU in 1978 and her Master’s degree from the University of Washington in 1986.  She has served as a clinical nurse specialist in a variety of settings and serves as an editor and consultant for the American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Program.

In 1996, Jeanette wrote Newborn Intensive Care: What Every Parent Needs to Know , a reference book for parents coping with the NICU experience. This first edition received a Small Press Book Award in 1997. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently acquired the book, and this 3rd edition will be the first AAP publication with a nurse as the editor-in chief.  

Jeanette was named a Distinguished Alumnus by the PLU School of Nursing in 1999. She currently works at Seattle Children’s Hospital as the Neonatal Outreach Coordinator.

Brian Norman
Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award

Award to an alumnus, within 15 years of graduation, who has excelled in a special area of life.

For his outstanding scholarship and dedication to furthering social justice, Brian Norman ‘99 receives the Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award.

Brian, a PLU Regents Scholar, graduated summa cum laude with degrees in environmental studies, French, and women’s studies.  His interest in language as a means of advancing social justice led him to focus his career on black, feminist, and protest literature. 

Since earning his doctorate in English in 2004 at Rutgers University, Brian has taught at both Idaho State University and Loyola College in Maryland, where he also helped develop and strengthen Women’s Studies and African American Studies programs. His courses challenge students to recognize the complexity of past and present social injustices, and literature’s unique role in addressing them. 
   
A model scholar-citizen, Brian balances his civic activism around LGBT and other rights with his publishing efforts. His first book, The American Protest Essay and National Belonging, has been called the “first book of its kind, heralding a new era in the field of protest studies.”

Naomi and Don Nothstein
Special Recognition Award

Awarded to an alumnus for years of distinguished service to the university.

For their lifelong dedication to Pacific Lutheran University, Naomi ’53 and Don ‘50 Nothstein receive the Special Recognition Award.

For over 50 years, the Nothsteins have been dedicated and supportive Lutes!  Their philanthropic hand at PLU is evidenced in the Kelmer Roe Fellowship.  This research grant in the Humanities is competitive and popular among students and faculty. 

As advocates for PLU in their church and the community, the Nothsteins have always shown a special interest in “future lutes,” not only identifying qualified applicants but taking the initiative to connect them with Admissions directly. 

Naomi worked tirelessly on her 50th class reunion which, in large part to her efforts, was a huge success!  Don, one of the first PLU graduates to attend medical school, served as a pathologist in the Seattle area from 1961-1986.

Don and Naomi’s sons, Greg and Phil, both graduated from PLU and their grandson, Kyle, will begin at PLU in the fall.  Whether at Homecoming, Choir of the West concerts or student capstones, the Nothsteins’ show a continued investment in the life of PLU.

Jim Van Beek
Heritage Award

Awarded to an alumnus or friend of the university who has served the university in a unique or special way.

For his extraordinary service to PLU that spans over 50 years, Jim Van Beek ’59 receives the Heritage Award. 

From the time of his initial enrollment at PLU, Jim’s name has become synonymous with PLU.  As a student athlete, Jim and his teammates took Lute Basketball to four appearances in the NAIA National Tournament finishing second in the nation in 1959.  Both the 1955-1959 team and Jim, as an individual, have been inducted into the PLU Athletic Hall of Fame.

As Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Jim’s passion, commitment and professionalism had a positive influence on his colleagues many of whom have chosen careers in higher education.  Van Beek brought his passion for PLU to Development in 1991 and since then has had primary responsibility for raising funds for over 70 named endowed funds for student scholarships, athletics and other support. He was instrumental in obtaining funding for the Names Fitness Center, the hardwood floor in Olson Auditorium, renovations to Olson and major gifts to many other needs of the university.

Thelma Gilmur
Alumni Service Award

Awarded to an alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer leadership and/or service to the community.

For her long and distinguished record as an educator and environmental activist throughout Pierce County, Thelma Gilmur ’42 ’46 receives the Alumni Service Award.

Thelma developed her love of nature at a young age but first began to make it her career when she was a teacher in the Tacoma area.  Whether in lessons to her children, students or Girl Scouts, Thelma ties environmental education to everything she does.

Gilmur has played most every role within the Tahoma Audubon chapter since being a charter member in 1969.  For her volunteer work since 2001, the Tahoma Audubon Society awarded her Lifetime of Service and Leadership in February. 

In 2008, the Pierce County Conservation Award, the Helen Engle Lifetime Achievement Award, was given to Thelma from the Cascade Land Conservancy for her role as an environmental advocate in the community.  Snake Lake, China Lake, Swan Creek and the Gilmur Forest preserve donated by Thelma and her husband in 1998 are a few pieces of nature Thelma is best known for conserving.
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Andy Guinn
The Brian C. Olson Award

Presented to a student who has demonstrated commitment to the university and the alumni association. By recognizing the importance of connecting students and alumni, this student has shown a potential for lifelong service to the university.

For his leadership, both abroad and on campus, and his intended lifelong dedication to the University, Andy Guinn ‘09 receives the Brian C. Olson Leadership Award. 

Andy will graduate a member of the prestigious Pinnacle Society and summa cum laude in 2009 with Math and Physics degrees.  Andy is a model for the liberal arts education, incorporating ideas from multiple disciplines into a four year search for vocation.

Andy took a focus on a global education to a new level by studying-away five times during his college career.  As the captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team as well as his involvement in a number of other student organizations, Andy accepts all opportunities to challenge himself academically and in the extracurricular.   

Andy is from Arvada, CO and will begin his master’s degree in Applied Mathematics at University of Colorado, Boulder beginning in the Fall.

Maren Anderson
The Brian C. Olson Award

Presented to a student who has demonstrated commitment to the university and the alumni association. By recognizing the importance of connecting students and alumni, this student has shown a potential for lifelong service to the university.

For being the embodiment of the university’s mission statement and her intended lifelong dedication to the University, Maren Anderson ‘09 receives the Brian C. Olson Leadership Award.  

Maren will graduate a member of the prestigious Pinnacle Society and summa cum laude in 2009 with a degree in Norweigan.  In addition to excelling academically, Maren takes advantage of most all the opportunities the university provides to supplement the academic experience.

Her leadership roles as the Student Orientation Coordinator, Student Alumni Association Executive Director, Co-Editor of the Mast and Constituent Relations Intern show Maren as an individual who is passion about connecting Lutes of all ages and walks of life.  

To these leadership roles, Maren brings her ability to communicate and relate to each person, her vast knowledge of the university, and her gift of seeing positive and potential in every situation.   

Maren is from Tacoma, WA and will begin her Doctorate in Scandinavian Studies at the University of Washington in the fall.