Constituent Relations

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

For his contributions to the business world and his achievements as a lawyer, Bruce Bjerke '72 receives the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

During his career as an attorney, Bruce has been repeatedly named a Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics Magazine and one of Seattle's "Top Lawyers" by Seattle Magazine.  As one of the leading corporate attorneys in Seattle, Bruce specializes in corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, representing both buyers and sellers of hundreds of privately held companies. 

Bruce graduated from PLU magna cum laude in 1972 with a major in History.  As PLU's only Rhodes Scholar, Bruce was one of 32 students across the United States chosen to receive this academic honor and the opportunity to earn his Master of Arts in Jurisprudence from Oxford University, England.  He graduated, with honors, in 1974 and then received a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington, Order of the Coif, in 1976.

Bruce currently serves as President of the board of the Pike Place Market Foundation, Chairmen of the Board of Childhaven and a member of the Board of Regents of Pacific Lutheran University.  He was previously the President of the board of directors of the Pike Place Medical Center.  For involvement in his community, Bruce received the Award of Excellence by Butch Blum in 2005.

Bruce is an avid reader who loves to sail and is proud of his Norwegian heritage.  Bruce and his wife, Jill (Farver '71), currently live in Seattle.

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

For her contributions to Higher Education Administration and her achievements in the area of fundraising, Connie Kravas '67 receives the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

As Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Washington, Connie has spearheaded one of the most successful short term fundraising programs in the nation in helping the university to reach their $2 billion fundraising goal more than a year ahead of schedule. 

Connie graduate from Pacific Lutheran University in 1967 with a degree in English Literature.  She received her Mater's Degree in Sociology at Indiana State University in 1969 and her Ph.D. in Administration and Supervision from Washington State University in 1975.  Prior to working at the University of Washington, Connie was selected as Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at the University of California at Riverside.  She has also worked as both Associate and Executive Director of University Development at WSU, both President and Vice President of the WSU Foundation and was Associate Vice President and Vice President for University Advancement at WSU.

Among her many recognitions, Connie was named Major Gift Laureate in 1998 by the Institute for Charitable Giving, in recognition of lifetime achievement in major gift fundraising and contributions to the profession.  She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Banner Corporation, was named one of WSU's Women of the Year in 1996 and received the centennial Alumni Achievement award from PLU, awarded to 100 alumni on the occasion of the university's 100th anniversary. 

Connie lives in Seattle with her husband, Gus '65.

Mark Anderson and Peter Anderson
Outstanding Alumnus Award

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

For their world recognized accomplishments in Architectural Design Mark Anderson'83 and Peter Anderson '82 both receive the Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Mark and Peter began as carpenters, then worked as design-build contractors, and now still work as a team as the principals in their firm, started in 1984, Anderson Anderson Architecture with offices in Seattle and San Francisco.  In addition, these brothers have taught architecture at the University level, lectured throughout the United States and Asia, and led study abroad programs in six Asian countries.  Along with writing two books of their own, the Andersons' work has appeared in books, professional journals across the world, many newspapers, and in television programming on PBS, CNN, ABC, the Travel Channel and NHK TV, Tokyo. 

 As some of the brightest and most imaginative architects in the country, it is no surprise their work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions, with some prints in the permanent collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.  Mark and Peter's honors include Sunset Magazine's Western Home Award, an American Wood Council Award, one of the highly competitive Progressive Architecture Honor Awards, and several awards from the American Institute of Architects.  They are also one of the three finalists of 170 entrants for an upcoming Habitat for Humanity project. 

Equally impressive is the teamwork exhibited by these two men, shadowing each other through their entire career.  Mark, majoring in History and Asian Studies, and Peter, majoring in French and in Foreign Area (China) Studies, both graduated from PLU in 1983 and 1982, respectively.  Both received Masters in Architecture from Harvard University in 1986 and 1988, Peter simultaneously did graduate work in the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT. 

Mark and Peter reside in Seattle and are the sons of Charles Anderson, PLU Chemistry Faculty Emeritus, and Margaret Anderson. 

Crystal Aikin
Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award

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

For her outstanding talent and achievement as a gospel singer, Crystal Aikin '97 receives the Outstanding Recent Alumnus Award.

Crystal recently won Sunday's Best, a gospel singing competition on BET (Black Entertainment Television).  Along with winning the competition, Crystal's talent drew in more viewers than the show had ever seen before.  Crystal won a recording contract with Zomba Gospel, a new car and $300,000 to better her community.

Crystal graduated from PLU in 1997 with a degree in Biology and from there received became a Registered Nurse.  She currently works as an Emergency Room nurse at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Tacoma.  After losing her father 5 years ago, Crystal started to share her voice and sing competitively.  The idea of competing in Sunday's Best came from someone she barely knew, a women who had been touched by Crystal's voice.

Crystal, without fail, gives all glory to God and plans to continue her career in that fashion.  Christ Life Center Church in Tacoma, the YMCA, and Tides: Loads of Hope are among the programs Crystal will help with her winnings.

Crystal is the daughter of Shirley Aikin '71, is a PLU nursing faculty emeritus.  Crystal will record her first album this year for a hopeful release mid-year.

Jim Kittilsby
Heritage Award

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

For his profound impact on Athletics at PLU and his contributions to the Baseball team in specific, Jim Kittilsby '60 receives the Heritage Award. 

In 1970, Jim left behind 11 years in Professional Baseball Administration to be PLU's Sports Information Director, Assistant Athletic Director and head Baseball Coach.  Over the next 16 years, Athletics at PLU were transformed-transitioning the University's Mascot from Knights to Lutes, managing Lute Club, and expanding media coverage for PLU athletics are among the many changes in which Kittilsby played a vital role.  His creative efforts gave life to PLU sports fans with fun events like "Old Time Prices Night" and "PLU Traumatic Occurrences Awards."  Jim also served PLU as the Director of Special Funding for the Office of Development.

Jim Kittilsby graduated from Pacific Lutheran College in 1960 with a Business degree.  Over the next 11 years, Jim worked in Professional Baseball Administration for teams such as the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Angels, Seattle Pilots, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
  
Kittilsby has won three "best in nation" awards for his recruiting books and media guides and was named Puget Sound's Athletic Administrator of the year in 1978 by the Tacoma News Tribune.  For his contributions to Pacific Lutheran University, Jim was named the Distinguished Alumnus in Sports in 1980 and elected to the PLU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

Jim lives in Kalispell, Montana.

MaryAnn Anderson
Special Recognition Award

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

For her 15 years as an ambassador for Pacific Lutheran University, MaryAnn Waalen Anderson receives the Special Recognition Award.

MaryAnn Anderson came to PLU in 1992 as wife to newly elected President of Pacific Lutheran University, Loren Anderson.  From that time on, MaryAnn has been "a great ambassador for PLU who can articulate the mission just as well as Loren," said Bob Gomulkiewicz '83, chair of the PLU Board of Regents. 

MaryAnn has truly made her mark on many things at PLU, namely her work with the peopleand programs of this community.  If anyone can see the potential and possibilities in PLU, it is MaryAnn Anderson. Under the leadership of MaryAnn.  Under her leadership, the doors of the Gonyea House are open, hosting thousands of guests each year. MaryAnn places high importance on building relations with PLU's constituents, understanding the impact it can have on the PLU community.

MaryAnn's advice and expertise is in demand across the campus as she partners with the Office of Development and University Relations, the Office of Admission, Alumni and Parent Relations, and the Wang Center for International Programs. MaryAnn supports faculty, staff and especially students by attending many campus events, including athletics, music, lectures and lectures.

Her involvement in the local community currently includes the Board of Trustees at the Annie Wright School and the Board of Directors at the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. She has also served on the KPLU Advisory committee, and the Board of Directors at the Children's Museum of Tacoma.  She is a member of PLU's University Congregation.

Dr. John and Jan Winskill
Alumni Service Award

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

For their dedication to enriching the lives of medically fragile children and their families in the Tacoma area, Dr. John and Jan Winskill, '76 receive the Alumni Service Award

Since 1991, the Winskills have raised over $216,000 and served over 1,500 children through their program, Toys for Kids.  The Winskills started the program with the help of the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center, giving Christmas to families undergoing intensive care medical treatment with this program.  They raise funds all year and, with the help of Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, locates worthy recipients.  In one Toy R Us shopping spree each year, the Winskills and volunteers pick out gifts off each child's individual wish list.  The money left is donated to the Mary Bridge Helping Hands Fund, providing food, gas and prescription vouchers for families with hospitalized children. 

In 1989, John and Jan, gave birth to their first son, Christopher.  Christopher stopped breathing on his own at three months of age and spent most of his first year at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.  It was during this time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit that Dr. Winskill realized the financial and emotional impact that extended hospitalization has on families.  Out of this awareness and concern, Toy for Kids was born.   

John and Jan graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1976.  John with majors in Religion and Social Work and Jan with a Bachelors of Fine Arts.  John continued on to receive his Doctoral of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington. 

John and Jan (North '76) Winskill and their son, Christopher, live in Tacoma.

Courtney Stringer
The Brian 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 her leadership on the campus of PLU and her intended lifelong dedication to the University, Courtney Stringer '08 receives the Brian C. Olson Leadership Award. 

As Executive Director of Student Alumni Association, Courtney promotes that each student's relationship with PLU can and should be a lifelong commitment.  Courtney leads this organization in connecting past, present and future Lutes in order to strengthen the PLU community.  As a TelALute student caller for the past 4 years, Courtney's ability to engage anyone in conversation has helped build relationships and raise funds for Q Club.

Courtney will graduate in 2008 with a Chinese Studies major and a Business minor.  Although her leadership involvements are countless, Courtney found time to spend a semester in China.

As the President of University Congregation, Courtney leads a council of her peers to help plan church services for the campus.  As Captain of the Women's Lacrosse team, she motivates her team members. And as Resident Assistant for the Chinese Wing of Hong International Hall, Courtney places high importance on global education and diversity at PLU.  Courtney's impact on the PLU campus is made evident in these positions of leadership. 

Courtney is from Bellevue, WA.