Scandinavian immigrants and their descendants have had a distinct
influence on Pacific Lutheran University. Since its founding in 1890 by
Norwegian minister Bjug Harstad, PLU has nurtured its Nordic roots.
Today, evidence of these strong Scandinavian ties is seen in the
Scandinavian Cultural Center, the Scandinavian Cultural Center Council, the
Scandinavian Area Studies Program, and the Scandinavian Immigrant
Experience Collection (located in the University Library). Strolling across campus, one
encounters numerous buildings bearing Scandinavian names and works of
art reflecting the University's rich Nordic heritage. In addition, PLU
has cultivated exchange programs with faculty and students from
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Pacific Lutheran University maintains contacts with Scandinavian
countries and with Scandinavian communities in the Pacific Northwest.
This program provides language, history, and literature courses, and
offers a major or minor in Norwegian and Scandinavian Studies. http://www.plu.edu/~scan/
Located on the third floor of the Robert A.L. Mortvedt Library, the
collection contains materials relating to Scandinavian immigrants who
settled in the United States (particularly the Pacific Northwest) and
Canada. By studying these historical records, personal memoirs, and the
books read and preserved by the immigrants, students and researchers
may gain a deeper insight to the diverse experiences of the
Scandinavian immigrants. The special collection is open to scholars and
community people interested in researching Nordic history and heritage.
http://www.plu.edu/~archives/sie/sie_index.html