Alumni Updates

Hannah Jeske ’16

Hannah Jeske photoWhere are you working now? Shannon & Wilson, Inc., a geotechnical engineering design firm. I am the Marketing Assistant.

What were you involved in while at PLU?  I was involved in MediaLab, theatre, swing club, and Intervarsity.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since graduation? The hardest challenges I have faced have been navigating through changing relationships, crises of loved ones, and keeping my head above the water of all that life has thrown at me.

How did PLU contribute to your success? PLU gave me the confidence to present myself as an accomplished person.

Kristin Monroe ’16

Kristin MonroeWhere are you working now? KIRO TV. I’m a Client Services Representative and I work in the Sales department. As a department, we sell advertising space to clients on KIRO 7 Television.  I do a bit of everything, but primarily I input all of the contracts and sales into the database, communicate with clients about their advertisement ratings and such, and recapping campaigns through pre- and post- logs for clients.

What were you involved in while at PLU? I  was involved in the American Marketing Association, Student Philanthropy Committee, and the T.O.H. Karl Forensics Forum, both as a debate member and the PR specialist.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since graduation? The biggest challenge for me has been not being surrounded by my friends at PLU. It’s been hard to adjust to making plans weeks in advance to see my friends instead of just walking down the hall or across the street.

How did PLU contribute to your success? At PLU I got the opportunity to work as an intern in the Office of Advancement 20 hours a week, as well as be involved with several other clubs. This forced me to learn really good time management skills that I use every single day while working in an office. The personal relationships that I had with my professors allowed me to grow as a student and individual and helped me to gain confidence about what I’m capable of. That confidence helped me out a lot during the interview process as well as in my work. PLU encourages students to take pride in their work and that has carried over from the classroom to the office for me.

Andre Tacuyan ’15 (Studio Arts Graphic Design )

13475200_10206776633239221_1939711121008192655_oWhere are you working now? I’m currently working on a new startup with a team including one of the founders of Android, Andy Rubin. It’s in stealth mode right now but I’ll be able to give more details soon.

What were you involved in while at PLU? 

  • Swim team (2011-2013)

  • Designer at IMPACT and the Career Connections office (2012-2015)

  • Tingelstad Hall Resident Hall Council (2012-2013)

  • ASPLU Senator (2012-2013 )

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since graduation? Early in your career you have to make so many big decisions. Should I do x or should I do y? Each decision you make can impact your life in so many ways. You are influenced by your friends, family, and other people in the industry you’re in. One of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face was navigating through these decisions and making sure that what I choose is what I want and not what other people think is best for me.

How did PLU contribute to your success? It gave me a chance to learn what it’s like to work with many different kinds of people from many backgrounds. I was able to grow many skills, not just in design, but in other areas as well.

Katherine Williams ’16 (Graphic Design)

Headshot+Katherine+Williams

Where are you working now? I am currently working as a Graphic Designer for Harbor Wholesale Food. In my free-time, I am developing my design business, Katherine Williams Designs through freelance work with local businesses.

What were you involved in while at PLU? I worked as a Graphic Designer for Impact, School of Arts and Communications, and manager/web developer at the Campus Concierge Desk. I was the secretary of t1 Design Club and member of Mortar Board. Outside of PLU, I also held two internships at Korsmo Construction and Highstreet Advertising and completed freelance design work for businesses in the area.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since graduation? The biggest challenge for me has been finding ways to stay connected to the art community through organizations, committees and activities- it was quite easy while I was at PLU, there was always an event, club or activity I could join during my free-time.

How did PLU contribute to your success? At PLU I got the opportunity to build my resume and experience through my internships and involvement. My experience at PLU led me to be confident and have the resume to apply for positions, and put myself out there as a successful designer.

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Sarah Hubert ’16 (Theatre)

1897867_10202807415001837_889056883_nWhere are you working now? Stroum Jewish Community Center-pre-k Enrichment teacher and lead at the Jewish Day School Aftercare program.

What were you involved in while at PLU? Theatre, Choir of the West, Clay Crows, Night of Musical Theatre, Alpha Psi Omega, Admission Ambassadors

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since graduation? Work-life balance; finding meaning in the repetition and moments to still incorporate my passions and interests. Also, continuing to see all the people I care about now that our lives are becoming more different.

How did PLU contribute to your success? PLU taught me how to be open to new experiences and willing to try things I know very little about. I also feel that I am able to make connections with people who are very different than I and to find common ground with almost everyone.

Compiled by Mandi LeCompte