Uncomfortable truths: Taking an Introduction to Holocaust & Genocide Studies class
“There is nothing comfortable about studying genocide,” Beth Griech-Polelle, a Pacific Lutheran University history professor and the Kurt Mayer Chair in Holocaust Studies, says. “It’s filthy, violent, degrading, and the worst of humanity.” Yet Griech-Polelle says the study and discussion of these atrocities are crucial…
Tips for Transfer Students
Jane Davie ’23 shares her tips for successfully transferring to PLU. Learn more about the transfer process at plu.edu/transfer .
International Honors Program builds a ‘Starship’
On day one of PLU Professor of Mathematics Daniel Heath’s Designing a Starship class, students have no idea what they have signed up for — and that’s exactly how Heath wants it. The course is part of PLU’s International Honors Program (IHON), which means it…
PLU alum returns to Namibia to research infections and teach marimba
Biology major Elizabeth Larios ’21 was awarded a Fullbright scholarship for her work in Namibia. When she was in fourth grade, Larios wanted to be a neurosurgeon. That’s when her class took a field trip to a science museum and Larios saw an exhibit about…
PLU interns combat climate change one tree at a time
A group of PLU students interning with the Tacoma Tree Foundation spent the summer increasing the number of trees in the city to reduce polluted stormwater runoff and heat during the summer months and improving the livelihoods of those who live in urban areas. The…
PLU Honors Dia de los Muertos
Día de Los Muertos is a joyful celebration that gives us a chance to honor our loved ones who have passed and to connect with our community. This year, Ash Bechtel ’24 shares what Dia de los Muertos means to her and how the PLU…
Get involved with PLU Clubs
Campus life is about getting involved, building relationships, and taking advantage of what our campus community offers. Here’s a look at PLU’s 2022 Engagement Fair, where incoming Lutes met Lute leaders, signed up for clubs, and learned about Parkland community resources. Learn more at: plu.edu/clubs/club-list
Alum combines passion for art and community with Tacoma Creates
Clarissa Gines was one of the first students to graduate with PLU’s art history undergraduate degree in 2012. It wasn’t easy—she had a child during her senior year, and juggled parenthood with schoolwork and an internship at a Seattle-based art gallery. She then worked as…
PLU alum takes leadership role as Tacoma’s chief equity officer
As far back as middle school, others noticed Lisa Woods’ quiet strength and power of observation. “My demeanor is to listen, hear people and see people,” she says. “I’ve developed that over time, but I’ve always been the listener in the room and not necessarily…
Student-athlete forms special bond with coach
Every game day, usually around lunch time, Jordan Thomas and Chad Murray sit down to have a chat. The Pacific Lutheran University men’s basketball star and the team’s head coach meet in Murray’s office to talk about anything and everything. The meeting can be as…
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