PLU grads reflect on commencement
“Commencement means the culmination of hard work and accomplishments with my teammates and my classmates — so it’s a great day.” Our recent graduates reflect on the countless late nights spent studying, the friendships forged, the challenges overcome, and the personal growth they’ve experienced.
From Oxford, England to Oaxaca, Mexico, Jackie Lindstrom ’23 uses math to understand migration
Recently, chemistry major Jackie Lindstrom found herself in Oxford, England, conducting a series of informational interviews with public health representatives from Oxfam and the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations advisory agency that promotes international cooperation on migration. Traveling under a Wang Center Research…
Computer Science major lands job at Netflix
During his senior year, computer science major Adrian Ronquillo ’22 filled out 203 job applications. Despite already having a job offer from a tech company he was interning with, he wanted to see what other opportunities were available to him. One of those applications included…
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 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…
Despite pandemic challenges, transfer student finds community at PLU
Monya-Dawn Wilson ’22 is a DJS Fellow and Rieke Scholar who came to PLU as a transfer student. Wilson is a Biology major, and dreams of becoming a pediatrician. “I’ve always liked science and learning,” said Wilson. “I like learning about the body, learning about…
International student finds home away from home
Ricky Haneda ’22, a Japanese international student, share his experience at an American international school in Japan, how he decided to attend PLU, and how PLU has shaped his path toward a psychology major and a career in mental health and wellness. Keep reading to…
Q&A with Sophia Barro ’22 on her student teaching experience
Sophia Barro ’22 is a senior education major and religion minor at PLU. She recently completed full-time student teaching at Lakeview Hope Academy. We spoke with Barro about her experiences at PLU and as a student teacher, and about the values she hopes to inspire…
Yaquelin Ramirez’s ’22 passion for helping others leads to a future in healthcare
As a child, chemistry major Yaquelin Ramirez ’22 often went to work with her mother at a Federal Way nursing home. The time spent watching her mom help the residents sparked something inside of her — a desire to pursue a career where she helps…
Musician turned math major is excited to teach in his community
Kevin Canady-Pete ’22 has a history with the Pacific Lutheran University campus. He grew up down the street, just a couple of miles from the university. The Franklin Pierce High School graduate came to PLU intending to pursue a music education major. While he enjoyed…
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