Ensuring That Transfer Students Can Benefit From Attending PLU
There was no doubt in Brenda Morris’ mind from the time she was a high school student in the Bethel and Franklin-Pierce school districts that she wanted to eventually receive her degree from Pacific Lutheran University. “I remember attending a class at PLU on nuclear disarmament,” she says, “and I just fell in love with the campus. I always wanted to go there.”
Yet the financial constraints dictated that first she attend community college for two years and then transfer to PLU, where she graduated with a degree in business administration in 1991.
Her generosity to PLU in setting up a scholarship fund and support for Q Club stems from having seen families working hard to put together finances for college, and yet falling short of the amount needed. So she and her husband, Randy, have been contributing to a scholarship fund that will eventually help transfer students who would like to attend PLU. The couple plans to contribute $25,000 to the fund.
Brenda and Randy also named PLU as one of six beneficiaries of a charitable trust set up in their will, which they hope will eventually grow into the millions and fund projects and scholarships at PLU. “Estate planning is great, especially when you might not have the money to give out of pocket at this time,” says Brenda, 44, who is CFO at Icicle Seafoods Inc. in Seattle.
She was awarded the Outstanding Alumnus Award at PLU’s 2007 homecoming and serves as a member of the School of Business advisory board. Brenda lives in Lake Tapps, Wash., area with Randy and their children, Taylor Anne, 11, and Scott, 9. During her career, she has also worked at Zumiez-a clothing store for young men-and K2 Sports.
By Barbara Clements