Through Personal Experience, an Empathy for Transfer Students
When Laura Polcyn ’74, ’79 arrived at PLU as a transfer student in the business program, she had saved enough money from two years of full-time work to afford PLU.
This experience made her value her PLU education all the more, and instilled an empathy for students who want to come to PLU but may face financial hurdles in affording a college education.
That’s why, almost 40 years later, Laura and husband Mark have decided to leave money in their will to create a scholarship to aid transfer students entering the business school.
“It’s important to focus on scholarships and help meet the needs of students,” says Laura, associate dean of graduate studies at PLU. “This is one way you can support the university mission.”
Laura’s interest in business scholarships-the couple has also donated to the Morken Center and the School of Business-comes from earning her BBA and MBA here. (Her EdD is from Seattle University). She worked in the School of Business for 20 years, including becoming the associate dean, and also served during her PLU tenure as vice president for admissions. She now works as the associate dean of graduate studies and special academic programs.
“Supporting endowed scholarship programs is one the best ways to make a PLU education accessible,” Laura says.
She has a special spot in her heart for transfer students, as she was one herself, transferring from Tacoma Community College to finish her degree at PLU.
Both Laura and Mark are also interested in athletics and have supported LuteClub as well as making generous donations to QClub. Mark works in construction and also referees high school and college basketball.
The couple has lived in Lakewood, Wash., since 1985 and is fond of travel, spending time at their house on the north tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and lavishing attention on their four Basenji dogs.
By Barbara Clements