College of Natural Sciences

Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 7:00pm

Academic Processional

“Processional of Joy”

Invocation

The Rev. Jen Rude, University Pastor

Greetings

Joanna Gregson, Provost, Professor of Sociology
Allan Belton, President

Celebration of Student Achievements

Ann Auman, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Professor of Biology

Faculty Retirement

Ann Auman, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Professor of Biology, presenting
Romey (Rosemarie) Haberle, Associate Professor of Biology

Reflection

Matthew Helmer, Student Speaker
Justinpal Singh, Student Speaker

Commencement Address

Curt Malloy, ‘88, JD, MPH

Conferral of Degrees

Allan Belton, President

Closing Comments

Allan Belton, President

Prayer and Benediction

The Rev. Jen Rude, University Pastor

Recessional

“Processional of Joy”

Curt Malloy, ‘88, JD, MPH

Curt Malloy is the Senior Vice President, Strategic Operations at HDT.bio, a life science organization striving to promote health and well-being for everyone in the world, independent of where they live. Curt is also an adjunct professor at the Seattle University Institute for Public Service, where he has taught a course on global health for nearly twenty years to students in the Masters of Public Administration program.

Curt completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry and Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University, obtained a Masters of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, and earned a Juris Doctor with a focus in intellectual property from Seattle University School of Law.

Curt is fluent in Spanish and is particularly passionate about Latin America, social and health equity and planetary health.

Matthew Helmer (he/him)

Majors: Bachelor of Science in Math & Physics with minors in Music & Computer Science
University Honors: International Honors Program, summa cum laude
Hometown: Enumclaw, WA
Why PLU? I came to PLU for the music program — I wanted to study math and music. I felt like the faculty and community here on campus would help me succeed and thrive more than any other university, so I felt called to this place. This is exactly where I needed to go.
What is your fondest memory of PLU? Recently, the PLU Wind Ensemble went on an outreach trip to Portland, and we played at several high schools and festivals. Throughout the trip, I felt connected with others and a valuable part of a larger community. I pushed myself to play as best as I could, and in the very last performance on the trip, everything came together and I played the best I ever have. That day, I felt such life satisfaction and fulfillment to a point that I had only experienced a few other times in my life.
What’s next for you? I will be entering Montana State University’s Math PhD program next semester. I plan on studying mathematical physics, especially quantum field theory. I will carry my experiences and the joy I have found in my time here at PLU with me wherever I go.

Justinpal Singh (he/him)

Majors: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Biology
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Why PLU? I chose PLU because the university offered a wide range of studies, including music, liberal studies, and the natural sciences. Also, I chose PLU because I saw how students reflect the university’s mission statement, where “students live lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care.”
What is your fondest memory of PLU? My fondest memory of PLU is representing the South Asian community through celebrating our major holidays, including Diwali and Holi! I enjoyed how students of different backgrounds enjoyed learning about my culture, and I found it meaningful to make these connections.
What’s next for you? I’ll apply to medical schools to obtain my MD or DO (Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)! I aspire to be a compassionate healthcare provider and plan on staying in Washington to support our local rural communities.