How future physical therapist Haley Goto ’26 keeps herself and others moving forward
Reflecting on her time on the volleyball court and her work with adaptive sports, Kinesiology major Haley Goto ’26 talks about her path to physical therapy school and her goal to create future clinical spaces rooted in accessibility and comfort.
Three pillars: How service, identity, and community shape social work senior Eric Canel ‘26
From his time in the Army to his direct work with local youth, social work senior Eric Canel ’26 is turning lived experience into advocacy. Heading next to an MSW program, his philosophy of care is rooted in service, identity, and community.
PLU Professor receives special recognition from tennis legend and equality champion Billie Jean King
Professor of Kinesiology and sports psychologist, Dr. Colleen Hacker, received a surprise video greeting from Billie Jean King during a recent episode of the “Welcome to the Party” podcast. Hacker, a six-time Olympic coach and internationally recognized sports psychologist, was a guest on a recent…
PLU Marriage and Family Therapy grads open inclusive practice in Tacoma
On a Friday morning, at a coffee shop where they meet for their weekly “admin day,” Megan Irving ’24 and Kiara Holden ’24 talk all things Bloom Again Therapy, their new private therapy practice rooted in accessibility, identity, care, and community.
DAISY Award Honoree: Nursing student, Quoc Ly
DAISY Award Honoree, receives the spotlight on the DAISY Foundation website Recent Nursing graduate receives spotlight on the Daisy Foundation website. Quoc Ly graduated from PLU’s BSN program in December 2024. One faculty member remarks how “Quoc Ly can always be counted on to provide…
Tune in: to the BONE Podcast
PLU Grad and Podcast Host, Shelby Daly, Interviews Dr. Colleen Hacker (Ep 20. to the BONE). On December 16, 2024, Dr. Colleen Hacker was featured on the Podcast, to the Bone . To the Bone is a sports medicine podcast which aims to provide insights…
Bridging Borders: PLU nursing students gain global health experience in Oaxaca
“I am forever changed by the people of Oaxaca, Mexico. Through direct community engagement, I learned how to meet people where they are and build trusting and meaningful rapport despite language barriers.” – Claire Hindman ’26, PLU Nursing Student What happens when classroom learning meets…
Educator of the Year Award goes to Dr. Fiona O’Farrell
Educator of the Year Award Dr. Fiona O’Farrell, receives educator of the year award from WAMFT. In honoring of Dr. O’Farrell, The Washington Association for Marriage and family Therapy: WAMFT released the following heartfelt message to the distinguished recipients of 2024 awards. “Your tireless dedication,…
When community is the classroom – students learn through service in J-Term on the Hill course
At Pacific Lutheran University, service is a core value. That ethos is embodied in “J-Term on the Hill,” a social work class in which education is grounded in real-world impact. “It’s not a typical class,” notes Assistant Professor of Social Work Douglas Epps , who…
PLU launches new Master of Social Work (MSW) degree
PLU has added a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to its offerings and is now accepting applicants for the fall of 2024. Rooted in PLU’s tradition of academic excellence and community engagement, the new MSW program will equip aspiring social work professionals with the skills…