The how and why: Vincent Le’s applied physics path at PLU
Senior Vincent Le ’26 sums up applied physics in a nutshell: “You can think of it as the study of how objects physically interact in the universe. Things physically happen for a reason, my major studies the how and why.” After completing his contract as…
“I feel like a completely different person”: Meghan Buchanan ’26 looks back on her time at PLU
Meghan Buchanan ’26 didn’t always see herself as a math person. “I actually haven’t always liked math. In fact, I hated it until high school. The stereotypes you hear about a kid in tears while their dad is trying to help them with math homework?…
Making support easier to find: Adrian Restrepo’s ’26 capstone creates campus-wide impact
Before it became a campus-wide project, the idea was simple: make it easier for students to find support when they need it. For communications major Adrian Restrepo ’26, that idea turned into a senior capstone project to support PLU’s Wellbeing Services and Resources (WSR) –…
How future physical therapist Haley Goto ’26 keeps herself and others moving forward
Before talking about achievements or next steps, Haley Goto ’26 foregrounds the people who made her journey possible. “I am most thankful for my parents who have never stopped supporting me and are always there on call,” Haley says. “To my friends, teammates, coaches, and…
Three pillars: How service, identity, and community shape social work senior Eric Canel ‘26
When asked what brought him back to school after his military career, Eric Canel ’26 remembers having clarity around his next step. “After serving in the Army, I wanted to continue serving in a different way. Returning to school gave me the opportunity to turn…
A Heart for Heritage: Walking Through Ed Larson’s PLU
The PLU known to many generations of Lutes was significantly shaped by Ed Larson ’57. According to Doug Page — the successor to Larson as PLU’s Executive Director of Gift Planning — Larson’s own journey to PLU started with a $1000 scholarship that helped pay…
PLU Receives Teagle Foundation Grant to launch “Transformative Text Scholars” pilot program for Tacoma and Pierce County high school students
PLU faculty have received a grant from the Teagle Foundation to run a Pilot Program in the Summer of 2026, intended for underserved high school students in the Tacoma and Pierce County areas. The pilot program, developed by Adam Arnold (Philosophy/IHON), Carmiña Palerm (Hispanic and…
Empowering Coaches: PLU kinesiology receives $900,000 grant from Names Family Foundation
Pacific Lutheran University’s Department of Kinesiology has been awarded a three-year, $900,000 grant from the Names Family Foundation to expand and strengthen youth sport coach education across Pierce County. The grant will support the development of a dynamic, evidence-based coach education platform designed to meet…
Alumni Phillip Simpson inducted into Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame
PLU Alumni Phillip Simpson was inducted into the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame following decades of service and student mentorship. After graduating from PLU, Simpson went on to teach for over four decades, nearly three of which were at Kennewick School District.
PLU’s Mentoring Program: Built on connection and care
When students talk about the PLU Mentoring Program , they often describe one thing first: the sense of being seen and guided by someone who is there to champion their growth. Recent mentee Jack Helt ’24 shares, “It was very meaningful to have someone invested…
PLU introduces new Master of Education program with first cohort beginning Summer 2026
Pacific Lutheran University will welcome the first cohort of students into its new Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Summer 2026, offering a flexible pathway for educators and community professionals looking to grow their expertise and expand their impact. Designed with working professionals in mind,…
