A Symphony of Gratitude: Jane Lin’s PLU journey and her commitment to future Lutes

For those who have thoughtfully included Pacific Lutheran University in their estate plans, you understand the profound impact an institution can have on a life’s trajectory. Jane Lin ’92 embodies this spirit of gratitude. Her journey demonstrates the power of a PLU education and the full-circle harmony of giving back.

Lin’s path to PLU began with a practical question: Which university made a quality education the most accessible? “When I learned that I received the most scholarship money from PLU, it was the most affordable college for me,” she explains. These scholarships were the foundation upon which her PLU experience and subsequent success were built.

Beyond financial accessibility, music was a powerful draw. “Music is a big part of the reason that I chose PLU,” Lin shares. As both a percussionist and vocalist, the vibrant offerings of the music department became the backdrop for some of her most cherished memories. “That was probably the biggest part of my life at PLU,” she reflects, “the biggest joy.” PLU offered more than just exceptional musical training; Lin found a nurturing environment where she blossomed as an individual. “When I think back, I think about all the friends that I made,” she says warmly. “PLU was a place where I grew as a person, as a whole person.”

Academically, Lin thrived under the guidance of PLU faculty. As a choral conductor today, she credits Professor Richard Sparks for much of her conducting foundation. Her voice lessons with Professor Mira J. Frohnmayer and percussion instruction from David P. Robbins were equally transformative. Lin embraced every musical opportunity PLU offered, from the University Chorale and Choir of the West to the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra.

While music was her passion, Lin’s academic pursuits led her to a degree in graphic design. Graduating in 1992, she entered the high-tech world at precisely the right moment, joining a startup Microsoft eventually acquired. Then, a unique opportunity arose when the Seattle Seahawks hired a new coach whose playbooks were on an incompatible system. Lin’s expertise was enlisted to recreate the playbooks. “I went into it as a graphic designer … and they asked me to stay on as a coaching assistant.” This unexpected turn placed her on the sidelines of the NFL for nine years, a rare experience for a woman at the time.

Yet, a different calling began to resonate amidst the thrill of professional football. “Teaching to me is a calling from God. I love kids.” This realization led her back to academia, earning a music education degree. Since 2013, Lin has taught as an elementary music teacher in the Northshore School District.

“I couldn’t be happier,” she says. “It is a really hard job, but I feel blessed every day.” For Lin, her life has come full circle; her passion for music and her desire to nurture young minds have converged into a fulfilling career. “This is a job that I will retire into. This is my calling.”

Reflecting on her journey, Lin acknowledges how PLU’s generosity paved the way for her success — fueling her desire to give back. “I want to leave money for people who aren’t able to pay for school, paying it forward. I was able to go to PLU because people were generous,” she says. “I want to make a difference for others in the same way.” Her bequest is intentionally directed towards individual scholarships within the music department.

For those contemplating estate planning, Lin offers advice: “Take that first step and have the courage to think about it and write your will,” she says. “Just ask a lot of questions. I have a better grasp on things now.” Lin found using PLU’s Freewill tool helpful in shaping what she wanted by guiding her through each step. It became “a reflection of who and what is important to you.” Jane Lin’s story illustrates the enduring impact of a PLU education and the profound significance of giving back to future generations of Lutes.