Planting Seeds for Tomorrow
The Strandness family’s enduring gift to PLU
By MacKenzie Hines
University Relations
When Donald “Gene” Strandness ’50 arrived at Pacific Lutheran University in 1946, he was not impressed. As he recalled in his 1980 Distinguished Alumni Award speech, “When I arrived on the campus in 1946, it was largely an institution without facilities. In fact, at first glance, I even wondered if it really was a college worthy of my attendance. Classes were held in makeshift buildings; modern equipment was in short supply, and students often lived in crowded quarters. The faculty was small with very few professors who possessed advanced degrees. The situation appeared bleak, but I soon began to realize this was a special place.”
Within PLU’s humble exterior, he found something truly remarkable.
Despite the rudimentary facilities he initially encountered upon arriving at PLU, Strandness thrived at PLU. He was a dedicated football player, contributing to the 1947 Pear Bowl Championship team and playing through the 1948 and 1949 seasons. His leadership roles included Associated Student Body Vice-President (1949-1950), president of the Lettermen’s Club and Inter-Club Council, and secretary of the Science Club. He also contributed to campus life as a member of Tawasi, assisting with events like the Saga Carnival.
Edith Strandness (formerly Olund), a member of the Class of 1955, also actively participated in campus life as a nursing student, belonging to the White Caps, the student organization for nurses, and even serving as the general chairman for their 1955 waffle supper. Her involvement extended to campus traditions, as she was a member of the spring court during the 23rd annual May Festival in 1955. She ultimately graduated with a degree in nursing. Edith and Gene met at the VA hospital during Gene’s residency.
Rooted in their shared Lutheran faith and deep connection to PLU, Gene and Edith Strandness built a lifelong partnership and a profound commitment to their alma mater. What made their experience — and the university itself — truly special was the exceptional character of the instructors, forged by their strong Christian faith. This environment significantly shaped Dr. Strandness’s intellectual curiosity and active participation.
“The faculty provided me the necessary seeds, which given the proper soil, will never have to fear the future. Thus, in truth they become a living legend which is reflected most vividly in their graduates. It is also my belief that the changes brought about by such exposure to these dedicated people cannot help but be examples to those whom we come in contact with in our everyday lives,” Strandness recalled in his 1980 speech.
In April 1950, Strandness was accepted into the University of Washington’s M.D. program, becoming one of the early graduates of the School of Medicine, which was founded in 1946. His subsequent faculty appointment and his distinguished tenure as head of the Vascular Surgery Division further solidify his legacy at UW. Among his many accomplishments, he pioneered the use of Doppler devices for vascular diagnoses, technology now used in labs and exam rooms worldwide, profoundly impacting medical practice.
“Dr. Eugene Strandness’ invention of Doppler technology for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases has had a profound impact, greatly improving the quality of life for countless individuals. Dr. Strandness embodies the values we hold dear at PLU and serves as a powerful example to our current students of how their education here can lead to meaningful contributions to the world,” said Ann Auman, dean of the College of Natural Sciences.
I firmly believe that the moral fiber of our nation would suffer badly and irretrievably if institutions such as Pacific Lutheran were to disappear..
Demonstrating their belief in the transformative impact of a PLU education, Gene and Edith thoughtfully included the university in their estate plans in 1997. This planned gift, realized upon their passing, directly supports undergraduate research through the Dr. D. Eugene and Edith Strandness Endowed Professor in Biology.
When Gene reflected on the teachers at PLU, he wrote, “These fine Christian men never published — never did any research – never were asked to address national or international meetings – YET they were giants in my eyes for what they gave as human beings, not just to me but to anyone who was there with them. LOVE was the centerpiece of everything they did.”
He held the faculty in such high esteem for their willingness to come alongside struggling students. Dr. Strandness cherished this profound sense of connection and personalized mentorship, and he and Edith sought to ensure future generations of PLU students through their generous endowment precisely this kind of invaluable faculty-student interaction.
This impactful endowment provides course release time for the appointed professor— currently Professor Julie Smith, the inaugural Strandness Endowed Professor of Biology — allowing for deepened research mentorship and opportunities for students. The two-year professorship also includes funding for student research and an honorarium to bring guest speakers to the biology department, enriching the academic experience. Biology faculty can apply for the next two-year cycle of this prestigious endowed professorship beginning in fall 2025.