A Heart for Heritage: Walking Through Ed Larson’s PLU
Image: The Mooring Mast: March 1954 “Choir to Give 13 Concerts” – Ed Larson 3rd row: 3rd from Left
By Sarah-lynn Bennett
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 for his first year, a story that is shared with the majority of Lutes today. As one Lute community, we’ve all shared the Hinderlie (then South Hall) Hill climb, admired the same Harstad Hall, and raced to the same Xavier in the rain. Still, few probably know the opportunities they’ve experienced have probably had some input from Ed. As a PLU student, Ed Larson partook in several activities across campus: singing tenor and touring with the Choir of the West, performing in the Ambassador Quartet with fellow alum Dave Knutson (‘58), touting PLU’s name as a yell leader, and even serving as class president.
Ed’s career at his alma mater began in 1970 and spanned 45 years, culminating in his retirement in 2015 at age 77, a testament to his dedication to the university and its future. He retired as the Executive Director of Estate Planning, but chose to define his work not as a fundraiser but as helping people “experience the joy of giving.” For Ed, donors needed to know more than how to give to the university; instead, he was energized by why donors would give.
...a deduction doesn't hold a candle to the warmth that a donor can feel when receiving a letter from a student who wouldn't have made it through the year without the donor's gift...
“Certainly, a tax deduction can warm the heart of one who is concerned about their finances. However, such a deduction doesn’t hold a candle to the warmth that a donor can feel when receiving a letter from a student who wouldn’t have made it through the year without the donor’s gift, or meeting the elderly person for whom the gift has provided some special benefit… opportunities for young people, care for older people, shelter for needy people — provides a deeper feeling of joy and meaning. Such involvement, beyond the actual giving of dollars, can inspire in our donors the Joy of Giving.” — Ed Larson, “What Do You Do?”
The Heritage Society & Lasting Impact
Ed’s youngest daughter, Juli Fagerstrom, recalls his dedication to the university through a yellow writing pad at the dining room table. “He told me all the time, ‘I start at the top doing bills with God first, then PLU, and there is always enough for the rest!” This strong belief in the importance of giving set the foundation for creating PLU’s Harstad Heritage Society, an organization Ed was instrumental in establishing. In 1981, the Harstad Heritage Society was established to honor individuals who have made estate-planning provisions for the university.
Doug Page talks about the early efforts in the 1980s by Ed, who would drive up and down I-5 with his alumni directory, asking, “Have you considered including PLU in [their] estate plans?” His work with PLU resulted in the prestigious Frank Minton Professional Achievement Award in 2014. Page reflects, “He is known throughout the planned giving community as one of the most professional, dedicated, kindest, and ethical professionals in the business.” Those values were “the essence of his work, building relations and helping people understand why PLU was worth supporting,” as remembered by his son, Mike Larson.
As of February 2026, the Harstad Heritage Society includes over 500 families with gifts totaling more than $100 million, which have supported scholarships, endowed professorships, and advancements for the university.
Jennie Griek ‘02, Legacy Advisor & Gift Planner at PLU, shares about her decision to contribute to the fund, “My husband and I have made an intention to leave PLU at least 10% of our estate, as PLU proved to be one of the most valuable experiences that brought us together twenty-some years ago as first-in-the-family college students.”
She continues to honor his legacy of authenticity, friendship, and dedication through her work. “As a fundraiser for PLU and serving in a role similar to Ed’s, I hope I can make others feel just as valued and remembered as he did for me. For me, I think the sense of connection was Ed’s special spark.”
The Scandinavian Heart
Ed’s commitment to PLU’s future through the Heritage Society is mirrored by his dedication to his own heritage through his work with PLU’s Scandinavian Cultural Center (SCC). The Larsons’ eldest child, Karin Stuen, recalls her parents’ involvement with the SCC.
“My parents loved the Scandinavian Cultural Center. They were very proud of their Swedish and Norwegian heritage, and the SCC was a place where they could share their love of Sweden and Norway with others and keep traditions alive. I have wonderful memories of attending many Scandinavian dinners and various programs that they organized. The Sankta Lucia program was always a special holiday event, and years back, they were so proud when their grandchildren took part in the program!”
As both Ed and his wife Betty were descendants of Scandinavian immigrant parents, the couple naturally gravitated toward the SCC. Betty had her own connections to PLU. She was a PLU Nursing graduate and later a PLU-certified teacher. The two of them were often featured in the photo spreads in the SCC’s Scene newsletter because of their frequent presence at events.
“From the beginning of the SCC in 1989, Ed was an advisor to the council. He helped a lot when we were trying to get an endowment fund started,” council member Janet Ruud shares. One of Janet’s favorite memories of Ed includes the selling of one of the SCC’s paintings by artist Nikolai Astrup at auction at Sotheby’s, the famed auction house in London. “The proceeds from the sale went to a new endowment fund. It was quite exciting! Ed,his wife Betty, Susan Young (former SCC director), and I went to London to witness the sale.”
Betty and Ed went on to create multiple endowments, including the Betty and Edgar Larson Endowment in memory of their Scandinavian parents. The Larsons even travelled to Scandinavia for a three-month administrative sabbatical awarded by PLU, which included “research of philanthropy and charitable support of NGOs in Scandinavia.”” Their impact at the SCC could be seen through the programs they helped build, such as the Swedish Heritage Program, through which the SCC was able to host renowned Swedish chef Pelle Nilsson, multi-award-winning Swedish composer Karin Rehnqvist, and Swedish glass artist Ingalena Klenell, and more.
Legacy & Leadership
Betty and Ed dedicated their time to serving on the SCC Council in multiple positions. At least both had served as Vice President, but Ed also served as Outreach Group Coordinator, Treasurer, and eventually President.
Betty and Ed dedicated their time to serving on the SCC Council in multiple positions. At least both had served as Vice President, but Ed also served as Outreach Group Coordinator, Treasurer, and eventually President.
According to Linda Caspersen, current SCC council member, “Ed was a fantastic SCC President and a delight to work with! He understood the Scandinavian/Nordic Culture and its importance at PLU. He also understood how that culture was a part of the ‘big picture’ and an important part of global issues today.”
Linda, who has a long history of working with textiles in the SCC, encourages people to visit the SCC and view some of the Larsons’ donated items. “After Betty passed away, Ed asked me if I would like to have Betty’s folkdräkt (Swedish traditional costume) as part of the SCC Collection. Of course! This folkdräkt has been used in numerous exhibits along with a picture of both Ed and Betty. This is such a treasure, as most of our textile collection comes from Norway.”
It could not be clearer that PLU would not be what it is without the arrival of Ed Larson, but Linda put it best: “Ed Larson’s legacy will live with us forever, and I am so proud that I was able to work with him for many, many years.” Through all stages of life — as a PLU student, an employee, and a retired volunteer — Ed helped shape PLU in meaningful and enduring ways. Ed and Betty’s commitment continues to inspire the generosity and spirit that define the Lute community.
