Introducing PLU’s Class of 2030
PLU is getting ready to welcome the Class of 2030 — 617 new students bringing their own interests, experiences, and ambitions to campus. This fall, 508 first-year students and 109 transfer students will arrive from across Washington, the country, and the world. They join PLU…
PLU launches accelerated 3+3 law school pathway partnership with Gonzaga
Starting in fall 2026, PLU is launching a new accelerated pathway for students interested in law school through the 3+3 Law School Partnership Program with Gonzaga University . Stephanie Johnson, PLU’s Dean of the College of Liberal Studies, shares, “ I’m excited about these partnerships…
Cultivating the Future, Together: Introducing HIVE at PLU
In nature, the bee serves as a powerful symbol of diligent, purpose driven action, reminding us that while individual paths are distinct, our shared efforts create undeniable momentum. This spirit of collective impact defines HIVE, PLU’s new initiative designed to unite women in building an…
Horror novelist and alum Courtney Gould ’16 returns to Tacoma for her fourth book release
When the owner of Grit City Books unlocked the front door before opening, she greeted Courtney Gould ’16 with a scowl. “I’m mad at you.” Gould looked confused. “What did I do?” Apparently, her latest novel was impossible to put down. It’s about the best…
PLU’s Colleen Hacker recognized as global “Game Changer” in women in STEM
PLU kinesiology professor Colleen Hacker has been recognized as one of 26 women featured in the new #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers , an international exhibition celebrating women whose work demonstrates how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are transforming sports. The exhibit debuted…
Advocate, economics-enthusiast, environmentalist: Ava Foley’s ’26 evolving path and passions
“I don’t want to peak in any era of my life. But if I do, hopefully it’s in my 80s.” It’s a perspective that leaves room to try things, change direction, and not rush toward a single definition of success – something economics major Ava…
Katlyne Smith ’25 on the stories that shape the future
History is about more than what happened; it’s about what still shapes us. For history grad Katlyne Smith ’25, that understanding started close to home. “Growing up in Tacoma, I observed the importance of engaging with and learning from people whose experience and viewpoints differ…
“I was constantly in awe”: Inside the transformative Oslo study away program at PLU
When Delaney McFarland ’28 thinks back on her semester in Norway, one feeling stands out above the rest. “Norway is an amazing country in many ways…but more beautiful are the people and institutions that protect the strong values embedded in the culture.” For Delaney, a…
Senior Carmen Kiewert ’26 goes all-in on business, competition, and connection at PLU
When Carmen Kiewert arrived at PLU as a transfer student, she was searching for a place where she could grow academically, professionally, and personally. She found all three. “I chose PLU for a variety of reasons, and I’m really happy with my decision to transfer,”…
Investing in Innovation: PLU launches the Opportunity Fund
The newly launched Opportunity Fund has a clear purpose: to turn PLU’s big ideas into reality through flexible, timely support. The Opportunity Fund is a new fund that allows PLU to quickly invest in innovative programs, expand student support, and respond to emerging needs in…
How one Lute family turned a birthday into community support
For Ellen (Brotherston) Aronson ’07, the Lute culture of care continues long after graduation. A second-generation graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Ellen’s PLU connections run deep: her parents met on campus, extended family members are alumni, and she still shows up — at events, through…
PLU student research recognized with multiple awards at 2025 Murdock Conference
PLU students earned awards for their undergraduate research at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Conference on Science and Engineering , an annual regional conference that brings together student researchers and faculty mentors from across the Pacific Northwest. Several of the projects were supported through PLU’s…