Lace M. Smith

Statement of Community Care

Dear campus community, Pacific Lutheran University’s community is deeply rooted in care. It is in our mission to continue creating a campus environment that welcomes, values and protects the voices and vocations of our community members and recognizes the humanity in all of us —…

Firmly Committed: In Response to DACA decision

Dear Campus Community: This morning, the White House announced a plan to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in six months. I want to affirm to you that PLU remains firmly committed to the well being of ALL of our students, regardless…

Death of Dr. Rae Linda Brown

Dear Campus Community: It is with deep sadness that I share with you the news of the passing of PLU’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rae Linda Brown. Rae Linda died Sunday morning, at peace surrounded by her family after a…

President Belton’s Statement on Charlottesville

Dear Campus Community: The news from Charlottesville, Virginia over the past few days has shocked, angered and saddened many of us. Our prayers are with the victims of violence, their families, and other loved ones. White supremacists’ display of racism, anti-Semitism and raw hatred is…

50th anniversary celebration of PLU’s ‘Rowdown Crew’

In 1967, University of Washington requested the men’s rowing crew return of the famed “Husky Clipper,“ which the Huskies had used to win at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The Huskies committed to loaning another in trade, but there was one significant issue. The Lutes were…

Commemorative PLU brew celebrates 500 years of the Reformation

If the raised fist on the bottle is any indication, Reformaiden beer makes a statement. The German, alt-style beer — boasting a cloudy caramel color and a subtle malt flavor — immortalizes Katharina von Bora, the woman who stood beside and, in many ways, propped…

PLU Announces Election of New Board of Regents Chair

Tacoma, WA (May 16, 2017) — Pacific Lutheran University today announced the election of Ed Grogan to chair of the Board of Regents succeeding Gary Severson, who completed 19 years of service on the board, nine of them as chair. Grogan, a 1993 graduate of…

PLU Interim Leadership Announced

Dear Campus Community: I am happy to share with you the news that the Board of Regents of PLU voted on Saturday to elect Mr. Allan Belton—who currently serves as senior vice president and chief administrative officer—to the post of acting president, effective June 1.…

Pacific Lutheran University Announces Leadership Transition

Tacoma, WA (April 13, 2017) — The Board of Regents of Pacific Lutheran University and President Thomas W. Krise today announced that Krise will complete his service as president when his current term ends in May, and that he will continue at PLU as president…

PLU to Host Events Throughout Holiday Season

TACOMA, WASH. (Nov. 24, 2016)- It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at Pacific Lutheran University. Throughout its history, PLU has developed numerous holiday pastimes that honor a variety of traditions, cultures and forms of joyful expression. UPCOMING EVENTS Celebration of Light   Nov.…