PLU recognized for commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students
The Center for First-generation Student Success , an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, recently announced Pacific Lutheran University as one of 76 new members of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24. To be selected as a First Scholars Network member, PLU displayed a…
A Final Foss Farewell
After 58 years, PLU is saying goodbye to Foss Hall. PLU begin demolishing the vacant Foss Hall on June 12, 2023. The demolition of the facility has been in the plans for almost 8 years, but now the time has come. Foss Hall was built…
PLU student team finishes in the top five at international math modeling competition
Each year, around 10,000 teams participate in The Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling , an international contest where teams of undergrad students have 99 hours straight to create a mathematical model addressing a complex social or scientific issue. Each year, the top awards go to large…
Seed Teachers Program gives Tacoma High School students debt-free path to becoming teachers
TACOMA, Wash. (May 24, 2023) – Tacoma high school students will be able to earn a college degree and teaching credential debt-free as part of a new program to help build the next generation of teachers in Washington. Tacoma-based nonprofit Degrees of Change is teaming…
Born and raised in the Philippines, Maria Surla ’23 is now a PLU grad and a nurse at MultiCare Good Samaritan Emergency in Parkland
Maria Surla has traveled a long and rewarding road. The 39-year-old recently graduated with PLU’s Class of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “The difficult experiences I’ve had made me who I am now,” Surla says. Born and raised in the Philippines, Surla…
Dylan Ruggeri ’23 and Kenzie Knapp ’24 discuss their climate science musical
Together, senior Dylan Ruggeri ’23 and junior Kenzie Knapp ’24 created an innovative climate science musical performance on PLU’s campus in 2022. Both students are majoring in environmental studies and theatre, and the duo drew on their passions to create art, transforming audience perspectives on…
Newly minted PLU graduates reflect on what commencement — and earning their degree — means to them
“Commencement means the culmination of hard work and accomplishments with my teammates and my classmates — so it’s a great day.”
Moving Moments | PLU Commencement 2023
PLU students, parents, alumni and friends gathered at the Tacoma Dome this afternoon for our 2023 commencement. PLU alumnus and filmmaker Joshua Wiersma ’18 captured moving moments from the ceremony.