
Emily Struck ’23 reflects on her time at PLU, captivated by chemistry and research
Emily Struck ’23 made the most of her chemistry major at PLU, conducting individualized research with professors and tutoring other students on campus. As she takes her next step in the fall pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Purdue University, Struck reflects on her…

Anni Lange ’00 uses skills learned at PLU as VP of marketing and communications for Sound Physicians
Anni Lange ’00 is vice president of marketing and communications for Sound Physicians , a national medical group headquartered in Tacoma. Lange oversees all aspects of marketing and communications including brand management, marketing operations, sales and recruitment marketing and internal and external communications. Lange majored…

A new space for neurodiverse students on campus
Last October, a new club emerged on campus: the Student Neurodiversity Club. Although small, this club is having a growing impact on the PLU community. When attending a recent SNC meeting in the first floor Stuen lounge, I was greeted by a cheerful collective of…

Growing into her own: Sarah Davis ’23 discovers her passion for plant biology at PLU
Sarah Davis began her PLU journey with the idea that medicine and health care would be the ultimate goal, but then a couple of classes focused on plant development and global agriculture grew a new passion. “I have a family history of agriculture, my grandfather…

Michael Burris ’09 leads a dynamic team as regional president of Sound Physicians
Michael Burris ’09 worked at the intersection of business and healthcare since before even graduating from PLU with a business major and economics minor . While in his third year at PLU, he began an internship with MultiCare Health Systems, working as the CFO’s “right-hand…

Tiffany Wong ‘23 discusses transferring to PLU, her experience as an RA, and her plans to become a Certified Nurse Anesthesiologist
PLU senior Tiffany Wong was drawn to study nursing after spending 10 years caring for her grandmother — a special woman who taught her about empathy and compassion. “My heart broke when she passed away this fall semester. There were numerous stories that she told…

Olympian and advocate Elana Meyers Taylor to deliver PLU Commencement address
Pacific Lutheran University will welcome Elana Meyers Taylor to the Tacoma Dome on Saturday, May 27 to deliver a Commencement address to the university’s graduating class. Meyers Taylor will share reflections inspired by her historic career as the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics…

Grayson Nottage ‘23 prepares to become a teacher who excites students about science
Grayson Nottage ’23 has wanted to become a middle school science teacher ever since she was a middle school science student. She admired many of her own science teachers, and aspires to become the sort of educator that inspires and excites students about science. Next…

PLU senior Allison Sheflo discusses her triple major in geosciences, environmental studies and religion
Senior Allison Sheflo will graduate this spring with a triple major in geosciences , environmental studies and religion and a minor in mathematics . She forged her own trail at PLU, welcoming the adventures that piqued her curiosity and let that lead her way. “It’s…

Dr. Erik Arnits ’11 relies on his medical training – and sense of humor – as an ER doctor in Central Washington
At PLU, Dr. Erik Arnits ’11 studied biology and chemistry as a double major. At first, he thought chemistry or dentistry was his future—but a medical mission trip the summer before his senior year to Costa Rica and Panama changed everything. He kept a journal…

Former military linguist Kara Atkinson ’23 discusses her service on campus, academic research, and graduate school plans
Kara Atkinson ’23 earned an associate degree while serving as an Arabic linguist in the United States Army prior to her arrival at PLU. A history major with minors in religion and Holocaust and genocide studies , Atkinson’s passion for research, academia, and higher education…