PLU Marriage and Family Therapy grads open inclusive practice in Tacoma
On a Friday morning, at a coffee shop where they meet for their weekly “admin day,” Megan Irving ’24 and Kiara Holden ’24 talk all things Bloom Again Therapy , their new private therapy practice rooted in accessibility, identity, care, and community. “It sounds big,…
“Teaching Was Always My Path”: Alum Yisel Morales ’23, MAE ’24 reflects on growth and mentorship
When alum Yisel Morales ’23, MAE ’24 took the stage at Pacific Lutheran University’s 2025 Convocation, she spoke to hundreds of new students about beginnings, growth, and finding purpose. “The English Department saw me grow up,” she says. “Going from 18 years old all the…
Student-Athlete and Entrepreneur: Connor O’Brien builds his future on and off the field
PLU junior Connor O’Brien ’27 has a lot on his plate. He’s a student-athlete, business owner, and business major (finance concentration) with a data science minor. But for him, each role fuels the others. When he’s not in class or on the field as a…
Co-founded by PLU alumni couple, Pretty Gritty Tours is a love letter to Tacoma
A coffee tour with controversy, intrigue, and historic drama? That’s exactly what Pretty Gritty Tours delivers on their bespoke caffeine-fueled walk through downtown Tacoma. Led by charismatic co-founder and PLU alum Chris Staudinger ’08, the tour explores the city’s bold brews and even bolder backstories.…
“We carry the strength of our ancestors” — Lute Areli Arauja Ruiz Interns at Latine Civil Rights Org in D.C.
Areli Arauja Ruiz was just starting her first year at PLU when her friend encouraged her to check out the Study Away Fair. That’s when she met Professor Michael Artime , who was promoting the Lutheran College Washington Semester , a study away experience in…
Henrichsen ’07 named Andrew Carnegie Fellow for research shaping the future of journalism
“To strengthen democracy and journalism, more people need to step up, have courage, and fight for the values underpinning both.” That’s the vision driving Dr. Jennifer R. Henrichsen ’07 — and it’s one she’ll pursue as a newly named 2025 Andrew Carnegie Fellow . A…
Mason Taylor-Wells ’27 supports patient recovery through internship at MultiCare’s Tacoma General Hospital
Biology major and pre-med student Mason Taylor-Wells ’27 spent his summer helping patients take their first steps after major medical events. “ I’ve had patients cry tears of joy because they’re able to stand (with some help) again. I can’t think of a better way…
After experiencing PLU’s “Community of Care” first-hand, PJ Morales ’25 strives to reciprocate that care to local high school students.
PJ Morales ‘25 comes from a small town on Maui named Lahaina. Although she loves her island, PJ realized that the “small island life” wasn’t for her and began to look for colleges in the continental United States. When her admissions counselor, fellow Filipino Brandon…
Zari Warden’s ’25 PLU journey leads to an interdisciplinary tapestry of creativity and advocacy
Zari Warden ’25 arrived at PLU as a vocal performance major ready to pursue a career in music. However, her journey quickly took a transformative turn, one that would redefine not only her academic path but also her sense of identity and purpose. “I came…
Olivia Tate: Interdisciplinary scholar, advocate, and future nurse scientist
When Olivia Tate ’25 tells people she’s triple majoring in nursing , religion , and Native American and Indigenous studies — with a Peace Corps prep minor — the usual response is one of confusion and curiosity. But for Olivia, those reactions confirm that she’s…
2025 grad Lydia Downs wins prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Thailand
Lydia Downs ’25, a Master of Arts in Education student at Pacific Lutheran University, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award to serve as an English teaching assistant in Thailand during the 2025–2026 academic year. Lydia, who previously earned her undergraduate degrees in global…
“Aha moments are pure joy” — Steph Smithingell’s journey to becoming a teacher
For 14 years, Steph Smithingell ’25 ran an in-home childcare and preschool, building a community of curious, active, joyful kids. Now, as a soon-to-be PLU graduate, she’ll bring those experiences to her new career path as an elementary school teacher. Steph is an education major…