Ian Lindhartsen ’20 uses his individualized major to pursue his passion for music
Ian Lindhartsen entered PLU with a plan. The 253 PLU Bound scholarship recipient from the Key Peninsula began his first year with plans to major in music education. But best-laid plans often go awry. Lindhartsen soon realized that wasn’t the path for him. He knew…
Matthew Conover ’19 explains how PLU helped prepare him for a career in software engineering
When Matthew Conover ’19 was a student at PLU, he recalls someone telling him there were two types of software engineers: the ones who chose to chase the money, and the ones who had no other choice. “I fall into the latter camp,” Conover said.…
No Mud, No Lotus
Social work major April Reyes ’21 loves to talk about her tattoos. She has 13 total, nine of which she received while studying at PLU. She struggles to choose a favorite but says she loves to flaunt the lotus flower on the back of her…
Housing Our Neighbors
Housing is something many of us take for granted. Much more than just a place to sleep and a structure to shelter us from the elements, our homes provide the space we need to maintain a functional life. It’s where we manage our mental health,…
BJUG DAY: Q&A with Dr. Elizabeth A. Barton
PLU is creating a campus experience that helps our students thrive by supporting resources and experiential programs that cultivate the mind, body and spirit of each of our students. After all, it takes a healthy Lute to build a healthy community. Many of these resources…
BJUG DAY: Q&A with Dr. Suzanne Crawford O’Brien
At PLU, we’re building up the next generation of Lutes — ones who will be called to lead us into an uncertain future. On Bjug Day you joined together in ensuring students are fully equipped to answer that call. Despite navigating a global pandemic, we…
BJUG DAY: Q&A with Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
PLU’s student-athletes understand what it means to be part of a team. They learn how to build on their teammates’ strengths, overcome failure and achieve collective goals. Lutes are showcasing these skills both in and out of the classroom, and both on and off the…
BJUG DAY: Q&A with Scholarship Recipient Lauren Mendez ’15
Your investment in scholarships is an investment in the personal and economic well-being of individuals and our communities. With your support, students will join generations of Lutes who are thought leaders, engaged community members, and local leaders. With increasingly diverse lived experiences, their presence on…
When the pandemic cut her Peace Corps service short, Margaret Chell ’18 enrolled in medical school
During her senior year at Pacific Lutheran University, Margaret Chell ’18 decided to join the Peace Corps after a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer visited her global development class. She soon met with PLU Peace Corps advisor, Dr. Katherine Wiley to learn more. She was excited…
Yesenia Arellano ’13 discusses her work as a bilingual mental health counselor
PLU alumna Yesenia Arellano ’13 was recently honored by the City of Tacoma during National Hispanic Heritage Month for her work as a mental health counselor providing bilingual therapy to diverse community members and an immigrant clientele. Yesenia spoke with PLU Assistant Director of Communications…
Kenzie Knapp ’23 discusses summer environmental work, role with ASPLU, and public transit advocacy
In the spring of 2021, Kenzie Knapp ’23 was awarded a Udall Foundation scholarship. The Udall Foundation awards scholarships, fellowships, and internships to students pursuing fields of study related to the environment or Native American nations. Knapp has served as a G.R.E.A.N. club officer, is…
Community First: PLU alum supports local sellers and town with 3 Sisters Market
For Whidbey Island business owner Roshel Donwen ’17, her close-knit island community is everything. She finds fulfillment in running her store, 3 Sisters Market, providing local food and goods to the people she considers family. “The best part about running and owning 3 Sisters Market…