A Conversation with Shannon Murphy ’07, President of Washington Conservation Voters
Shannon Murphy ’07 loved exploring the beauty that surrounds Pacific Lutheran University’s campus — from majestic Mount Rainier to the sparkling Puget Sound. What she learned as a communication major with minors in public affairs and Spanish and during her time outdoors, set her on…
Passion for solving unanswered questions drives PLU alum’s research career
TACOMA, WASH. (Dec. 24, 2019) — Research has become Pacific Lutheran University grad SarahAnn McFadden’s life. This year, McFadden ‘11 landed a position as a postdoctoral associate at the Yale Institute of Global Health in New Haven, Connecticut, where she spends her time analyzing factors…
Shoebox Sharing: how one PLU alumna comforts those in need
What if, by donating just an hour of your time, you could change someone’s life. Twenty years ago, while still attending her Central California high school, Kristina Garabedian heard about a pastor’s intriguing invitation. The pastor asked church members to reach under the pews and…
Nursing alumna Katie Blanchard on how her near murder has led to her powerful advocacy
Three years ago, Katie Blanchard ‘13 was set on fire and nearly killed by a colleague at a military health center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Since then, Blanchard has undergone over 100 recovery-related surgeries, filed a personal injury claim against the Army and enrolled in…
Josh Wallace: The Art of Business, The Business of Art
To catch Josh Wallace, you’ll have to call him — and he’ll probably be on the move when you do so. The busy MBA student is juggling school classes, his job as a marketing intern… and a starring role in The Fern Shakespeare Company’s “Othello,”…
It’s Mylie Miller’s job to market Wild Waves. And yes, she has a lot of fun at work
Mylie Miller ‘19 had only visited Federal Way’s Wild Waves Theme & Water Park once before last spring, and that episode ended with her looking like a pint-sized extra from “Fight Club.” “It’s kind of funny, but it’s kind of embarrassing,” she said, laughing about…
Justin Kjolseth ‘10 on law school, PLU debate and life as an Assistant Attorney General
OLYMPIA, WASH. (Nov. 22, 2019) — When asked the simple question “What’s an average week at work like for you?” Justin Kjolseth ’10 doesn’t have a clear answer. “It varies,” they say. “There really is no average work week for me.” Kjolseth isn’t dodging the…
PLU’s Dr. Dean Waldow recognized with prestigious Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award
TACOMA, WASH. (Nov. 8, 2019) — In recognition of his impactful work as an academic researcher and mentor, Pacific Lutheran University’s Dr. Dean Waldow has been awarded the Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award by the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The purpose of the…
New economics mentorship program eases classroom-to-career transitions for PLU students
TACOMA, WASH. (Sept. 25, 2019) — The academic rigors of higher education provide a rich, well-rounded foundation for students preparing for a professional career. Sometimes, however, it’s the reassuring helping hand of an experienced mentor that best smooths the ensuing transition from classroom to the…
Entrepreneur Justin Foster ’02 on making meaningful relationships with faculty
Lutes often find ways to show gratitude to the community that supported their education, but Justin Foster ’02 got started early. An entrepreneur, marketer, and technology developer, he has been an active supporter of PLU and the School of Business since graduation. “I received a…
‘Representation matters’: Lute actor earns lead role in Seattle production of ‘Legally Blonde’
TACOMA, WASH. (Sept. 24, 2018) — Justin Huertas ’09 says opening night of “Legally Blonde,” presented by Seattle-based Showtunes Theatre Company, was electric. Applause roared when his castmate, Alexandria Henderson, walked on stage for the first time Saturday night. Sure, Elle Woods is a lovable…
Lute paddles with fellow Samish tribal members for first locally hosted canoe journey in 20 years
TACOMA, WASH. (Aug. 7, 2018) — Before Kelly Hall ’16 and the rest of her Samish canoe family paddled their final strokes through the Hylebos Waterway, Hall did something no one in her tribe had done for many years. “I’m the first tribal member in…