PLU expands cycling programming
After students at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) expressed interest in cycling in 2021, PLU’s Recreation team partnered with SportsArt’s Campus Challenge to purchase 25 bikes and help create a healthier campus.
PLU Professor Emerita Sheri Tonn receives 2026 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize
For decades, Sheri Tonn, a former PLU chemistry professor and administrator, has worked to make Puget Sound healthier and, in her view, more peaceful. Sheri Tonn worked at PLU for 40 years, beginning in the chemistry department and serving in several leadership roles as serve…
PLU launches accelerated 3+3 law school pathway partnership with Gonzaga
Starting in fall 2026, PLU is launching a new accelerated pathway for students interested in law school through the 3+3 Law School Partnership Program with Gonzaga University . Stephanie Johnson, PLU’s Dean of the College of Liberal Studies, shares, “ I’m excited about these partnerships…
Professor Emerita Dr. Sheri Tonn awarded 2026 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize
Sheri Tonn, Professor Emerita who served on the chemistry faculty from 1979 to 2019, was awarded the 2026 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize for her profound care for the environmental and physical health of our community, her visionary leadership, and her lifelong dedication to building a healthier,…
Professor Jan Weiss strengthens education and connections between Namibia and US
Jan Weiss, Associate Professor and Associate Dean in the School of Education, founded the the #UukumweProject and continues to advance education and strengthen connections between Namibia and the United States. Read even more about the incredible work that Weiss is doing in this PLU article…
PLU’s Colleen Hacker recognized as global “Game Changer” in women in STEM
PLU kinesiology professor Colleen Hacker has been recognized as one of 26 women featured in the new #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers , an international exhibition celebrating women whose work demonstrates how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are transforming sports. The exhibit debuted…
Melody Ferguson Wants You to Feel Valued
PLU’s Dean of Admission, Melody Ferguson, was interviewed as part of South Sound Business’ annual Women in Business issue. Ferguson reflects on her career and offers insight and advice for women in leadership roles.
Svend Rønning and the Sound of Tacoma – 50 Years of Chamber Music
Did you know that PLU’s Professor of Music Svend Rønning also serves as Second City Chamber Series’ Artistic Director? An alum of the Class of 1989, Rønning has been teaching at PLU for over 25 years, and is entering his 20th year as artistic director…
Pacific Lutheran University welcomes Dr. Woojun Lee as Dean of the School of Business
The Pacific Lutheran University community recently welcomed Dr. Woojun Lee as the new dean of the School of Business . Lee, a distinguished scholar and academic leader, joins PLU from Wilkes University’s Sidhu School of Business & Leadership, where he most recently served as Associate…
PLU alum Jerilynn Harris ’08 earns statewide music education award
For Jerilynn Harris ’08, music is a vehicle for a lot of things, like empowerment, play, challenge, and reflection. As a teacher, they make space for all sides of music in their classroom. “I’d say we’ve got a pretty good balance between laughing and locking…
A Heart for Heritage: Walking Through Ed Larson’s PLU
The PLU known to many generations of Lutes was significantly shaped by Ed Larson ’57. According to Doug Page — the successor to Larson as PLU’s Executive Director of Gift Planning — Larson’s own journey to PLU started with a $1000 scholarship that helped pay…
PLU Receives Teagle Foundation Grant to launch “Transformative Text Scholars” pilot program for Tacoma and Pierce County high school students
PLU faculty have received a grant from the Teagle Foundation to run a Pilot Program in the Summer of 2026, intended for underserved high school students in the Tacoma and Pierce County areas. The pilot program, developed by Adam Arnold (Philosophy/IHON), Carmiña Palerm (Hispanic and…