Planting Seeds for Tomorrow

When Donald “Gene” Strandness ’50 arrived at Pacific Lutheran University in 1946, he was not impressed. As he recalled in his 1980 Distinguished Alumni Award speech, “When I arrived on the campus in 1946, it was largely an institution without facilities. In fact, at first…

Journeying With Others

From the moment Kerry Dolan ’22 arrived at PLU, she knew she wanted to make a difference in the world. What she didn’t expect was how deeply her experiences on campus — from late-night RA conversations to studying away in Mexico — would shape not…

In Parkland, a Clinic With PLU Ties Quietly Rewrites the Rules

It looks and feels like a typical neighborhood clinic, but this place is exceptional. One key difference? No one is turned away due to inability to pay. Those without insurance are charged on a sliding-fee scale based on income and family size. For some patients,…

Inspired by Students to Serve

As Amy Siegesmund sat in her office in the Rieke Science Center, the gray and drizzle of a Washington December afternoon hanging over the day, she couldn’t help but feel joy. Across from her sat two students who had just finished her “Intro to Microbiology”…

How I built my life while fighting for it

It all started with a golf ball-sized bump on my neck. During winter break of my freshman year, I was travelling to Mexico to visit family when I noticed I couldn’t move my neck. The discomfort was excruciating. I thought it was a knot. I…

ResoLute Fall 2025 Opening Note

“Educating for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care, — for others, for their communities, and for the Earth.” My guess is you started reading that and you immediately were brought back to a favorite memory of your time at PLU. Lutes know the…

Ethos in Action

Five 2024 graduates who exemplify PLU’s commitment to asking tough questions, centering community, embracing complexity, making it happen and opening doors. #LutesAskToughQuestions Emma Stafki ‘24 Advocating for Orcas Emma Stafki ‘24 grew up on Washington’s Key Peninsula, hearing stories about the heart-wrenching capture of Hugo,…