Advocate, economics-enthusiast, environmentalist: Ava Foley’s ’26 evolving path and passions
“I don’t want to peak in any era of my life. But if I do, hopefully it’s in my 80s.” It’s a perspective that leaves room to try things, change direction, and not rush toward a single definition of success – something economics major Ava…
Katlyne Smith ’25 on the stories that shape the future
History is about more than what happened; it’s about what still shapes us. For history grad Katlyne Smith ’25, that understanding started close to home. “Growing up in Tacoma, I observed the importance of engaging with and learning from people whose experience and viewpoints differ…
Calvin Fisk ’26 is rethinking how cities meet the environment
Calvin Fisk ’26 doesn’t talk about the environment as something separate from daily life. For him, it’s embedded in the systems people build, and it’s often overlooked. An earth science major with a minor in environmental studies , Fisk has spent his time at PLU…
“I see parts of me in them”: Ashawnaleigh Bicoy on teaching and connection
Ashawnaleigh Bicoy’s home island of Molokaʻi is tiny. “Like, 32 miles long and 4,000 residents. No street lights, no fast food, only family-owned businesses,” she says. In many ways, Molokai is where the seeds of her vocation were planted, beginning with inspirational teachers and a…
The how and why: Vincent Le’s applied physics path at PLU
Senior Vincent Le ’26 sums up applied physics in a nutshell: “You can think of it as the study of how objects physically interact in the universe. Things physically happen for a reason, my major studies the how and why.” After completing his contract as…
“I feel like a completely different person”: Meghan Buchanan ’26 looks back on her time at PLU
Meghan Buchanan ’26 didn’t always see herself as a math person. “I actually haven’t always liked math. In fact, I hated it until high school. The stereotypes you hear about a kid in tears while their dad is trying to help them with math homework?…
Making support easier to find: Adrian Restrepo’s ’26 capstone creates campus-wide impact
Before it became a campus-wide project, the idea was simple: make it easier for students to find support when they need it. For communications major Adrian Restrepo ’26, that idea turned into a senior capstone project to support PLU’s Wellbeing Services and Resources (WSR) –…
How future physical therapist Haley Goto ’26 keeps herself and others moving forward
Before talking about achievements or next steps, Haley Goto ’26 foregrounds the people who made her journey possible. “I am most thankful for my parents who have never stopped supporting me and are always there on call,” Haley says. “To my friends, teammates, coaches, and…
Three pillars: How service, identity, and community shape social work senior Eric Canel ‘26
When asked what brought him back to school after his military career, Eric Canel ’26 remembers having clarity around his next step. “After serving in the Army, I wanted to continue serving in a different way. Returning to school gave me the opportunity to turn…
The many worlds of Ashley Lopez Mora ’26
Some of Ashley’s transformation happened in classrooms. Much of it happened in residence halls, with fellow student leaders and musicians, or while lobbying as a student advocate in Olympia. And an incredible amount happened far beyond campus, in five separate study away programs that stretched…
Caden Ankrom ’25 designs his path to success
Caden Ankrom ’25 has designed everything from clothes and posters to billboards and train wraps. As a student worker on the Marketing & Communications team at PLU for the last two and a half years, he has created industry-grade designs. Finding a creative home at…
Senior Carmen Kiewert ’26 goes all-in on business, competition, and connection at PLU
When Carmen Kiewert arrived at PLU as a transfer student, she was searching for a place where she could grow academically, professionally, and personally. She found all three. “I chose PLU for a variety of reasons, and I’m really happy with my decision to transfer,”…