PLU music major Jack Burrows awarded first place at national singing competition
Jack Burrows ’25 won first place in the 2023 National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition in San Diego earlier this month. The Pacific Lutheran University music major participated in 5 rounds of auditions and competition to earn first place in the Upper Classical…
PLU recognized for commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students
The Center for First-generation Student Success , an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, recently announced Pacific Lutheran University as one of 76 new members of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24. To be selected as a First Scholars Network member, PLU displayed a…
A Final Foss Farewell
After 58 years, PLU is saying goodbye to Foss Hall. PLU begin demolishing the vacant Foss Hall on June 12, 2023. The demolition of the facility has been in the plans for almost 8 years, but now the time has come. Foss Hall was built…
PLU student team finishes in the top five at international math modeling competition
Each year, around 10,000 teams participate in The Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling , an international contest where teams of undergrad students have 99 hours straight to create a mathematical model addressing a complex social or scientific issue. Each year, the top awards go to large…
Seed Teachers Program gives Tacoma High School students debt-free path to becoming teachers
TACOMA, Wash. (May 24, 2023) – Tacoma high school students will be able to earn a college degree and teaching credential debt-free as part of a new program to help build the next generation of teachers in Washington. Tacoma-based nonprofit Degrees of Change is teaming…
Born and raised in the Philippines, Maria Surla ’23 is now a PLU grad and a nurse at MultiCare Good Samaritan Emergency in Parkland
Maria Surla has traveled a long and rewarding road. The 39-year-old recently graduated with PLU’s Class of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “The difficult experiences I’ve had made me who I am now,” Surla says. Born and raised in the Philippines, Surla…
Dylan Ruggeri ’23 and Kenzie Knapp ’24 discuss their climate science musical
Together, senior Dylan Ruggeri ’23 and junior Kenzie Knapp ’24 created an innovative climate science musical performance on PLU’s campus in 2022. Both students are majoring in environmental studies and theatre, and the duo drew on their passions to create art, transforming audience perspectives on…
PLU introduces new Doctor of Education in educational leadership
PLU officials announced the launch of a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership program. The program will focus on educational leadership in P-12 schools, preparing graduates to serve as district superintendents and in other education strategy and leadership roles. “We are thrilled to announce…
From Oxford, England to Oaxaca, Mexico, Jackie Lindstrom ’23 uses math to understand migration
Recently, chemistry major Jackie Lindstrom found herself in Oxford, England, conducting a series of informational interviews with public health representatives from Oxfam and the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations advisory agency that promotes international cooperation on migration. Traveling under a Wang Center Research…
Venice Jakowchuk ’23 travels through time, a dancer’s journey toward archaeology
For Venice Jakowchuk ’23, a single general education class sparked a passion that has since taken her—literally and/or metaphorically—from Herefordshire, England and Aberdeen, Scotland to the central highlands of Mexico and back to the lands of the Nisqually peoples. Originally from Arizona, Jakowchuk entered PLU…
Communications and psychology double major Alex Reed ’23 explored film and storytelling at PLU
Sometimes the most random moments leave lasting impressions. Alex Reed’s first experience at PLU happened when she was a high school sophomore, when her school band came to the university to attend a music clinic. “This trip definitely put PLU on my radar as I…
Family ties and academic pursuits: Parker Brocker-Knapp’s journey at PLU
Parker Brocker-Knapp ’23 grew up in Portland, but Puget Sound never seemed far—thanks to close family ties to PLU. We sat down with Brocker-Knapp to learn more about how this senior made the most of his time at PLU. How did you choose PLU? I…