2020s
Erin Swanson ’23 ’25 earned a Master of Science from PLU, began working for Seattle Housing Authority, and is a volunteer for the Seattle Aquarium. “Go Lutes!”
Erin Swanson ’23 ’25 earned a Master of Science from PLU, began working for Seattle Housing Authority, and is a volunteer for the Seattle Aquarium. “Go Lutes!”
2010s
Becca (Frampton) Anderson ’19, ’22 and her husband, Patrick Anderson, welcomed their daughter, Evelyn Joy Anderson, into the world on May 1, 2025.
Becca (Frampton) Anderson ’19, ’22 and her husband, Patrick Anderson, welcomed their daughter, Evelyn Joy Anderson, into the world on May 1, 2025.
McKenna Morin married her best friend, Hayden Bell, in an afternoon garden ceremony on Aug. 19, 2023. Their guests were former Lutes, Megan Longstaff ’19 and Dina Longstaff ’19, Sam Carson ’19, Natalie Mooney ’19, and Kara Barkman ’19. The six women met as first-year Lutes during New Student Orientation. They stuck together through all four years, taking classes together and living in the same dorms (Stuen and South) and standing as McKenna’s maid-of-honor was Siobhan Warmer-Hinds ’19, who was McKenna’s roommate and teammate on the PLU rowing team. All the women have continued their strong friendship as PLU alumni.
McKenna Morin married her best friend, Hayden Bell, in an afternoon garden ceremony on Aug. 19, 2023. Their guests were former Lutes, Megan Longstaff ’19 and Dina Longstaff ’19, Sam Carson ’19, Natalie Mooney ’19, and Kara Barkman ’19. The six women met as first-year Lutes during New Student Orientation. They stuck together through all four years, taking classes together and living in the same dorms (Stuen and South) and standing as McKenna’s maid-of-honor was Siobhan Warmer-Hinds ’19, who was McKenna’s roommate and teammate on the PLU rowing team. All the women have continued their strong friendship as PLU alumni.
Joanna Morales graduated from Seattle University School of Law in May 2024 and recently became a bar-certified attorney.
Joanna Morales graduated from Seattle University School of Law in May 2024 and recently became a bar-certified attorney.
Grace Amsden is excited to be in her fifth year as a staff member at PLU. She began working in Student Financial Services in 2020 as the Administrative Support Assistant. In 2022, she transitioned into her current position as Program Coordinator in Alumni & Student Connections. This role includes creating registrations and emails for various events and programs — including Homecoming & Family Week, and university lectures. In spring 2025, she enjoyed a Carnival Cruise to Alaska with her boyfriend, where they visited Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, B.C. She’s grateful for her loved ones and Havanese Yorkie, Charlie.
Grace Amsden is excited to be in her fifth year as a staff member at PLU. She began working in Student Financial Services in 2020 as the Administrative Support Assistant. In 2022, she transitioned into her current position as Program Coordinator in Alumni & Student Connections. This role includes creating registrations and emails for various events and programs — including Homecoming & Family Week, and university lectures. In spring 2025, she enjoyed a Carnival Cruise to Alaska with her boyfriend, where they visited Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Victoria, B.C. She’s grateful for her loved ones and Havanese Yorkie, Charlie.
Amelia Barrett accepted a new position on the island of Oahu, working in materials testing and construction engineering. Being raised on the island, she says that it feels like she’s coming “full circle” by contributing to her community and making Oahu a better and safer place.
Amelia Barrett accepted a new position on the island of Oahu, working in materials testing and construction engineering. Being raised on the island, she says that it feels like she’s coming “full circle” by contributing to her community and making Oahu a better and safer place.
Amanda Walls was nominated for a 2024 Mid-America EMMY Award for “You Never Know,” a digital media campaign to raise awareness of fentanyl and the dangers of fake pills among Gen Z. She received this recognition alongside the creative team at Overflow, a Kansas City-based storytelling and idea adoption agency, where she works as a Senior Content Strategist.
Amanda Walls was nominated for a 2024 Mid-America EMMY Award for “You Never Know,” a digital media campaign to raise awareness of fentanyl and the dangers of fake pills among Gen Z. She received this recognition alongside the creative team at Overflow, a Kansas City-based storytelling and idea adoption agency, where she works as a Senior Content Strategist.
Eddie McCoven is hard at work earning his master’s in mass communication from the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University. Since graduating from PLU, Eddie has worked in radio and TV news in Southern California and Arizona, most recently for iHeartRadio. He’s won numerous local press club awards and earned a Golden Mike Award for Best Radio Feature Reporting.
Eddie McCoven is hard at work earning his master’s in mass communication from the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University. Since graduating from PLU, Eddie has worked in radio and TV news in Southern California and Arizona, most recently for iHeartRadio. He’s won numerous local press club awards and earned a Golden Mike Award for Best Radio Feature Reporting.
Sean and Erin (Ellersick) McFadden welcomed their son, Thomas Steven McFadden, on Dec. 23, 2024 in Honolulu, HI. Go Lutes!
Sean and Erin (Ellersick) McFadden welcomed their son, Thomas Steven McFadden, on Dec. 23, 2024 in Honolulu, HI. Go Lutes!
Sarah-lynn Bennett and Jonathan Wentz got married in July 2021. Sarah-lynn met Sadi Hager-Wentz ’17 at PLU in Choir of the West and quickly became best friends. Their families had a running joke that Sarah-lynn would marry Jon so she and Sadi would become sisters. Ten years later, it happened! Sarah-lynn and Jon traveled around the southwest U.S. for their honeymoon to the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, and Arches National Park.
Sarah-lynn Bennett and Jonathan Wentz got married in July 2021. Sarah-lynn met Sadi Hager-Wentz ’17 at PLU in Choir of the West and quickly became best friends. Their families had a running joke that Sarah-lynn would marry Jon so she and Sadi would become sisters. Ten years later, it happened! Sarah-lynn and Jon traveled around the southwest U.S. for their honeymoon to the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, and Arches National Park.
Brittany (Petersen) Nickerson and husband Tyson Nickerson, welcomed their son, Wesley, into the world.
Brittany (Petersen) Nickerson and husband Tyson Nickerson, welcomed their son, Wesley, into the world.
Mersi (Begley) Leahy and her husband, Ryan Leahy, welcomed their second son, Logan Michael, in March 2024. Big brother Luke, 4, is proud to have a new addition to the family!
Mersi (Begley) Leahy and her husband, Ryan Leahy, welcomed their second son, Logan Michael, in March 2024. Big brother Luke, 4, is proud to have a new addition to the family!
Kirk Swanson ’12 and Marta (Geldaker) Swanson ’14 welcomed their second child, Kristoffer Hans Swanson, on May 13, 2024. Kristoffer was baptized at Washington Park in Anacores (Anacortes Lutheran Church) on Aug. 18, 2024. Sponsors are Andy Berntson ’01 and Kristie Berntson.
Kirk Swanson ’12 and Marta (Geldaker) Swanson ’14 welcomed their second child, Kristoffer Hans Swanson, on May 13, 2024. Kristoffer was baptized at Washington Park in Anacores (Anacortes Lutheran Church) on Aug. 18, 2024. Sponsors are Andy Berntson ’01 and Kristie Berntson.
Kristen Ziegler-Horwath, faculty in PLU’s School of Nursing, received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. Kristen joined the School of Nursing in February 2023 and teaches in the ABSN program.
Kristen Ziegler-Horwath, faculty in PLU’s School of Nursing, received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. Kristen joined the School of Nursing in February 2023 and teaches in the ABSN program.
2000s
Kathryn (Vogel) Pimentel ’08 and Bobby Pimentel ’09 welcomed their son, Hugo Lincoln, on March 2, 2024. He joins his big sister, Claire, 6. The family now lives in St. Paul, MN.
Kathryn (Vogel) Pimentel ’08 and Bobby Pimentel ’09 welcomed their son, Hugo Lincoln, on March 2, 2024. He joins his big sister, Claire, 6. The family now lives in St. Paul, MN.
Amy Greenwood has been promoted to the highest rank of full professor of tenure at Bellevue College. After 10 years of teaching, she’s worked her way up from adjunct. Amy teaches in the Health and Physical Education Department, where she instructs all AA courses in exercise science. She also create and launched the first AA in Exercise Science and Kinesiology for the Eastside community and technical college system.
Amy Greenwood has been promoted to the highest rank of full professor of tenure at Bellevue College. After 10 years of teaching, she’s worked her way up from adjunct. Amy teaches in the Health and Physical Education Department, where she instructs all AA courses in exercise science. She also create and launched the first AA in Exercise Science and Kinesiology for the Eastside community and technical college system.
Kent Leatham was hired in 2024 as the college and career coordinator at his alma mater, Pacific Grove High School, in central coastal California. He previously taught in the school of Humanities and Communication at California State University, Monterey Bay, for nine years. He’s honored to promote opportunities for inquiry, service, leadership, care, and education to new generations of students.
Kent Leatham was hired in 2024 as the college and career coordinator at his alma mater, Pacific Grove High School, in central coastal California. He previously taught in the school of Humanities and Communication at California State University, Monterey Bay, for nine years. He’s honored to promote opportunities for inquiry, service, leadership, care, and education to new generations of students.
Gabrielle Brockman ’05 gave birth to her daughter, Fynnleigh Bea Brockman-Phillips, on April 8, 2024. She and her wife, Candace Phillips, along with their 14-year-old twins are overjoyed to have completed their family.
Gabrielle Brockman ’05 gave birth to her daughter, Fynnleigh Bea Brockman-Phillips, on April 8, 2024. She and her wife, Candace Phillips, along with their 14-year-old twins are overjoyed to have completed their family.
Tamara Lynn Schaps completed a Doctor of Education degree at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education and accepted a new job as Senior Assistant Dean at the University of California Irvine’s School of Education in August 2024.
Tamara Lynn Schaps completed a Doctor of Education degree at the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education and accepted a new job as Senior Assistant Dean at the University of California Irvine’s School of Education in August 2024.
Wescott and Martina (Isop) Collom met at PLU, got married, and celebrated their 20th anniversary in May 2025.
1990s
On July 15, 2024, Dave Quiggle was promoted to lieutenant with the Kirkland Police Department. Dave has been in law enforcement for 25 years, the past 22 with the City of Kirkland. He worked in patrol, as a detective, spent eight years on the SWAT Team, and was most recently detective sergeant. As Lieutenant, he oversees patrol and the traffic unit. He keeps in touch with his PLU baseball teammates and favorite professor, Dr. Anna Leon-Guerrero. Dave and his wife, Valerie, have two children: Ty, a junior baseball player at Whitworth, and Hailey, an incoming freshman on the women’s basketball team at UPS next year.
On July 15, 2024, Dave Quiggle was promoted to lieutenant with the Kirkland Police Department. Dave has been in law enforcement for 25 years, the past 22 with the City of Kirkland. He worked in patrol, as a detective, spent eight years on the SWAT Team, and was most recently detective sergeant. As Lieutenant, he oversees patrol and the traffic unit. He keeps in touch with his PLU baseball teammates and favorite professor, Dr. Anna Leon-Guerrero. Dave and his wife, Valerie, have two children: Ty, a junior baseball player at Whitworth, and Hailey, an incoming freshman on the women’s basketball team at UPS next year.
Keith Dussell is the new Associate Director of Administrative Services at the Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon. He reachedhis fifth anniversary at the University of Oregon. This summer, he went to Lisbon, Portugal to attend the wedding of PLU alum, Kevin Simison ’11. To take the next steps in his career, Keith was accepted to the Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) program at Oregon State University and is starting in the fall. / PHOTO: Kevin Simison ’11, Keith Dussell ’97, and Cory Christian ’00 visiting Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) on the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
Keith Dussell is the new Associate Director of Administrative Services at the Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon. He reachedhis fifth anniversary at the University of Oregon. This summer, he went to Lisbon, Portugal to attend the wedding of PLU alum, Kevin Simison ’11. To take the next steps in his career, Keith was accepted to the Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) program at Oregon State University and is starting in the fall. / PHOTO: Kevin Simison ’11, Keith Dussell ’97, and Cory Christian ’00 visiting Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) on the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
Jamie (Anderson) Passaro, an obituary writer based in Eugene, OR, launched a new memorial platform called Elegy with her web developer husband, Bob. Elegy is a home for obituaries and other memorial tributes, with photo galleries, playlists, and commenting similar to social media.
Jamie (Anderson) Passaro, an obituary writer based in Eugene, OR, launched a new memorial platform called Elegy with her web developer husband, Bob. Elegy is a home for obituaries and other memorial tributes, with photo galleries, playlists, and commenting similar to social media.
Mark Bly, who attended PLU from 1993-1996, died unexpectedly on May 3, 2025 at 50 years old. A memorial service was held on Aug. 22, 2025 at Abiding Hope Church in Littleton, CO. Mark is survived by his wife, Lindee Glandon ’99, sons Nolan (22) and Wyatt (19), and daughter Evelyn (16).
Mark Bly, who attended PLU from 1993-1996, died unexpectedly on May 3, 2025 at 50 years old. A memorial service was held on Aug. 22, 2025 at Abiding Hope Church in Littleton, CO. Mark is survived by his wife, Lindee Glandon ’99, sons Nolan (22) and Wyatt (19), and daughter Evelyn (16).
Jim Morrell was appointed to America’s Credit Unions trade association to represent the United States on the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) Board of Directors. WOCCU works to advance financial inclusion through the credit union and cooperative model by engaging in international advocacy, development, education, and networking that empowers underserved populations and promotes more equitable and resilient communities.
Jim Morrell was appointed to America’s Credit Unions trade association to represent the United States on the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) Board of Directors. WOCCU works to advance financial inclusion through the credit union and cooperative model by engaging in international advocacy, development, education, and networking that empowers underserved populations and promotes more equitable and resilient communities.
Julie Birdsell-Funfar completed her Masters of Education in Career and Technical Education from Eastern Washington University. She will use this new degree and administration certificate to take on a new role at Zillah High School, where she’s taught business and technology for the past three years, as the CTE Coordinator in addition to her teaching responsibilities. Julie is happily settled in the Yakima Valley with her partner, Doug.
Julie Birdsell-Funfar completed her Masters of Education in Career and Technical Education from Eastern Washington University. She will use this new degree and administration certificate to take on a new role at Zillah High School, where she’s taught business and technology for the past three years, as the CTE Coordinator in addition to her teaching responsibilities. Julie is happily settled in the Yakima Valley with her partner, Doug.
1980s
Lisa Ottoson and Ryan Wilson were married on Dec. 31, 2022. Amid caring for her parents, and fighting cancer in her own right, Lisa and Ryan finally got to take their honeymoon. Though not for everyone, they traveled to Iceland in February 2025, for a 10-day road trip around the Ring Road.
Lisa Ottoson and Ryan Wilson were married on Dec. 31, 2022. Amid caring for her parents, and fighting cancer in her own right, Lisa and Ryan finally got to take their honeymoon. Though not for everyone, they traveled to Iceland in February 2025, for a 10-day road trip around the Ring Road.
On a recent family vacation to Japan, Michael Swan and his family met their guide in Odawara, Japan. Koto Okugawa introduced herself and said she studied college in Tacoma, WA and asked, “Have you heard of Pacific Lutheran University?” Michael said the look on his face must have “told it all.” It turns out they were just one cycle off, as he graduated with the Class of ’86 and Koto, the Class of ’90! “Small world Lutes!”
On a recent family vacation to Japan, Michael Swan and his family met their guide in Odawara, Japan. Koto Okugawa introduced herself and said she studied college in Tacoma, WA and asked, “Have you heard of Pacific Lutheran University?” Michael said the look on his face must have “told it all.” It turns out they were just one cycle off, as he graduated with the Class of ’86 and Koto, the Class of ’90! “Small world Lutes!”
Kathleen Martin was hired by the Job Carr Museum as a Living Historical Performer. She passes on the history of Job Carr (first Mayor of Tacoma), the Oregon Trail, and history of Tacoma and Steilacoom. She portrays Estelle Bradish Woods Mann, the first journalist, city editor, town clerk, florist, and Tacoma press representative for the circuit court in Steilacoom in the 1880’s, and first woman to serve on a jury. This means a lot to Kathleen, who was born and raised in Tacoma. As a Broadcast Journalism major from PLU, she feels honored to play the first woman journalist in Tacoma!
This past year, Curt Christiansen was promoted to executive director of Alaska Community Development Corp. (ACDC), a nonprofit housing agency serving much of Alaska with various programs for low and moderate-income families. Curt has been with ACDC for 32 years, most recently as housing program manager. The office is located in his hometown of Palmer, AK.
Lisa T. Bellard is a staff attorney with the Homeless Action Center in Oakland, CA. She assists unhoused, disabled, and low-income clients in accessing Social Security and other social benefits. She also enjoys writing; her book “Bottoms Up!” is a murder mystery set in San Francisco. In September 2024, she and her husband, George, and her brother Tony, attended the 45th Lincoln High School reunion, Class of 1979. In October 2025, she and her husband will go on a bucket-list trip to Egypt.
Lisa T. Bellard is a staff attorney with the Homeless Action Center in Oakland, CA. She assists unhoused, disabled, and low-income clients in accessing Social Security and other social benefits. She also enjoys writing; her book “Bottoms Up!” is a murder mystery set in San Francisco. In September 2024, she and her husband, George, and her brother Tony, attended the 45th Lincoln High School reunion, Class of 1979. In October 2025, she and her husband will go on a bucket-list trip to Egypt.
Mark Hester released his first published book, “A Sterling Life; John Danz, Seattle Theatre Pioneer and a Grandson’s Journey of Discovery.” At age 55, he began a journey of discovery. Although he knew who his ancestors were, he decided to take a DNA test, presuming it would produce nothing new or surprising. His results showed he was 25% Jewish. He’d spent 40 years researching his family history with no hint of any ancestor being Jewish. What happened next changed his life forever.
Mark Hester released his first published book, “A Sterling Life; John Danz, Seattle Theatre Pioneer and a Grandson’s Journey of Discovery.” At age 55, he began a journey of discovery. Although he knew who his ancestors were, he decided to take a DNA test, presuming it would produce nothing new or surprising. His results showed he was 25% Jewish. He’d spent 40 years researching his family history with no hint of any ancestor being Jewish. What happened next changed his life forever.
Barbara (Lucker) Conway and her husband, Jim Conway — who celebrated their first wedding anniversary on May 4 — opened a restaurant that features live jazz music. Conway’s House of Jazz is in Clackamas, OR. After teaching music and general education since 1983, she’s enjoying a new life as a business owner. PLU alumni Lisa Dae ’84 has performed at Conway’s.
Fahed Al-Mulhim, who earned his bachelor degree at PLU, is now the CEO of two companies and member of five non- profit organizations. He has six children and six grandchildren.
Fahed Al-Mulhim, who earned his bachelor degree at PLU, is now the CEO of two companies and member of five non- profit organizations. He has six children and six grandchildren.
Dr. Carl Knox, Dr. Sally Hewett, and Dr. Mick Ziegler, proud 1980 PLU alumni, gathered at the 40-year reunion of the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle.
Dr. Carl Knox, Dr. Sally Hewett, and Dr. Mick Ziegler, proud 1980 PLU alumni, gathered at the 40-year reunion of the University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle.
1970s
Prentis V. Johnson, Ph.D., ThD was installed as Diocesan Bishop of the Far East District Council 52nd Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. The Far East District Council consists of Japan, South Korea, Guam, and Okinawa. The official dedication and consecration service was held on June 27, 2025.
Prentis V. Johnson, Ph.D., ThD was installed as Diocesan Bishop of the Far East District Council 52nd Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. The Far East District Council consists of Japan, South Korea, Guam, and Okinawa. The official dedication and consecration service was held on June 27, 2025.
Luke Johnson retired after 46 wonderful years of teaching elementary school for the Lake Washington School District in Kirkland and Redmond, WA. His career retrospective essay is on the Opinion page at Seattletimes.com in the June 14, 2024, edition.
Luke Johnson retired after 46 wonderful years of teaching elementary school for the Lake Washington School District in Kirkland and Redmond, WA. His career retrospective essay is on the Opinion page at Seattletimes.com in the June 14, 2024, edition.
Alumni Lutes reunited in Tumwater, WA in August 2024. Pictured from left to right: Dan Hauge ’78 and Laurie (McDougall) Hauge ’78 of Minneapolis MN; Cynthia (Pruitt) Dickinson and Pat Dickinson ’81 of Edmonds, WA; Ruth (Swenson) Brotherston ’79 and Stuart Brotherston ’79 of Tumwater, WA; Joan (Wagner) Johnson ’79 of Kent, WA; Brian Massey ’80 of Redondo Beach, CA; Janet Haslerud-Bergen ’78 of Torrance, CA; Jeanette (Goodnow) Zaichkin ’78 and Dana Zaichkin ’80 of Harstine Island, WA; and Cary (Sheekley) Baker ’78 of Bonney Lake, WA
Alumni Lutes reunited in Tumwater, WA in August 2024. Pictured from left to right: Dan Hauge ’78 and Laurie (McDougall) Hauge ’78 of Minneapolis MN; Cynthia (Pruitt) Dickinson and Pat Dickinson ’81 of Edmonds, WA; Ruth (Swenson) Brotherston ’79 and Stuart Brotherston ’79 of Tumwater, WA; Joan (Wagner) Johnson ’79 of Kent, WA; Brian Massey ’80 of Redondo Beach, CA; Janet Haslerud-Bergen ’78 of Torrance, CA; Jeanette (Goodnow) Zaichkin ’78 and Dana Zaichkin ’80 of Harstine Island, WA; and Cary (Sheekley) Baker ’78 of Bonney Lake, WA
Dr. Randall Fowler retired from emergency medicine after 42 years as a physician. He volunteers with the Medical Reserve Corps, serves as Doctor Patrol at Grand Targhee Ski Resort, and most recently a volunteer firefighter. He celebrated retirement and 42 years of marriage to Keri Lu by spending 10 days in French Polynesia. He has great memories of PLU!
Dr. Randall Fowler retired from emergency medicine after 42 years as a physician. He volunteers with the Medical Reserve Corps, serves as Doctor Patrol at Grand Targhee Ski Resort, and most recently a volunteer firefighter. He celebrated retirement and 42 years of marriage to Keri Lu by spending 10 days in French Polynesia. He has great memories of PLU!
Bruce and Erma (Hennessey) Hoffman, along with Dale Perry ’78, joined forces in October 2024 to dismantle the hard drives from some of Dale’s old laptops. They decided to remove the keys to spell the names of their grandchildren. Bruce and Erma successfully secured the T, H, E, and O keys for their only grandchild, while Dale struggled to find the right keys (and remember the names) of his seven grandchildren: Lola, Alister, Matthew, Elle, Francis, Nell, and Noah. He lamented that Ben Perry ’09 and Sam Perry ’14 didn’t go along with his name recommendations of “Tab, Caps Lock, Backspace, and Delete.”
W. Preston Woodall, Jr., D.O. was ordained Sept. 1, 2024 as a Minister of Word & Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church, U.S. He’ll be serving primarily Bethany Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, and First Presbyterian Church, Puyallup. Preston received his Master of Divinity degree from the School of Theology & Ministry, at Seattle University. This second career follows a career of caregiving as a physician in the U.S. Air Force and fulfills a fifty-year aspiration from his PLU days when he studied both pre-med and pre seminary coursework. “To God be the glory.”
Edwin Gilven, author of “Constance Ann in Avenue Street,” received second place at the fall 2024 BookFest Awards. His book “Short Stories Still Exist” also earned second place at the spring 2025 BookFest Awards.
William Arthur Hanrahan died on Sept. 29, 2024, in Venice, CA, after battling Parkinson’s and pneumonia. Born on March 12, 1953, in Scobey, MT, he was the youngest child of Glenn and Ruth Hanrahan. Bill graduated from Scobey High School and attended PLU. He earned degrees in vocal performance and applied psychology and taught at University of California, Riverside, and the Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. He continued voice coaching until shortly before his passing. Bill is survived by his partner, Paul Baker, and family.
William Arthur Hanrahan died on Sept. 29, 2024, in Venice, CA, after battling Parkinson’s and pneumonia. Born on March 12, 1953, in Scobey, MT, he was the youngest child of Glenn and Ruth Hanrahan. Bill graduated from Scobey High School and attended PLU. He earned degrees in vocal performance and applied psychology and taught at University of California, Riverside, and the Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. He continued voice coaching until shortly before his passing. Bill is survived by his partner, Paul Baker, and family.
Pastor Dennis Andersen continues to serve as Dean of the Virginia Synod’s Richmond Conference. He also chairs the Historic Preservation Committee of the Victorian Society in America.
Jon “Skip” Miller and Solveig (Sally Paulson) Miller now live in Spokane, where they moved in 2018 after Jon retired from teaching economics at the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID, having spent the last 28 years of a 43-year academic career there. His recent book is titled, “Economics for Normal People: An Economist’s Memoir.”
1960s
The Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse recently had his sixth book published by Chalice Press, “A Journey Called Hope: Immigrant Stories and the American Dream.” Rick is a semi-retired Lutheran pastor/professor who is a spiritual director, speaker, and does part-time teaching. He lives with his wife, Beth Lewis, in Mukilteo, WA.
The Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse recently had his sixth book published by Chalice Press, “A Journey Called Hope: Immigrant Stories and the American Dream.” Rick is a semi-retired Lutheran pastor/professor who is a spiritual director, speaker, and does part-time teaching. He lives with his wife, Beth Lewis, in Mukilteo, WA.
Dr. Ken Bakken died on Oct. 12, 2024. He sang in the PLU Chorale and was president of the Norsk Klubb. He was an author, speaker, and had a thriving medical practice. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Appelo ’71, and son, Trygve.
Dr. Ken Bakken died on Oct. 12, 2024. He sang in the PLU Chorale and was president of the Norsk Klubb. He was an author, speaker, and had a thriving medical practice. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Appelo ’71, and son, Trygve.
Jack Kintner was awarded second place statewide in general news photography by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association for 2021. His photo selected for the prize showed a couple whose wedding had been postponed at the last minute by the sudden COVID border closure. The couple is less than 10 feet from each other, talking across the ditch that marks the U.S. – Canada border, but neither is allowed to cross. Kintner was ordained in 1971 after attending Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He served in Michigan, Washington, and British Columbia for 30 years until retiring to change careers to photojournalism.
Jack Kintner was awarded second place statewide in general news photography by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association for 2021. His photo selected for the prize showed a couple whose wedding had been postponed at the last minute by the sudden COVID border closure. The couple is less than 10 feet from each other, talking across the ditch that marks the U.S. – Canada border, but neither is allowed to cross. Kintner was ordained in 1971 after attending Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He served in Michigan, Washington, and British Columbia for 30 years until retiring to change careers to photojournalism.
Former PLU alumni and basketball players gathered in Las Vegas in March 2025 and attended several basketball games, including the championship game of the West Coast Conference, with Gonzaga defeating St. Mary’s. Pictured left to right are Tom Lorentzsen ’67, Jonathan Nesvig ’67, Neal Andersen ’74, and brother Mark Andersen ’67. Not pictured are Bruce Willis, Jr. ’72, Randy Leeland ’74, Terry Finseth ’72 and Dale Soden ’73. Randy and Neal organized the gathering; Tuscany Suites & Casino made the shirts for them.
Former PLU alumni and basketball players gathered in Las Vegas in March 2025 and attended several basketball games, including the championship game of the West Coast Conference, with Gonzaga defeating St. Mary’s. Pictured left to right are Tom Lorentzsen ’67, Jonathan Nesvig ’67, Neal Andersen ’74, and brother Mark Andersen ’67. Not pictured are Bruce Willis, Jr. ’72, Randy Leeland ’74, Terry Finseth ’72 and Dale Soden ’73. Randy and Neal organized the gathering; Tuscany Suites & Casino made the shirts for them.
David C. Nelson of Edmonds, WA died on Jan. 14, 2025. David earned a BA in Business Administration in the first class of the new business school in June 1965. He was a sales rep for Johns Manville, ZBrick and other building material companies before starting his own remodeling business of more than 35 years.
After 42 years, Jon and Jean (Riggers) Malmin have retired as director and accompanist of the Normanna Male Chorus of Tacoma. Jon served as director-in-chief of the Pacific Coast Norwegian Singers Association six times and music director for three tours of Norway. Jon and Jean were class reps to the alumni council several years and currently serve on the Scandinavian Cultural Council Board, where they received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Several Lutes are members of the Chorus: Don Ellingson ’55, Dave Stein ’65, Doug Wright ’69, Gary Hagen ’65, Dave Bennett ’73, Pete
Peterson ’86, and Chase Alm ’21, the new director of the Chorus.
Lynda Peterson of Berkeley, CA, died at age 83 in July 2024. She received her Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University. She’s survived by her two sons.
Serena (Hopp) Moore, 84, died peacefully following a long battle with dementia on April 17, 2025. She was born June 14, 1940 in Kellogg, ID, the daughter of the late Rev. John Hopp and Margaret Hopp. She was predeceased by former husband, Robert Moore ’62, and brother, Peter Hopp. She graduated from Bothell High School and PLU. Serena was an elementary and music teacher for many years at Our Saviour’s School in Forestville, MD. She served as an organist and choir director at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Temple Hills, MD, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA, and Oxon Hill Lutheran Church, MD.
Serena (Hopp) Moore, 84, died peacefully following a long battle with dementia on April 17, 2025. She was born June 14, 1940 in Kellogg, ID, the daughter of the late Rev. John Hopp and Margaret Hopp. She was predeceased by former husband, Robert Moore ’62, and brother, Peter Hopp. She graduated from Bothell High School and PLU. Serena was an elementary and music teacher for many years at Our Saviour’s School in Forestville, MD. She served as an organist and choir director at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Temple Hills, MD, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA, and Oxon Hill Lutheran Church, MD.