2020s
Catherine Ballestrasse was hired as the band director for the South Whidbey School District. She began her musical career at South Whidbey from grades 5-12 under the direction of the band director, Chris Harshman, who recently retired.
Catherine Ballestrasse was hired as the band director for the South Whidbey School District. She began her musical career at South Whidbey from grades 5-12 under the direction of the band director, Chris Harshman, who recently retired.
2010s
Eddie McCoven graduated from Arizona State University with a master of mass communication in August 2025. He now teaches journalism at ASU and is a traffic anchor and producer for KFNX-AM in Phoenix.
Eddie McCoven graduated from Arizona State University with a master of mass communication in August 2025. He now teaches journalism at ASU and is a traffic anchor and producer for KFNX-AM in Phoenix.
Shelby Daly graduated in December 2025 from Florida International University with a Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) and a concentration in entrepreneurship, leadership, and globalization.
Shelby Daly graduated in December 2025 from Florida International University with a Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) and a concentration in entrepreneurship, leadership, and globalization.
Mark Rud recently relocated to Ellensburg, WA, where he accepted a position with the City of Ellensburg as an Associate Planner.
2000s
Tove Tupper, APR, was named Washington State School Communicator of the Year. As chief communications officer for Highline Public Schools, she leads districtwide communications and serves as a key advisor to leadership. She was recognized for her clear, steady leadership during crises, commitment to transparent and accessible communication, and ability to build trust and engagement with students, families and the broader community.
Tove Tupper, APR, was named Washington State School Communicator of the Year. As chief communications officer for Highline Public Schools, she leads districtwide communications and serves as a key advisor to leadership. She was recognized for her clear, steady leadership during crises, commitment to transparent and accessible communication, and ability to build trust and engagement with students, families and the broader community.
Christof James Spitzer, a graduate of PLU and son of Randy Spitzer ’74 and Laurie Spitzer ’72, died unexpectedly on March 31, 2025.
Ulrika Leback and Jenny Johnston-Coleman met in 1998 at PLU while living in Harstad Hall as students, and both graduated in 2001. Nearly 30 years later, they remain the best of friends — talking regularly and reuniting about once a year, despite living half a world apart. They met in Italy in July 2025, where they explored Tuscany and Ischia together.
Ulrika Leback and Jenny Johnston-Coleman met in 1998 at PLU while living in Harstad Hall as students, and both graduated in 2001. Nearly 30 years later, they remain the best of friends — talking regularly and reuniting about once a year, despite living half a world apart. They met in Italy in July 2025, where they explored Tuscany and Ischia together.
Sara (Simpson) Drebis died on Feb. 6, 2026. Born in San Diego on Aug. 22, 1976, she graduated from Shelton High School in 1994 and earned a cum laude BSN in Nursing from PLU in 2000. With more than 20 years in nursing, her professionalism, compassion, and warmth earned the respect of colleagues and patients alike. Sara loved traveling to Kauai, spending time near the water, and working in her yard. She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Faye Simpson Lerner; father, Richard Henderson; and husband, Courtney Drebis. She is survived by extended family and close friends.
Sara (Simpson) Drebis died on Feb. 6, 2026. Born in San Diego on Aug. 22, 1976, she graduated from Shelton High School in 1994 and earned a cum laude BSN in Nursing from PLU in 2000. With more than 20 years in nursing, her professionalism, compassion, and warmth earned the respect of colleagues and patients alike. Sara loved traveling to Kauai, spending time near the water, and working in her yard. She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Faye Simpson Lerner; father, Richard Henderson; and husband, Courtney Drebis. She is survived by extended family and close friends.
Greg Allen-Pickett was called as senior pastor of Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, the largest Presbyterian Church in Oregon, in August 2026. He spent the last nine years as the Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, Nebraska, where he also served on the Board of Trustees of Hastings College. In 2026, he published “Purple Church, Red State: Finding Common Ground in
an Age of Polarization” with Wipf and Stock. He speaks on the topics of reconciliation and building the beloved community at churches and events around the U.S.
1990s
Julie Ann Johnston was promoted to Health & Human Services Manager in February 2026 for the City of Covington. Julie has worked for the City of Covington for the past 10 years.
Melissa Dreyer and Marianne Danielsen ’00 started a podcast together called Chatting Overseas, where they discuss and compare what it’s like to be a woman living today in the U.S. vs Norway.
Melissa Dreyer and Marianne Danielsen ’00 started a podcast together called Chatting Overseas, where they discuss and compare what it’s like to be a woman living today in the U.S. vs Norway.
Bethel Cope-Vega was named California’s Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year, a statewide title awarded by the elected DAs in California, for her advocacy against child abuse and torture. She’s been recognized as a statewide expert in abusive head trauma, prosecuting the most serious cases of child abuse, torture, and homicide. She also wrote AB1094, making child torture its own crime in California, and testified before the legislature twice this year. After college, she taught high school in Compton, CA, with Teach For America, where she realized her mandate to fight for the vulnerable and voiceless.
Bethel Cope-Vega was named California’s Outstanding Prosecutor of the Year, a statewide title awarded by the elected DAs in California, for her advocacy against child abuse and torture. She’s been recognized as a statewide expert in abusive head trauma, prosecuting the most serious cases of child abuse, torture, and homicide. She also wrote AB1094, making child torture its own crime in California, and testified before the legislature twice this year. After college, she taught high school in Compton, CA, with Teach For America, where she realized her mandate to fight for the vulnerable and voiceless.
Joel I. Larson earned a Ph.D. in Information Technology (Information Assurance & Cybersecurity) from Capella University in 2025. His dissertation examined how technology executives at U.S. public R1 universities apply risk management strategies in response to shadow IT. Joel serves as Director of IT Support, Networking & Disaster Recovery at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Kalamazoo, MI). He shared his findings with higher-education peers, including a poster at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in October 2025. Grateful for his PLU foundation, Joel welcomes fellow Lutes to connect.
After 27 years of dedicated public service, Jamie Bredstrand has officially retired. Jamie began her career with Snohomish County 911 and later served 18 years as a Records Support Technician with the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. Her husband, Jeffrey, also retired after a 25½-year career as a firefighter with the Seattle Fire Department. The Bredstrands have relocated to Hustonville, KY, where they look forward to a well-earned retirement and a new chapter of life filled with adventures, community, and relaxation.
Kerri Schroeder has accepted a new role as Managing Director, Northwest Region Chairwoman and head of Commercial Banking at JP Morgan Chase. Based in Seattle, Schroeder leads a team of banking professionals with disciplines in domestic and global treasury, credit products, liquidity management, investment banking, international trade, foreign exchange and capital markets; delivering comprehensive solutions and strategic guidance to clients in WA, OR, ID, AK, MT and WY. In addition to her role at JP Morgan, Schroeder holds leadership positions on the boards of Challenge Seattle, the Washington Roundtable, Greater Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Evergreen Goodwill Industries.
Kerri Schroeder has accepted a new role as Managing Director, Northwest Region Chairwoman and head of Commercial Banking at JP Morgan Chase. Based in Seattle, Schroeder leads a team of banking professionals with disciplines in domestic and global treasury, credit products, liquidity management, investment banking, international trade, foreign exchange and capital markets; delivering comprehensive solutions and strategic guidance to clients in WA, OR, ID, AK, MT and WY. In addition to her role at JP Morgan, Schroeder holds leadership positions on the boards of Challenge Seattle, the Washington Roundtable, Greater Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Evergreen Goodwill Industries.
1980s
David C. Rosdahl started his 36th year working for the Puyallup School District. For the past 15 years, David has worked as a school counselor at all three levels as well as served as the secondary counseling lead for many of those years. This will be David’s fourth year working at Glacier View Junior High. He lives on South Hill in Puyallup, WA.
David C. Rosdahl started his 36th year working for the Puyallup School District. For the past 15 years, David has worked as a school counselor at all three levels as well as served as the secondary counseling lead for many of those years. This will be David’s fourth year working at Glacier View Junior High. He lives on South Hill in Puyallup, WA.
In October 2025, PLU alumna, PLU Regent, and ELCA Northwest Washington Synod Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee joined past Regent and ELCA Northwest Intermountain Synod Bishop, Meggan Manlove, in sharing some Lute Love with Bishop Yehiel Curry, the newly elected Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
In October 2025, PLU alumna, PLU Regent, and ELCA Northwest Washington Synod Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee joined past Regent and ELCA Northwest Intermountain Synod Bishop, Meggan Manlove, in sharing some Lute Love with Bishop Yehiel Curry, the newly elected Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Rob Walker started a new job as the Finance Director for the City of Dayton, OR. He and his wife, Kari (Rusth) Walker ‘86, also celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. They’ve lived in the same home in Sherwood, OR for the past 28 years. They have two adopted children: Zach, 30, and Alyssa, 27.
Rob Walker started a new job as the Finance Director for the City of Dayton, OR. He and his wife, Kari (Rusth) Walker ‘86, also celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. They’ve lived in the same home in Sherwood, OR for the past 28 years. They have two adopted children: Zach, 30, and Alyssa, 27.
1970s
Bruce Hoffman and Dale Perry ’78 celebrated the 50th anniversary of being roommates at PLU (Alpine House in Tinglestad) by cruising down the Danube through the former Soviet Block countries in Eastern Europe. They convinced their wives, Betty Perry and Erma (Hennessey) Hoffman ’77 that they were celebrating their 47th (Hoffman) and 40th (Perry) anniversaries. Bruce said that touring countries under the former Soviet Union reminded them of how important it is to live free of an autocratic dictator.
Bruce Hoffman and Dale Perry ’78 celebrated the 50th anniversary of being roommates at PLU (Alpine House in Tinglestad) by cruising down the Danube through the former Soviet Block countries in Eastern Europe. They convinced their wives, Betty Perry and Erma (Hennessey) Hoffman ’77 that they were celebrating their 47th (Hoffman) and 40th (Perry) anniversaries. Bruce said that touring countries under the former Soviet Union reminded them of how important it is to live free of an autocratic dictator.
Susan (Wark) Amondson went on a 500-mile trek across northern Spain on El Camino de Santiago.
Susan (Wark) Amondson went on a 500-mile trek across northern Spain on El Camino de Santiago.
Lela (Holbrook) Eisenbacher died on Feb. 24, 2026. She is survived by her spouse, Mike Eisenbacher.
Linda Gardner-Crandall has been named vice president of the Triangle Calligraphers’ Guild in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In this role, she helps facilitate monthly programs, operational governance, and promote artistic growth among members and the community. Linda does freelance marketing communication work and is active on her Lutheran church’s Human Care Committee, which distributes funds to local charities.
Linda (Stone) Mettler died on Dec. 31, 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from PLU, and started her teaching career at Eatonville Elementary School. She was married to Frank “Sonny” Mettler in 1978 after being introduced on a blind date. They moved to Glenoma, where Linda taught at Glenoma Elementary School. In 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Sunny (Mettler) Evans ’05. Linda had a passion for music and played the piano and organ at church. Linda and Sonny managed the “Morton Loggers Jubilee” annually in August. Linda also enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling with family and friends, and time spent with her two granddaughters.
Linda (Stone) Mettler died on Dec. 31, 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from PLU, and started her teaching career at Eatonville Elementary School. She was married to Frank “Sonny” Mettler in 1978 after being introduced on a blind date. They moved to Glenoma, where Linda taught at Glenoma Elementary School. In 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Sunny (Mettler) Evans ’05. Linda had a passion for music and played the piano and organ at church. Linda and Sonny managed the “Morton Loggers Jubilee” annually in August. Linda also enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling with family and friends, and time spent with her two granddaughters.
Allen (Al) Meeds died Nov. 6, 2025. He was born on Aug. 21, 1950 in Colville, WA. Al elected to attend PLU after graduating from Newport High School, where he met his life-long love, Sharon. Al was very involved in church, no matter where; he led youth groups for 30 years, and at Browns Point United Methodist Church helped lead the ‘Easy Writers’ group as they all became better writers, serving as lay leader and then leading staff-parish relations. Camping ministries were important and he served on the camping board of stewards while starting and running his own consulting company after retirement from 40 years with State Farm Fire Co. Al is survived by Sharon, his beloved spouse, and daughter, Brie Blackstone.
Allen (Al) Meeds died Nov. 6, 2025. He was born on Aug. 21, 1950 in Colville, WA. Al elected to attend PLU after graduating from Newport High School, where he met his life-long love, Sharon. Al was very involved in church, no matter where; he led youth groups for 30 years, and at Browns Point United Methodist Church helped lead the ‘Easy Writers’ group as they all became better writers, serving as lay leader and then leading staff-parish relations. Camping ministries were important and he served on the camping board of stewards while starting and running his own consulting company after retirement from 40 years with State Farm Fire Co. Al is survived by Sharon, his beloved spouse, and daughter, Brie Blackstone.
Bruce Edward Ludeman died in July 2023 from pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Johnson) Ludeman ‘74.
Rick Eastman (Somers, MT) married Mary Geisler ’74 (Gresham, OR) on Dec. 28, 1975. This year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends at their church, Living Hope Lutheran Church in Kent, WA with the party continuing at their home also in Kent. Rick retired from PLU administration in 2012. Mary retired from teaching in 2018. “God has blessed us with a community of believers who practice God’s commandment to Love One Another.”
1960s
Gary Beard, a Boeing employee for the past 17 years, has taken a new position with the company in Seattle as a 737 senior technical pilot. Gary and his wife, Jane, have celebrated 51 years of marriage. The couple has five children and six grandchildren. Both of their daughters, Rebecca Sherwood ’00 and Katherine Diko ’05, are PLU alumni.
Barbara K. (Erickson) Edmonds died unexpectedly on Jan. 5, 2025 at her home in Puyallup, WA. She was born May 14, 1942 in Washington, D.C., to Alden and Alma Erickson. Barb graduated from Wilson HS in Tacoma in 1960 and PLU in 1964. She married Ken Edmonds ’64, ’66 that same year and began a long teaching career in Tacoma, Libby, MT, and Puyallup. She loved to read, travel, and participate in church choir and Bible study. Barb and Ken enjoyed a wonderful 60 year relationship. She is survived by Ken, daughter Kari (Edmonds) Leppell ’92, son Jacob, and granddaughter Chandler.
Barbara K. (Erickson) Edmonds died unexpectedly on Jan. 5, 2025 at her home in Puyallup, WA. She was born May 14, 1942 in Washington, D.C., to Alden and Alma Erickson. Barb graduated from Wilson HS in Tacoma in 1960 and PLU in 1964. She married Ken Edmonds ’64, ’66 that same year and began a long teaching career in Tacoma, Libby, MT, and Puyallup. She loved to read, travel, and participate in church choir and Bible study. Barb and Ken enjoyed a wonderful 60 year relationship. She is survived by Ken, daughter Kari (Edmonds) Leppell ’92, son Jacob, and granddaughter Chandler.
1950s
Solveig Lee died on Sept. 30, 2025. She was born Nov. 5, 1935, in Bellingham and grew up on her family’s farm. A 1954 graduate of Ferndale High School, she later taught in the Seattle School District for more than 30 years. Solveig loved music — she learned to play the violin and performed in orchestras and choruses throughout her life. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she helped found the Ballard Historical Society and supported the Nordic Heritage Museum. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a member of Fir-Conway Lutheran Church.
Lina (Taber) Hoffenbacker, a PLU School of Nursing graduate, died on July 9, 2025. Her husband, Gordon Hoffenbacker ’58, a PLU School of Business graduate, died on Jan. 16, 2026. On March 30, 2025, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. They are survived by their three children and one granddaughter.
Donald L. Tigges died on March 30, 2026 at age 97. After earning his B.A. in 1955, Tigges served in the U.S. Army and then entered Lutheran ministry, devoting 35 years to pastoral service in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. While in the seminary, he met his wife, Bette Ann Braun, and they married in August of 1957. He is survived by his four children — Faith Roberts, Joy Tigges, Dana Meyer ’85, and Jon Tigges ’86 — as well as 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Carol (Paul) Russell passed away in January 2025. She graduated magna cum laude from PLU with a BAE degree and began her career teaching elementary school in the Peninsula School District. In 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Russell, and together they moved during his U.S. Air Force career, living in several states. They raised three children and were active in church and scouting. After Jim’s retirement as a colonel in 1980, they returned to the Puget Sound area, where Carol tutored children with special needs and volunteered extensively.
Carol (Paul) Russell passed away in January 2025. She graduated magna cum laude from PLU with a BAE degree and began her career teaching elementary school in the Peninsula School District. In 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Russell, and together they moved during his U.S. Air Force career, living in several states. They raised three children and were active in church and scouting. After Jim’s retirement as a colonel in 1980, they returned to the Puget Sound area, where Carol tutored children with special needs and volunteered extensively.
Richard James Borrud (born June 3, 1932) earned degrees from Los Angeles City College, Pacific Lutheran College, Luther Seminary (M.Div., 1957), South Dakota State University, and the University of Southern California. He married Cynthia Sellman in 1955 and they have four children: Julie, Heidi, Charles, and James. An American Lutheran Church pastor for 30 years, he emphasized youth camping — developing Lee Valley Ranch in the Black Hills, which hosted 28,000 campers over 44 summers. He also served as a campus pastor, taught at the college level, acted on television show Thru the Porthole, played the tuba, was an airplane owner and pilot for 45 years, and practiced mechanical skills as well as candlemaking.
Richard James Borrud (born June 3, 1932) earned degrees from Los Angeles City College, Pacific Lutheran College, Luther Seminary (M.Div., 1957), South Dakota State University, and the University of Southern California. He married Cynthia Sellman in 1955 and they have four children: Julie, Heidi, Charles, and James. An American Lutheran Church pastor for 30 years, he emphasized youth camping — developing Lee Valley Ranch in the Black Hills, which hosted 28,000 campers over 44 summers. He also served as a campus pastor, taught at the college level, acted on television show Thru the Porthole, played the tuba, was an airplane owner and pilot for 45 years, and practiced mechanical skills as well as candlemaking.