A special message from President Belton

To: The PLU Community
From: PLU President Allan Belton

To say it has been an unusual spring semester at PLU would be an understatement. Thank you to all of the alumni and friends who have shared encouragement and offered support during this unprecedented season of COVID-19.

As we’ve worked together these past few weeks to ensure the well-being of our community, I’ve been inspired by the fortitude, empathy, and resolute spirit of our students, faculty, staff and friends. Our global Lute community has united in a remarkable way to support each other emotionally, implement a wide variety of health and safety measures, and continue our teaching and learning.

This won’t be the spring anyone imagined. Earlier this week, we made the difficult decision to extend remote learning through the end of the term. Many students have left campus, and many still remain. PLU truly is home for many of our students, and so residence halls, dining services, campus health center, and other essential student services will remain open. Upcoming concerts, athletic competitions, guest lectures and on-campus gatherings have been canceled or postponed.

We must all find new ways in this new reality to connect and care.

Despite the many unexpected realities of this spring, PLU remains PLU. Our faculty members and students are leaning into remote learning. Our staff, though largely working from their homes, continue to serve. And many friends like you have reached out to see how you might best help.

In response to this question, “How best can we help?” I would say, simply, “By being a Lute.”

You know that care is at the center of all Lutes do. As we are forced to distance physically, now is the time to extend the helping hand of our Lute community. Care as only the PLU community does.

Spring semester has been upended for students and faculty. Now, more than ever, your positive words of encouragement are needed. If you know a PLU student, please reach out. If there is a professor who made a particular impact on you, please send a simple note of gratitude.

Thank you again for extending your care during this time. Through all of life’s challenges, Lutes remain steadfast in our commitment to caring for each other and our world. I am grateful for that and for you.

Best wishes for you and your loved ones,

Allan Belton,
President