Keep the PLU tradition going!
Each year for about a decade, the “Golden Anniversary” class has decided to create an endowed scholarship as a way of giving back to PLU. This year, it’s your turn and we need your help to keep a great PLU tradition going.
The Committee has created a Class of 1971 Endowed Gap Scholarship to which alumni can contribute. They also recognize that over the years, many of your classmates have established endowed scholarships in honor of people and causes they care about. You are invited to support these endowments as well. All gifts, made to any designation at PLU, will be counted in your reunion giving totals.
Commemorate your 50th reunion with a gift to help today’s PLU students and to carry on your Lute legacy.
Class of 1971 Endowed Gap Scholarship
Of the students who leave PLU each year, the reason most often cited is financial. This can be addressed by decreasing the difference between the cost of attendance and the financial aid available, or “the gap.” A number of students who transfer or drop out in their Junior or Senior year do so because of this gap. As little as $2,000 per student can tip the scales so more can complete their degree at PLU.
After gift aid, federal loans, and work study, many first year students still face “gaps,” which they fill in a variety of ways – additional work outside of PLU, family assistance, and sometimes private loans. This gap typically grows each year the student is at PLU, given that tuition typically goes up 2-4% per year.
The Class of 1971 Endowed Gap Scholarship will be given to Junior or Senior students who need help decreasing this “gap.” This is a critical retention tool, allowing students to stay and graduate from PLU.
Scholarships Established by Members of the Class of 1971
Mrs. Shirley E. Aikin – Travis and Shirley Aikin Memorial Nursing Scholarship – Shirley Aikin (Coleman ’71, ’78, ’96) established this scholarship in memory of her late husband Travis. The scholarship assists African-American students in their pursuit of a degree in Nursing. Learn more about the Travis and Shirley Aikin Memorial Nursing Scholarship.
Dr. Lowell M. Anderson – David Ulleland Memorial Scholarship – Dr. Lowell M. Anderson ‘71 established this scholarship in memory of David Ulleland, his PLU roommate who died on August 3, 1968. The scholarship is awarded to junior or senior pre-med majors who have demonstrated financial need. Learn more about the David Ulleland Memorial Scholarship.
Mrs. Sharon A. Bacon – Clenora E. Berge Nursing Scholarship – This scholarship was established by Arthur Berge, father of Sharon Bacon ‘71, in honor of Sharon’s mother Clenora. This scholarship provides support to a senior student in the School of Nursing who demonstrates compassionate commitment to the nursing profession.
Dr. Katherine M. Kidd – Dorothy and Wilbur Mancke Endowed Scholarship – This scholarship was established by Dr. Katherine Mancke Kidd ‘71 and her sisters, Mary Mancke Sletten ‘75 and Elizabeth Mancke, in honor of their parents. The scholarship is intended to support students from Africa, or recent African immigrants, pursuing their degree at PLU.
Mr. Halvar E. Olstead – Gordon O. Gilbertson Instrumental Music Education Scholarship – Alvina Hauf Olstead ’73 and Halvar Olstead ’71 established this scholarship in memory of their former professor of music, Gordon Gilbertson. Halvar played under Gordon in the band when Halvar was studying to become a public school classroom teacher. This scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in instrumental music education. Learn more about the Gordon O. Gilbertson Instrumental Music Education Scholarship.
Dr. Lynn C. Ostenson – Richard and Lynn Ostenson Endowed Scholarship – Dr. Lynn C. Ostenson ‘71 established this scholarship in memory of her late husband, Richard Ostenson ‘71. The Ostenson Scholarship is intended to increase the representation of African-American students in the Natural Sciences at PLU and ultimately in the industry at large. Learn more about the Richard and Lynn Ostenson Endowed Scholarship.
Mrs. Wendy O. Swanson – The Gerald and Mildred Lider Endowed Scholarship for Education and Nursing. This scholarship was established by Gerald and Mildred’s children, Wendy Swanson ‘71, Eric Lider ‘75, and Kirk Lider ‘82. The scholarship is awarded to Junior or Senior students, alternating between Nursing majors and Education majors.
Ways to Give
How do you give? There are many ways to support your class gift, including gifts of cash, gifts of stock, a gift from your retirement account, or even creating a charitable trust, among others.
Charitable gifts help you meet your current philanthropic goals and extend your generosity well into the future. But did you know that a planned gift can also protect your assets, provide for your family, and guarantee you income for life? You can even make a significant impact with a gift that costs nothing in your lifetime (through a charitable bequest under your will).