A family with a “Bjug” legacy of giving and service

“Our place in this world is to be of service to other people,” notes Eric Watness, a descendant of PLU’s founder and first President, Rev. Bjug Harstad.

Bjug is also the namesake of Bjug Day, PLU’s day of giving, which started in 2013 and happens every year in October. This community tradition of supporting students has grown exponentially over the last 11 years, now bringing together over 2k participants and more than $1 million for students each year.

INVEST IN STUDENTS: Bjug Day 2024 will be October 15-16.

“Philanthropy is not just giving,” Watness says. “It’s mindfully giving to help people who don’t have the same benefits.” 

Part of the Bjug Day tradition of philanthropy is a scholarship match, where a gift to any area of PLU is matched with a gift to scholarships. Scholarships are essential to college access and provide students with opportunities to help them reach their goals. 

In a full circle moment, Watness’s granddaughter Maya attends PLU. Reflecting on a connection between Bjug Day of Giving and scholarships, he notes, “Maya is able to be at PLU because of her scholarship. Scholarships are key for so many students like my granddaughter.” 

When it comes to philanthropy, Watness sees giving as fundamental to Lutheranism. “It is my obligation to give back. That doesn’t just mean a financial gift. It’s also in my time, my attention, my participation in church governance, and my contribution to organizations that do what I think Jesus told us to do.”

Generations of Lute Pride: The Harstad and Watness Families' Deep Connection to PLU

For over a century, PLU has continued to play a significant role in the family history of the Harstad and Watness families and their kin. 

Watness and his family embody Lute pride and the spirit of giving, deeply rooted in their lineage. Watness and Maya belong to a long line of people connected to PLU and its mission.

• Eric’s mother, Isabel Geraldine (Harstad) Watness, was Bjug Harstad’s granddaughter. Isabel met Eric’s father, Luther Watness, in 1947 while on a PLU Choir of the West tour. Isabel started school in Iowa but finished her degree at PLU and later worked for PLU’s president. Their family remained very involved with PLU through alumni activities, music, giving and sporting events.
• Eric’s paternal grandmother, Ruby Watness, graduated from PLU in the same year as her son Luther (Eric’s father). This marked the first time that a mother and son graduated from PLU together. 
• Calvin Watness, Eric’s uncle, also earned a degree that year. Uncle Calvin married a fellow PLU student, Julia Johnson, and settled in Lakewood, WA. 
• Two of Eric’s sisters and one brother attended PLU.

“My roots are so intertwined, and our family’s mission is similar to that of PLU, which is all about education and service.” 

A Lutheran focus on community is demonstrated throughout the family line—Watness’s uncle Calvin was an educator, his paternal grandfather was a lawyer, his maternal grandmother was a registered nurse, and his maternal grandfather was an educator. Watness’s uncle and dad were pastors, and his wife Carolanne was a public school teacher and administrator.

Like his grandfather, Watness has been practicing law for decades. His decision to become a lawyer was, in part, inspired by the landmark Boldt Decision case, which returned the right for local tribes to fish on their ancestral waters. ” This case touched on racism, environmentalism, and community. It made me see that vocation can be an act of service.”

Watness is now an arbitrator and mediator who offers free legal services on a volunteer basis, “I believe that we should make quality representation available to people who need it. It is essential that we do this work for people who can’t afford it.”

Following in their ancestors’ footsteps, vocation, philanthropy and service remain the foundational pillars of Watness and his family. Regarding his heritage, Eric says, “I’m proud to be a descendant of Bjug Harstad, but it’s really just genetic happenstance. A truly meaningful thing we did inherit is the ethical, moral and religious framework for our lives. I’ve done what I can to pass it on to our daughters and grandchildren.”

Watness and his wife Carolane have two kids who now have children of their own. Watness enjoys watching his family reconnect with their Norwegian heritage, which they inherited from Bjug Harstad. His daughters, Kjirsten and Ann, have built close connections with relatives in Norway and volunteer their time to help preserve their cultural heritage. It’s another way that the family gives back. 

The tradition of philanthropy is a thread that has endured through generations of Bjug Harstad’s lineage. Through Bjug Day and with the participation of the broader Lute community, this spirit of giving continues to have a massive impact on students.

PLU's Tradition of Giving

Watness and his family remain an important part of Bjug Day, and you’re invited to be part of this special Lute tradition.

When you give to what you love during Bjug Day, your donation can be matched dollar for dollar with a gift to scholarships. Bjug Day is an inspiring time to make an even bigger impact on students and show your Lute pride.

Watness concludes, “It’s a gift for me to be able to participate in Bjug Day. PLU is a place of diversity, accessible education and service. That needs to be celebrated, championed and protected.”

Watness and his family remain an important part of Bjug Day, and you’re invited to be part of this special Lute tradition.

Visit www.plu.edu/bjugdayplu to learn more or make a gift.