![Two incoming Lutes smile and laugh as they do a craft at the engagement fair at New Student Orientation.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/09/nso-news-725x408.jpg)
PLU welcomes Class of 2026 at LUTE Welcome (new student orientation)
Incoming PLU students were welcomed to campus through a variety of celebratory events and community-building activities at LUTE Welcome (New Student Orientation) September 2-6. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pacific Lutheran University (@pacificlutheran) View this post on Instagram A post shared…
![PLU alumni Kristen Jaudon ‘94 standing on the left side of the image, Tracye Ferguson ‘94 is standing in the middle of th eimage and Kate Hall ‘17 stands in the right of the images and poses side by side in a group photo in front the Educational Service District 113 building. The image displays a sunny and bright day with all three subjects smiling at the camera.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/lute-powered-cres-web-withlogo-725x408.png)
Lute Powered: Educational Service District 113
There are nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) in Washington state. Created in 1969, the ESDs help local school districts by providing academic support, business services, educator training and more for local school districts. Capital Region ESD 113, based in Tumwater, WA, works with 44 public…
![Kate Hall is standing in front of a tree with pink flowers blooming and holding a camera. Kate is smiling while holding a Canon DSLR camera with a smile.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/kate-lute-powered-web-725x408.png)
Kate Hall ’17 builds connections, serves community at ESD 113
Kate Hall ’17 remembers the job interview that landed her in a communications role at ESD 113. It was memorable — but not necessarily in a good way. “I was so nervous,” she remembers. “My internet died during the Zoom interview.” She was prepared to…
![Two PLU students talk and laugh while sitting on the big gold PLU sign on the edge of campus.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/students-with-plu-sign-725x408.jpg)
PLU academic programs restructured into four distinct colleges
A long-planned academic restructure is being implemented that organizes Pacific Lutheran University’s academic programs into four colleges: the College of Health Professions; the College of Liberal Studies; the College of Natural Sciences; and the College of Professional Studies. “We’re very grateful to the faculty and…
![A man sitting at a desk staring at a computer monitor with over the ear headphones on in an office setting.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/travis-mcdaniel23-web-725x408.png)
Summer Internship: Economics major finds family environment with global company
Travis McDaneld ’23 is entering his fourth year at PLU as an economics major, minoring in data science. When he enrolled at PLU, he had every intention of majoring in business, although he admits to not having any idea about what he wanted to do…
![Tracye Ferguson poses in front of a playground which is blurred in the background. Tracye is wearing a bright yellow shirt with pink and blue flower designs - arms on her hips and smiling.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/tracye-lute-powered-web-725x408.png)
Tracye Ferguson ’94 brings her principles to work at state education agency
Tracye Ferguson ’94 is an experienced educator who believes children develop and reach milestones at different phases — and we need to celebrate their growth. “Not all children thrive or develop the same, but they all need the same amount of encouragement and support,” she…
![PLU alumna Kristen Jaudon '24 poses in a studio setting in front of a photagraphy light set up with a camera on a tripod clearly seen in the background. Jaudon sits with a smile and laptop on her lap.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/kristen-lute-powered-web-725x408.png)
Kristen Jaudon ’94: Picturing the possibilities
Kristen (Vold) Jaudon ’94 likes to keep her options open. “I say ‘yes’ to different possibilities,” she says. “I like trying new things.” That kind of thinking helped her segue from jobs in art education and publishing to public education communications. As senior director for…
![Kathy Richardson instructs a class on suturing at PLU , Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. (Photo/John Froschauer)](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/kathy-richardson-web-725x408.png)
PLU School of Nursing professor to be inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
Tacoma, Wash. — Pacific Lutheran University is pleased to announce that Kathleen Richardson, assistant professor of nursing, has been selected to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (Academy). Richardson also serves as associate dean of academic affairs at PLU. “Dr. Richardson has…
![Peyton Noreen is leaning against a concrete wall with arms folded, a bright smile, and wearing a brown button up shirt with a paisley like pattern.](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/08/peyton-noreen-23-web-725x408.png)
Summer Internships: Theater major learns from the best at a Seattle Theatre Company
In high school, Peyton Noreen ’23 loved participating in theatre productions. Noreen’s passion for the stage wasn’t something they were ready to give up on when they enrolled at Pacific Lutheran University. It’s why they chose to major in theatre and why they’re spending the…
![Environmental Studies Major Fiona Ashton-Knochel ’24 poses and points at a tree during her summer internship](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/07/fiona-ashton-knochel-24-web-725x408.png)
Summer Internship: Environmental Studies major works as a bio tech at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Fiona Ashton-Knochel ’24 is spending her summer on a bird refuge in Brigham City, Utah. The Environmental Studies major sat down with us to discuss her exciting internship and to offer suggestions for anyone looking to land their own internship working in conservation. Why did…
![Parker Simpson stands to the side of PLU signage on Campus on Park Avenue](https://www.plu.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/573/2022/07/parker-simpson-web-725x408.png)
Nursing major sees value in studying and investing in health services
Parker Simpson ’24 is spending his summer working at an assisted living facility in his hometown of Spokane, Washington. He comes from a family of healthcare professionals and has always wanted to help people. We sat down with him to discuss his experience taking classes…