Big Questions, Complex Answers: Lorelei Juntunen ’97 drives public policy across the West Coast
Growing up in a small town in Idaho, Lorelei Juntunen ’97 had not spent much time in cities. But when she moved to Parkland to attend PLU, she suddenly had access not only to local cities like Tacoma and Seattle, but also to cities across…
Spiritual Care: Professor Erik Hammerstrom listens and learns during a sabbatical year spent as a hospital chaplain
Global studies and religion professor Erik Hammerstrom has spent his career researching and teaching about the history of Chinese Buddhism. He’s a quintessential teacher, beloved by students for leading engaging discussions, his imaginative project assignments, and planning field trips to nearby temples. It’s hard to…
All flourishing is mutual
Merriam-Webster defines “flourishing” as marked by vigorous and healthy growth. Sounds lovely! Who doesn’t like vigorous and healthy growth? There is a lot to like in this definition, but I think the way we often think about flourishing misses something essential. Flourishing is a significant…
A Blue Zones Boosts
Sponsored by MultiCare Health System, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Pierce County, the Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway is an initiative working to address local healthcare costs, improve economic and social vitality, and increase public awareness about health and well-being in Parkland. Blue Zones’ goal is…
Modernizing Mental Health
PLU professor and psychology department chair Tiffany Artime and her collaborator from Wellesley College Centers for Women are leading a team of researchers and stakeholders who envision a future where evidence-based trauma treatments are integrated into university counseling services, empowering students to thrive. Artime and…
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Brice Johnson ’99 finds vocation in Red Cross leadership. Two neighborhoods in St. Paul, Minnesota share streets and a zip code. Interstate 94 runs down the middle, and since the freeway’s construction in the 1950s, the life expectancy between Summit Hill and the historically Black…
Committed to Kuleana
Cheri Souza’s philanthropy leadership is motivated by the responsibility she feels to serve her Hawaiian community. When Cheri Souza ’01, MBA ’03 first stepped onto campus at Pacific Lutheran University, the undergraduate from Hawai‘i could not have imagined her future would include redefining philanthropic efforts…
PLU move-in day 2024
Our newest Lutes have arrived! With help from family, friends and the PLU community, first-year Lutes moved into PLU’s residence halls on Friday, August 30, kicking off New Student Orientation. The day was full of joy, love and the beginning of lifelong friendships.
A Will to Lead: Sue Loiland and Jennie Griek ’02 join PLU’s planned giving team
While not new to PLU, Sue Loiland (parent of a 2012 graduate) and Jennie Griek have recently joined the planned giving team, bringing with them extensive experience in major gifts. Planned giving allows donors to make impactful contributions through their estate plans or financial strategies,…
Parkland’s Advocate
Jani Hitchen ’96 has lived in Parkland for more than 30 years. “I moved here to go to PLU and never left,” she says with a chuckle. Hitchen majored in education and enjoyed a long career teaching in Lakewood’s Clover Park School District and Spanaway…
Parkland’s University: PLU and Parkland share history, common bonds and a vibrant future
PLU President Allan Belton is a morning person. He’s frequently among the first employees to arrive at the Hauge Administration Building, but not before his morning cup of joe. His favorite coffee stand is on South Tacoma Way, the seven-mile arterial that is the economic…
PLU Director of Athletics and Recreation Mike Snyder named President of NADIIIAA
Mike Snyder will serve as the President of the National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators ( NADIIIAA ) for the 2024-2025 membership year. Mike Snyder has spent the last three years as PLU’s Director of Athletics and Recreation , guiding the department to eight…