John Evanishyn ‘21 studied environmental science on campus—and in France and Costa Rica—during his four years at PLU
John Evanishyn ‘21 grew up in Tacoma, exploring Point Defiance Park, Ruston Way waterfront and other urban green spaces. By high school, he had learned enough from his dad to become a skilled forager, someone who knew his capstones from his shaggy ink caps. (Those…
Broadway performer Jay Paranada ‘06 to speak at spring commencement ceremonies
Pacific Lutheran University alumnus and stage actor Jay Paranada ‘06 will deliver the commencement addresses at the virtual ceremonies for PLU’s classes of 2020 and 2021 on May 29. Paranada majored in sociology at PLU, and also studied at the University of York in England…
PLU Senior Elana Tracy on her (three!) study away experiences, learning during COVID, and plans for graduate school
Senior Elana Tracy ‘21 has mixed feelings now that her studies at Pacific Lutheran University are coming to an end. On the one hand, PLU allowed her to discover a passion for global studies while studying abroad in Great Britain; but on the other, she…
A Rocky Start Leads to a Steady Foundation
Samantha Saucedo’s path was shaped from a young age as she witnessed how varying health conditions affected those closest to her. One set of grandparents was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and suffered from deteriorating health. Another set thrived, living long healthy lives. Those divergent health paths…
Act Six Scholar Finds Support, Future at PLU
A native of Yemen, Abdulghani Mosa ‘23 had no idea what his future would hold when he moved to Tacoma in 2012. “Moving here, everything changed,” said Mosa, who was 12 years old when he and his family joined his father who was already living…
PLU professors and students dive deep into the psychology of the pandemic
As the world was beginning to realize the enormity of COVID-19, two Pacific Lutheran University professors seized the 2020 moment to do significant research into the psychology of the pandemic. PLU Department of Psychology Chair Jon Grahe and his Statistics 232 students conducted a U.S.…
Andrew Schwartz’s journey from PLU sociology major to environmental justice advocate and eco-ministry leader
When we first catch up with environmental advocate Andrew Schwartz ‘07, he’s preparing for a massive road trip with his wife, Emily, and 8-month-old daughter, Maja. They’re headed east to visit Emily’s family in Illinois. But the 36-year-old Schwartz’s life has also been a journey,…
Virtual convening of The People’s Gathering to facilitate timely conversations about race
Pacific Lutheran University’s Campus Ministry and Center for Graduate and Continuing Education will co-host the spring virtual convening of The People’s Gathering: A Revolution of Consciousness (TPG) conference on April 22, 2021 centered on the topic Anti-Racism, Advancement Advocacy: What is it AND how do…
PLU announces plans for virtual spring commencement 2021
Pacific Lutheran University is making plans to hold two virtual commencement ceremonies in late May: one for the Class of 2021 and one for the Class of 2020. The Class of 2021 ceremony will be held on May 29 at 11:00 a.m., and the Class…
The Room Where It Happens: PLU Nursing Majors Help Community Members Take Their Shot
On a chilly February morning, cars packed the parking lot of the Pacific Lutheran University Olson Fieldhouse. There was no basketball game or volleyball match enticing the visitors, but rather a historic event that brought visitors in that day. It was the first of many…