Answering the call: PLU nursing alum volunteers for COVID-19 testing unit transfer
TACOMA, WASH. (May 5, 2020) — After a lifetime devoted to care and service, Kathy (Welsh) Krogstad ‘85 wasn’t going to stand on the sidelines during the COVID-19 global health crisis if she could help it. “I just always wanted to be a nurse,” she…
The Trail Back to PLU: Alayna Linde ’10 on her path from undergrad to urban planning and environmental outreach
By ; TACOMA, WASH. (April 28, 2020) — Ten years after graduating, Alayna Linde ‘10 is back on Pacific Lutheran University’s campus — this time consulting with Pierce County Parks on an innovative new trail project to connect people, parks and PLU. The Parkland Community…
PLU Regent and Virginia Mason Chief Nursing Officer Charleen Tachibana ‘77 Discusses Service, Leadership and Self-Care
TACOMA, WASH. (April 22, 2020) — As a senior vice president at Virginia Mason Health System, Charleen Tachibana ‘77 serves as the chief nursing officer and oversees the quality and safety of the Seattle-based hospital and healthcare nonprofit. We recently spoke to Tachibana, who also…
Kevin Andrew explores Alumni & Student Connections’ virtual services, impact on graduating seniors
TACOMA, WASH. (April 21, 2020) — Worried about graduating into an uncertain job market? Need to hear some encouragement or advice from a PLU alum who’s been in your shoes before? Alumni & Student Connections has gone virtual to make sure resources to help you…
PLU alumna is helping educators nationwide adapt to teaching from a distance
TACOMA, WASH. (April 14, 2020) — Jessica Anderson ’07 is hunkering down at home in Montana with husband Chris, kids Bryer and Jase, and Jethro the dog while working for an EdTech company supporting educators across the country as they transition to distance learning. As…
PLU alumni husband-wife duo doing their part in New York City’s COVID-19 battle
TACOMA, WASH. (April 14, 2020) — In a parking lot outside Stony Brook University Hospital, two tents allow physicians to triage up to 100 patients per day. They discern between the “worried well” and those showing more severe symptoms of cough, fever and low oxygen…
Kari Plog ‘11 on telling the stories of those most impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
TACOMA, WASH. (April 7, 2020) — No matter what field or industry you work in, the COVID-19 pandemic has probably dramatically reshaped the way you do your job every day. For Kari Plog ‘11, a digital journalist for local NPR affiliate radio station KNKX, telling…
Jeremy Knapp ‘21 talks interning for a state senator in Olympia, passion for political science and future career
TACOMA, WASH. (March. 16, 2020) — Pacific Lutheran University political science major Jeremy Knapp ‘21 swears he has no desire to run for office, but his resume speaks of someone with great political aspirations nonetheless. The junior turned 21 on March 4, and he already…
Nicole Jordan ’15 discusses her new role at PLU’s Center for Gender Equity
TACOMA, WASH. (March. 10, 2020) — Nicole Jordan ’15 is back on campus, this time using the degree she earned in social work to help educate and lead others in her new position as coordinator for PLU’s Center for Gender Equity. The center began as…
Jared Wright ’14 discusses working on refugee resettlement, impactful internships, and more
TACOMA, WASH. (March. 2, 2020) — Jared Wright ‘14 arrived at PLU eager to engage in community work and excited to study social justice. He didn’t have specific plans and didn’t know what it would all look like, but he can clearly remember the excitement…
PLU nominates physician Donald Mott for Nobel Peace Prize
TACOMA, WASH. (Feb. 26 , 2020 ) — Pacific Lutheran University President Allan Belton recently submitted a Nobel Peace Prize nomination of Dr. Donald Mott to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Dr. Mott is the founder and leader of the China Network Partners (CPN), a group…
Amy Spieker ’09 on community health advocacy, service and building relationships
TACOMA, WASH. (Feb. 18, 2020) — If you’ve ever wondered whether leaders are born or made, the answer is both. At least it is when you’re referring to Pacific Lutheran University graduate Amy Spieker ’09. Growing up in a Navy family, Spieker moved her fair…