Venice Jakowchuk ’23 travels through time, a dancer’s journey toward archaeology
For Venice Jakowchuk ’23, a single general education class sparked a passion that has since taken her—literally and/or metaphorically—from Herefordshire, England and Aberdeen, Scotland to the central highlands of Mexico and back to the lands of the Nisqually peoples. Originally from Arizona, Jakowchuk entered PLU…
Small School, Big Impact: Marc Gombio ’23 talks about his experience in PLU’s School of Nursing
“I moved from Guam (a U.S. territory) … I felt the need to continue that momentum of a smaller population moving to the U.S. mainland. PLU nursing not only offered my preferred class size, but also had a mission of empowering new nurses to become…
Henri Coronado-Volta ’23 discusses his global studies major, studying away, and his plans to attend UW’s Public Health Epidemiology program
Henri Coronado-Volta grew up in Seattle, Washington, and chose PLU because the smaller school offered the opportunity to build community, a chance to continue swimming, and living close to home—but not too close. He double majored in global studies and Hispanic studies and minored in…
Emily Struck ’23 reflects on her time at PLU, captivated by chemistry and research
Emily Struck ’23 made the most of her chemistry major at PLU, conducting individualized research with professors and tutoring other students on campus. As she takes her next step in the fall pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Purdue University, Struck reflects on her…
Growing into her own: Sarah Davis ’23 discovers her passion for plant biology at PLU
Sarah Davis began her PLU journey with the idea that medicine and health care would be the ultimate goal, but then a couple of classes focused on plant development and global agriculture grew a new passion. “I have a family history of agriculture, my grandfather…
PLU senior Allison Sheflo discusses her triple major in geosciences, environmental studies and religion
Senior Allison Sheflo will graduate this spring with a triple major in geosciences , environmental studies and religion and a minor in mathematics . She forged her own trail at PLU, welcoming the adventures that piqued her curiosity and let that lead her way. “It’s…
Former military linguist Kara Atkinson ’23 discusses her service on campus, academic research, and graduate school plans
Kara Atkinson ’23 earned an associate degree while serving as an Arabic linguist in the United States Army prior to her arrival at PLU. A history major with minors in religion and Holocaust and genocide studies , Atkinson’s passion for research, academia, and higher education…
Social work major and working mom Teranejah Lucas ’23 explores the politics and power of Black hair in her capstone
Teranejah Lucas, 28, is now in her senior year at Pacific Lutheran University, and majoring in social work. She’s preparing to do great things—after already accomplishing significant wins—and wrapping up a fascinating capstone. “As a single parent, first-generation college student, I’m out here defying the…
A Trip to the Archives? Book It, PLU Librarian Says
Sometimes you’re drawn to a career path, and other times you discover it by serendipity, as Lauren Loftis, Archivist & Special Collections Librarian at Pacific Lutheran University, did. “I carelessly stumbled into it. In fact, the first time I entered an archive was when I…
Full Circle: Brandi Hilliard, Director of Career, Learning & Engagement
As a first-generation college student, Brandi Hilliard was nervous when she began her studies at Pacific Lutheran University. But those uncomfortable feelings soon diminished. “I found PLU to be a warm, supportive and an intimate community, which made it an easy place to fit in,”…
Theatre Professor Amanda Sweger Finds Family in the Theatre
Like it did for so many, the theatre called to Associate Professor Amanda Sweger when she was in those awkward teen years. “For the first time, I felt accepted,” she said. Yet she quickly realized she didn’t like acting or auditioning. So, she spent a…
Beautiful mutants: a PLU biology class harvests for the future
About two years ago, PLU professor Neva Laurie-Berry partnered with a world-class plant research center. The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Mo., sends Laurie-Berry’s BIOL 358 Plant Physiology class millet seeds with random mutations. Student teams study plants in PLU’s warm, sunny…