Gracie Hansen ’25 turns a calling into action with a social work degree at 20
From a young age, senior Gracie Hansen ’25 felt a calling to help others. “I chose social work because I truly believe my purpose is to bring hope to the world and make a difference in people’s lives.” Now, as she prepares to graduate with…
Senior Justinpal Singh’s heart for service, science, and creating community space
Looking back four years ago, Justinpal Singh ’25 remembers that he was seeking a university that was more than just a place to get a degree. “I really wanted a university that was not necessarily competitive, but more so encouraging and fostered individual growth,” Justinpal…
What’s in a name? As it turns out, just about everything.
Every person’s name — given or chosen — is infused with meaning. Some names connect us to our ancestors or our families, while others represent a purposeful break from our past. The PLU Names Are Sacred initiative promotes the concept of honoring someone’s name in…
Three students share how scholarships support them in their pursuit to make the world better than how they found it
During the 2023-2024 academic year, 2,345 students received PLU-funded aid, with the average PLU student receiving $37,036 in scholarships. Through scholarship support, donors are part of a network of care that supports students in pursuing their educational goals, unlocking their full potential, and becoming leaders…
From the Court to the Classroom: Sianna Iverson’s continued resilience and drive is taking her from PLU to Duke University
Highly recruited as an outside hitter out of Chiawana High School, Sianna Iverson ‘24, a talented volleyball player, knew she found a home at PLU after a campus visit. “As soon as I visited, I knew it was going to be a great fit for…
The 8th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Series: Dr. Richard Lapchick presents “Facing Uncomfortable Truths”
The 8th Annual Diversity and Inclusion Speaker Series presented by PLU’s Department of Kinesiology will feature Dr. Richard Lapchick and his keynote presentation, “Facing Uncomfortable Truths” on February 28th, 2024, from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. in the AUC (Chris Knutson Hall). In his keynote presentation,…
Lifelong Parkland/Spanaway resident Kirsten Kreis leads Pierce County Navigator Program at PLU
PLU and the Parkland community are familiar to Kirsten Kreis . Her roots run deep in Parkland, from learning to swim in the PLU pool, to completing her high school assignments in the Mortvedt Library, to walking across the stage in Olson Auditorium at her…
Community Meals brings people together and feeds souls
Looking at the packed tables, “the smiles on their faces, the sense of community, and the appreciation they express are incredibly gratifying,” says junior Rayen Slama, a Tunisian exchange student at PLU who volunteered for the October and November meals. Community Meals unite many people…
PLU nursing students help provide meals for Thanksgiving
PLU service-nursing club Delta Iota Chi assembled nearly 350 meal boxes which will feed over 2,000 community members this holiday week. Boxes stuffed with turkey, green beans, corn, stuffing mix and other food were distributed to local community organizations and individuals throughout the week.
PLU’s Parkland Literacy Center supports local k-12 students, receives new grant
For the past four years Pacific Lutheran University student workers and volunteers have made the Parkland Literacy Center a beacon of community and learning support. Operated by PLU and located in the Anderson University Center, the center provides free one-on-one and small group tutoring for…
How Erik Bainter ’23 and Jai Alapai ’24 answered a call that could save two lives.
THE PLU ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT spells it out. The “S” in Lutes stands for service — giving back and making an impact in the lives of others. It’s a value that two Lute football teammates put into action this past year. Just a few months…
Communications and psychology double major Alex Reed ’23 explored film and storytelling at PLU
Sometimes the most random moments leave lasting impressions. Alex Reed’s first experience at PLU happened when she was a high school sophomore, when her school band came to the university to attend a music clinic. “This trip definitely put PLU on my radar as I…