The Rev. Bjug Harstad, founder of Pacific Lutheran University, trudged through the frozen Yukon in 1898 in hopes of bringing home gold for Pacific Lutheran Academy. That intrepid spirit will be honored by the entire PLU community for the third annual Bjug Harstad Day of Giving on Friday, Oct. 14.
All gifts made on Bjug Day will be matched dollar for dollar toward student scholarships, thanks to a generous group of Lutes. All are invited to participate in the powerful 24-hour fundraising campaign that will encourage Lutes worldwide to come together and pave the way for our students and the university, while honoring the man who made PLU possible.
It is a core belief at PLU that access to a world-class education shouldn’t depend on one’s ability to pay for it. Meeting our students’ financial needs is one of the university’s highest priorities. Last year, 602 loyal Lutes came together to raise $236,507, including $100,000 in matching funds toward student scholarships.
Your generosity enhances the PLU experience — a distinctive education grounded in academic rigor, close and collaborative student-faculty research, residential learning, global engagement and discernment of vocation.
In the days leading up to Bjug Day, we’ll share Rev. Harstad’s story through PLU’s social media channels. We hope you’ll find the information entertaining, enlightening and inspiring.
“Scholarships made a PLU education possible for me. With the help of generous people, I have been given a unique experience that gives me the framework to look at the world more than I ever thought imaginable.” – Emily Steelquist ’16
Bjug Day celebrations
Celebrate with us — for free — on Bjug Day in Red Square 10 a.m.–1 p.m. If you’re on campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend, grab a cup of coffee, stop by the photo booth and enjoy celebrating PLU with bearded friends, alumni, students, and PLU faculty and staff. We will be giving away Bjug mugs and T-shirts while supplies last. The event is free of charge.
Join the fun before the Homecoming football game for the Bjug Day tailgate 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Sparks Firehouse Deli in Puyallup! Cost is $10 and admission includes your ticket to the game, lunch and a special Bjug Day T-shirt. Visit www.plu.edu/homecoming for tickets. Space is limited.
Online Resources
Please join the fun by sharing your own images and stories that pay tribute to your Lute experience. Check out social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to use the hashtag #bjugday with your posts.