2010s
Jenny Kimura ’17 graduated with a master of arts degree in book publishing from Portland State University in June. During her past two years in Portland, she worked as a graduate teaching assistant, designed and art directed six book titles with Ooligan Press, and published her master’s thesis on diversity in young adult book cover design. She was also the recipient of the Dennis Stovall First Edition Award for her work at Ooligan Press and the master’s in book publishing program.
Jenny Kimura ’17 graduated with a master of arts degree in book publishing from Portland State University in June. During her past two years in Portland, she worked as a graduate teaching assistant, designed and art directed six book titles with Ooligan Press, and published her master’s thesis on diversity in young adult book cover design. She was also the recipient of the Dennis Stovall First Edition Award for her work at Ooligan Press and the master’s in book publishing program.
Sonja Schaefer ’16 published a paper, “Combating Global Steel Excess Capacity: Policy Proposals for the United States, Japan, and the Global Community,” in June 2019. In the same month, she also took a new position as legislative assistant for Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York.
Katherine Williams accepted a job at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a communications consultant. She is sad to leave her PLU School of Arts and Communication family after two amazing years.
Katherine Williams accepted a job at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a communications consultant. She is sad to leave her PLU School of Arts and Communication family after two amazing years.
Elle Vadseth earned her master of fine arts degree from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston in August 2018. As a graduate, she received a Post Graduate Teaching Fellowship and a Tufts Institute of the Environment research Fellowship. The last year Elle taught her first two college level classes in the Media Arts Department and conducted interdisciplinary environmental research.
Elle Vadseth earned her master of fine arts degree from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston in August 2018. As a graduate, she received a Post Graduate Teaching Fellowship and a Tufts Institute of the Environment research Fellowship. The last year Elle taught her first two college level classes in the Media Arts Department and conducted interdisciplinary environmental research.
Dan Stell graduated with his J.D. degree and is on the verge of passing the bar exam. He currently resides in Chicago.
Erika Hagen obtained her master of music in voice and pedagogy from The Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University.
Brenna Sussman married Joe Olenginski ’14 at The Oregon Garden in August 2018. The wedding was officiated by Lute Joe Rayburn ’14 with Alexandra Murray ’14, Taylor Jackson ’14, and Sam Watkins ’14 in the wedding party. Other Lutes in attendance included Scott Ferrin ’14, Dallas Gordon ’14, Samantha Benner ’14, and Emma Wayerski ’15.
Brenna Sussman married Joe Olenginski ’14 at The Oregon Garden in August 2018. The wedding was officiated by Lute Joe Rayburn ’14 with Alexandra Murray ’14, Taylor Jackson ’14, and Sam Watkins ’14 in the wedding party. Other Lutes in attendance included Scott Ferrin ’14, Dallas Gordon ’14, Samantha Benner ’14, and Emma Wayerski ’15.
Alicia Coragiulo and husband, Chris Adkins, welcomed their second child, Evan Michael, on Dec. 28, 2018.
Kell Duncan and Sakura Considine welcomed their first child, Milai Ivy Duncan, on June 3, 2019.
Kell Duncan and Sakura Considine welcomed their first child, Milai Ivy Duncan, on June 3, 2019.
Kate (Scheideman) Saldana and Andrew Saldana married on March 16 in Oregon City, OR. The bridal party included two Lutes: Katie (Adams) Loman ’12 and Elisa Hoelter ’11. Several other Lutes were in attendance.
Kate (Scheideman) Saldana and Andrew Saldana married on March 16 in Oregon City, OR. The bridal party included two Lutes: Katie (Adams) Loman ’12 and Elisa Hoelter ’11. Several other Lutes were in attendance.
Alicia Coragiulo earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California in December 2018. She traveled to Los Angeles to walk in the commencement ceremonies in May 2019. Alicia was also recently hired as the career and college readiness counselor for the Marysville School District.
Alicia Coragiulo earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California in December 2018. She traveled to Los Angeles to walk in the commencement ceremonies in May 2019. Alicia was also recently hired as the career and college readiness counselor for the Marysville School District.
Brittany Drake married in the summer of 2018. Lutes in attendance include Quinn (Urich) Bartholomew ’08, Emily (Reimer) Umstead ’10, Meghann (Sunwold) Laine ’12, and Ashley Hill ’15.
Brittany Drake married in the summer of 2018. Lutes in attendance include Quinn (Urich) Bartholomew ’08, Emily (Reimer) Umstead ’10, Meghann (Sunwold) Laine ’12, and Ashley Hill ’15.
2000s
Nicolette (Paso) Shoemake and her husband, Daniel Shoemake, were married in 2015. They welcomed their first son together, Ambrose, in June 2018.
Nicolette (Paso) Shoemake and her husband, Daniel Shoemake, were married in 2015. They welcomed their first son together, Ambrose, in June 2018.
Megan Lindell graduated from the University of Washington Foster School of Business in June, earning a master of business administration degree.
Megan Lindell graduated from the University of Washington Foster School of Business in June, earning a master of business administration degree.
Justin Huertas, who wrote the high-profile show “Lizard Boy”, premiered his new musical, “The Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion,” at ArtsWest Playhouse in June.
Karen McMahon and her husband, Mike Meyerdirk, welcomed their first child, Josephine Eleanor, on March 11, 2019.
Karen McMahon and her husband, Mike Meyerdirk, welcomed their first child, Josephine Eleanor, on March 11, 2019.
Kaarin (Praxel) Austin and her husband, Andrew Austin ’06, welcomed their second child, Jack Holden Austin, on May 28, 2019.
Kaarin (Praxel) Austin and her husband, Andrew Austin ’06, welcomed their second child, Jack Holden Austin, on May 28, 2019.
Michael Doyle was named to the Westchester Medical Center for Health Network’s leadership team as executive director and chief medical officer of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley. He will be an integral part of the HealthAlliance transformation and expansion project. Michael brings more than 27 years of healthcare experience focused on leadership.
Clare Bear and her husband Nicholas Bear welcomed their first child in August 2018.
Felise (Lambert) Zander-Conn and her husband, Quinn Zander-Conn, welcomed baby girl Rose Kathryn into the family on March 19, 2019. She joins big sister Isla Virginia (4 years).
Felise (Lambert) Zander-Conn and her husband, Quinn Zander-Conn, welcomed baby girl Rose Kathryn into the family on March 19, 2019. She joins big sister Isla Virginia (4 years).
Clare Bear completed an M.S.W. degree from Portland State University in 2015 and returned to her hometown of Spokane, WA and married in April of 2016. In December of that year Bear earned a licensed independent clinical social worker status (LICSW) and is currently working at John R. Rogers High School as a prevention specialist.
Michael Spiedel was named to the Idaho Business Review’s 2019 Accomplished Under 40. Michael serves as the financial services director and branch manager at UBS Idaho Office and is one of the youngest branch managers in the country.
Michael Spiedel was named to the Idaho Business Review’s 2019 Accomplished Under 40. Michael serves as the financial services director and branch manager at UBS Idaho Office and is one of the youngest branch managers in the country.
Allison Gaboury graduated this year with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Washington. She served as co-class president and will pursue a career in Virginia.
Allison Gaboury graduated this year with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Washington. She served as co-class president and will pursue a career in Virginia.
Jason Russell married Misty Addison ’04 on April 6 in Tacoma. The couple was to be stationed on the U.S. Army base in Kaiserslautern, Germany starting in July 2019.
Jason Russell married Misty Addison ’04 on April 6 in Tacoma. The couple was to be stationed on the U.S. Army base in Kaiserslautern, Germany starting in July 2019.
Garth Gustafson received his Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Seminary. He has been with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) since 2002. He helped found a base in Battambang, Cambodia in 2005, where he and his family live and he serves as the executive director. Started by five young adults, it now has a staff of 110 and it is one of the largest and fastest growing YWAM bases/training centers in the world, serving Southeast Asia. More information is available at: uofnbattambang.com.
Garth Gustafson received his Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Seminary. He has been with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) since 2002. He helped found a base in Battambang, Cambodia in 2005, where he and his family live and he serves as the executive director. Started by five young adults, it now has a staff of 110 and it is one of the largest and fastest growing YWAM bases/training centers in the world, serving Southeast Asia. More information is available at: uofnbattambang.com.
JooHee Berglund and her husband, Andy Berglund ’01, welcomed their second child Hannah Elizabeth Berglund on February 13, 2019.
Roughly 30 Oaxaca Study Away alumni, former site directors and friends gathered over the summer to celebrate the 15-year history of the program and share how the program impacted their lives. PLU alumni and current students in attendance: Front row, left to right: Karen McMahon, Dr. Monica DeHart (UPS Professor of Anthropology), Hoai Nguyen, Claire Smith, Katy Allen-Shmid
Second row, left to right: Yesenia Arellano, Angélica Martínez, Yesenia Rodriguez, Amelia Johnson, Shannon Burlingame, Rebecca McNally, Emma Davis, Brianna Brannan (formerly Frenchmore), Janet de la Cruz, Tamara Williams, Kaitlin Armstrong (formerly Cashman). Third row: Chloe Rockas (UPS participant), Jacob Taylor-Mosquera, Phillip Kendall, Francisco Aragón, Dr. Jim Predmore, Dr. Chuck Bergman, Sharlene Rojas Apodaca, Anna Beach, André Jones. PLU Faculty (all former Oaxaca Site-Directors) in attendance were: Chuck Bergman, Jim Predmore and Tamara Williams.
Roughly 30 Oaxaca Study Away alumni, former site directors and friends gathered over the summer to celebrate the 15-year history of the program and share how the program impacted their lives. PLU alumni and current students in attendance: Front row, left to right: Karen McMahon, Dr. Monica DeHart (UPS Professor of Anthropology), Hoai Nguyen, Claire Smith, Katy Allen-Shmid
Second row, left to right: Yesenia Arellano, Angélica Martínez, Yesenia Rodriguez, Amelia Johnson, Shannon Burlingame, Rebecca McNally, Emma Davis, Brianna Brannan (formerly Frenchmore), Janet de la Cruz, Tamara Williams, Kaitlin Armstrong (formerly Cashman). Third row: Chloe Rockas (UPS participant), Jacob Taylor-Mosquera, Phillip Kendall, Francisco Aragón, Dr. Jim Predmore, Dr. Chuck Bergman, Sharlene Rojas Apodaca, Anna Beach, André Jones. PLU Faculty (all former Oaxaca Site-Directors) in attendance were: Chuck Bergman, Jim Predmore and Tamara Williams.
1990s
Brandon Woods was appointed Northwest regional sales manager at Sebright Products. Brandon has more than nine years of experience in the waste and recycling industries.
David Quiggle was promoted to sergeant with the Kirkland Police Department. He has been in law enforcement for 20 years, having served as a corporal, detective, drug recognition expert, tactical medic and assistant team leader for SWAT. He and his wife Valerie have two children.
David Quiggle was promoted to sergeant with the Kirkland Police Department. He has been in law enforcement for 20 years, having served as a corporal, detective, drug recognition expert, tactical medic and assistant team leader for SWAT. He and his wife Valerie have two children.
Torsten Hekkelstrand was recently promoted to Group Account Director at Saatchi & Saatchi in Warsaw, Poland.
1980s
New Lutes had a chance to meet PLU alumni, current students, PLU families and others at a series of Summer Send-off events held across the country, including the largest one, in Hawaii. Left to right are April Nishii, Barbara Bass, Summer Bass, Mikayla Chun, David Chun ’84, Terri Chun and Tanner Chun.
New Lutes had a chance to meet PLU alumni, current students, PLU families and others at a series of Summer Send-off events held across the country, including the largest one, in Hawaii. Left to right are April Nishii, Barbara Bass, Summer Bass, Mikayla Chun, David Chun ’84, Terri Chun and Tanner Chun.
Julie E. Moe retired in June, 2018 after teaching third grade in the Shoreline School District for 33 years. She married Dr. Darryl Rogers on October 13, 2018. Lutes in attendance included Janice (Moe) Sherlock, Lisa (Nehring) Kurnik ’84 & Tim Kurnik ’86, Ann (Spelman) Terrel ’85, Gail (Greenwood) Ayres ’84, and Heidi (Nelson) Sallaway ’84.
Julie E. Moe retired in June, 2018 after teaching third grade in the Shoreline School District for 33 years. She married Dr. Darryl Rogers on October 13, 2018. Lutes in attendance included Janice (Moe) Sherlock, Lisa (Nehring) Kurnik ’84 & Tim Kurnik ’86, Ann (Spelman) Terrel ’85, Gail (Greenwood) Ayres ’84, and Heidi (Nelson) Sallaway ’84.
Petra (Rowe) Karr is the Artistic Director for ACT 1 Theatre, which has relocated to Tacoma.
1970s
Wayne Lackman retired after 30 years as choir director at Gig Harbor High after the 2018-19 school year. During his last concert he was overwhelmed when, to his surprise, the stage was filled with Gig Harbor alumni who flew in for the concert for a rousing rendition of favorite musical selections for the grand finale.
Michael Carson and Ronald Steigerwalt celebrated their 40th Anniversary in October at a castle on the Rhine. Mike continues on the boards of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and the Desert Blind & Handicapped Association. In April he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the California Historical Society.
Michael Carson and Ronald Steigerwalt celebrated their 40th Anniversary in October at a castle on the Rhine. Mike continues on the boards of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and the Desert Blind & Handicapped Association. In April he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the California Historical Society.
Lyle Quasim received the KBTC 2019 Community Impact Award. A Vietnam War veteran who opposed the war, he has had a long career in government and community service in Washington state. He was secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and chief of staff for a former Pierce County Executive. He was director of the Safe Streets organization in Tacoma. And his volunteer work in the city includes The Black Collective, which focuses on social and economic justice, and the American Leadership Forum, which draws together diverse groups of community leaders.
Lyle Quasim received the KBTC 2019 Community Impact Award. A Vietnam War veteran who opposed the war, he has had a long career in government and community service in Washington state. He was secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and chief of staff for a former Pierce County Executive. He was director of the Safe Streets organization in Tacoma. And his volunteer work in the city includes The Black Collective, which focuses on social and economic justice, and the American Leadership Forum, which draws together diverse groups of community leaders.
Darlene (Olson) Nelson died on May 7 in The Dalles, OR at the age of 71. Darlene taught music and elementary education in Seattle, Aberdeen, and Toppenish, WA. She was also a faithful church organist and musician for most of her life. She is survived by her husband, Paul Nelson ’71, three children, and 15 grandchildren.
1960s
Rich Slatta retired after 39 years as a historian at North Carolina State University. He published 10 books, hundreds of articles and reviews, and taught thousands of students. Another recent highlight was a first-ever trip to Norway, where he visited the Slatta home place in Buskerud. Travel, reading, photography, cooking, and friends will occupy him in coming years.
Rich Slatta retired after 39 years as a historian at North Carolina State University. He published 10 books, hundreds of articles and reviews, and taught thousands of students. Another recent highlight was a first-ever trip to Norway, where he visited the Slatta home place in Buskerud. Travel, reading, photography, cooking, and friends will occupy him in coming years.
Karen (Emerson) Recher and Steve Recher ’69 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary (May 29, 1969) with a trip to Frankfurt, Germany. A celebration took place June 22 at Kennewick 1st Lutheran Church.
Karen (Emerson) Recher and Steve Recher ’69 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary (May 29, 1969) with a trip to Frankfurt, Germany. A celebration took place June 22 at Kennewick 1st Lutheran Church.
Willie Stewart was the 2019 recipient of the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize. He earned a master’s degree in education from PLU and is also a retired Army Reserve colonel. He spent 36 years working in Tacoma schools as a teacher and administrator and, later, as an elected school board member. When he was named to lead Lincoln High School in 1970, he became the Tacoma School District’s first African American principal. He has been active in a long list of Tacoma-area organizations that support local youth and education, as well as other civic causes.
Willie Stewart was the 2019 recipient of the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize. He earned a master’s degree in education from PLU and is also a retired Army Reserve colonel. He spent 36 years working in Tacoma schools as a teacher and administrator and, later, as an elected school board member. When he was named to lead Lincoln High School in 1970, he became the Tacoma School District’s first African American principal. He has been active in a long list of Tacoma-area organizations that support local youth and education, as well as other civic causes.
Mike Burton has been selected by the NCAA to be the organization’s first Division II football National Director of Officials after a quarter-century career coordinating college football officials for a variety of conferences in the Northwest. In addition to his officiating resume, Burton spent many years as a high school teacher and forensics coach in the Seattle area. He was named the 1995 Washington State Teacher of the Year and has received numerous awards for teaching and speech and debate coaching.
Mike Burton has been selected by the NCAA to be the organization’s first Division II football National Director of Officials after a quarter-century career coordinating college football officials for a variety of conferences in the Northwest. In addition to his officiating resume, Burton spent many years as a high school teacher and forensics coach in the Seattle area. He was named the 1995 Washington State Teacher of the Year and has received numerous awards for teaching and speech and debate coaching.
Summer fun, like the August Peach Festival, drew alums back to campus. Enjoying the day, left to right, are Marilyn Knutson ’59, Carolyn Haralson ’63 and Jerry Haralson ’62.
Summer fun, like the August Peach Festival, drew alums back to campus. Enjoying the day, left to right, are Marilyn Knutson ’59, Carolyn Haralson ’63 and Jerry Haralson ’62.
Robert William Moore died May 3 in Columbia, MD. His passion during the last part of his career as an ELCA Lutheran minister was as an advocate for the need for skilled interim pastors for churches in any kind of transition. He is survived by children Kirsten and Ivan and four grandchildren.
Robert William Moore died May 3 in Columbia, MD. His passion during the last part of his career as an ELCA Lutheran minister was as an advocate for the need for skilled interim pastors for churches in any kind of transition. He is survived by children Kirsten and Ivan and four grandchildren.
1950s
June (Sather) Broeckel died Feb. 8 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Al Broeckel ’60and three children. She met Al while attending elementary school and they both graduated from Lacrosse High School in 1953. June attended Pacific Lutheran College (now PLU) from 1953-1957 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She started by teaching third grade and also taught at PLC and UW in the Departments of Education. The majority of her career was spent in the Clover Park School District teaching kindergarten after she earned her master’s degree in Education from PLU in 1961.
David M. Scherer died May 19 in Chanhassen, MN. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from PLU. After graduation, he taught in three Lutheran elementary schools in California. After ordination, David worked in the mission field in Papua New Guinea as a pastor and teacher. From 1972-1998, he served Lutheran parishes in Iowa and worked as a visitation pastor in retirement. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Glenyce, his daughters Cathryn and Ruth, and his brother, Milo ’58. His life of service is exemplified by the verse: “Here I am, send me!”
David M. Scherer died May 19 in Chanhassen, MN. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from PLU. After graduation, he taught in three Lutheran elementary schools in California. After ordination, David worked in the mission field in Papua New Guinea as a pastor and teacher. From 1972-1998, he served Lutheran parishes in Iowa and worked as a visitation pastor in retirement. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Glenyce, his daughters Cathryn and Ruth, and his brother, Milo ’58. His life of service is exemplified by the verse: “Here I am, send me!”
Art Broback died at his home on Henderson Bay on April 10.In 1952, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran College (now PLU), where he served as student body president. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Washington. After graduating from PLU, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. He retired with honors from the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1976. He started Broback Construction and A.J. Broback Real Estate Company. Art served two terms in the Washington State House of Representatives, from 1983-85 and again from 1991-93. Art is survived by his wife Jan Broback ’82.
Art Broback died at his home on Henderson Bay on April 10.In 1952, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran College (now PLU), where he served as student body president. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Washington. After graduating from PLU, he joined the Navy and served in the Korean War. He retired with honors from the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1976. He started Broback Construction and A.J. Broback Real Estate Company. Art served two terms in the Washington State House of Representatives, from 1983-85 and again from 1991-93. Art is survived by his wife Jan Broback ’82.