2010s
Ryan Page was awarded his Ph.D. from Cornell University in materials science and engineering on May 28, 2022. His dissertation thesis was titled “Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth and Characterization of Ultra-Wide Bandgap Materials and Devices.” He will spend the next two years at a postdoc in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Ryan Page was awarded his Ph.D. from Cornell University in materials science and engineering on May 28, 2022. His dissertation thesis was titled “Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth and Characterization of Ultra-Wide Bandgap Materials and Devices.” He will spend the next two years at a postdoc in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Mykel Jess was named as a 2022 Tillman Scholar. Only 60 Tillman Scholars were selected from a group of thousands of talented applicants this year. United by their military service, academic passions, and desire to make an impact, they join a growing network of leaders who are dedicated to service beyond self.
Mykel Jess was named as a 2022 Tillman Scholar. Only 60 Tillman Scholars were selected from a group of thousands of talented applicants this year. United by their military service, academic passions, and desire to make an impact, they join a growing network of leaders who are dedicated to service beyond self.
Sean McFadden and Erin (Ellersick) McFadden welcomed their son, Malcolm Brian, on February 4 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Go Lutes!
Sean McFadden and Erin (Ellersick) McFadden welcomed their son, Malcolm Brian, on February 4 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Go Lutes!
Tim Hoyt was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and serves as the deputy director for Force Resiliency in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness. In this role, he oversees military-wide policy and programs related to suicide prevention, sexual assault prevention, and reducing illicit drug use.
Tim Hoyt was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and serves as the deputy director for Force Resiliency in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness. In this role, he oversees military-wide policy and programs related to suicide prevention, sexual assault prevention, and reducing illicit drug use.
Victoria Harkins Anderson and Kenedy Anderson welcomed their son, Rowan, in May 2022.
Sarah (Gumpert) Lynam started a new job as the Community Development Block Grant administrator for the City of Bremerton.
Blair (Bjorkman) Suek was named the new Gig Harbor High School Athletic Director. She spent the last eight years at Steilacoom High School as the head volleyball coach, taking her team to state in the 2021-2022 school year.
Leann (Littig) Wilkerson married Carl Wilkerson June 11th, 2022. The couple resides in Bothell, Washington with their two cats, Gigi and Moo. Fellow Lute in attendance was Amy (Campbell) Dzisenu ’12.
Leann (Littig) Wilkerson married Carl Wilkerson June 11th, 2022. The couple resides in Bothell, Washington with their two cats, Gigi and Moo. Fellow Lute in attendance was Amy (Campbell) Dzisenu ’12.
Elizabeth Ginsberg married Dennis Davis March 19, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Lutes in attendance included: Carrie Hylander ’12, bridesmaid Caitlyn Jackson ’12, Caroline Olstad ’12, Emma Struss ’12, Stena Troyer ’12, and Amy (Jones) Youngbloom ’12 and Simon (Johnson) Youngbloom ’12.
Elizabeth Ginsberg married Dennis Davis March 19, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Lutes in attendance included: Carrie Hylander ’12, bridesmaid Caitlyn Jackson ’12, Caroline Olstad ’12, Emma Struss ’12, Stena Troyer ’12, and Amy (Jones) Youngbloom ’12 and Simon (Johnson) Youngbloom ’12.
Brock Gates passed away in March after a battle with leukemia. Brock’s life was celebrated at Showbox SoDo in Seattle in May in front of a packed venue with dozens of PLU alumni in attendance. Zack Halverson ’12 was one of the speakers. Brock was incredibly talented in seemingly every life venture he took on, drawing interest from Major League Baseball scouts before graduating, and joining a band after graduating as an incredibly gifted guitar player. His band played at his celebration of life. He is survived by his wife Larissa and his son, Houston, who turned one in August.
Brock Gates passed away in March after a battle with leukemia. Brock’s life was celebrated at Showbox SoDo in Seattle in May in front of a packed venue with dozens of PLU alumni in attendance. Zack Halverson ’12 was one of the speakers. Brock was incredibly talented in seemingly every life venture he took on, drawing interest from Major League Baseball scouts before graduating, and joining a band after graduating as an incredibly gifted guitar player. His band played at his celebration of life. He is survived by his wife Larissa and his son, Houston, who turned one in August.
Joe Natwick received a new call to serve as pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Windsor, Colorado in January 2022. He also completed a doctor of ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in May 2022.
Joe Natwick received a new call to serve as pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Windsor, Colorado in January 2022. He also completed a doctor of ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in May 2022.
Scott Posey got married May 22, 2022 at Woodland Meadow Farms in Snohomish, Washington to Leticia Mendoza. Lutes in attendance included Jessica (Irving) Osterman ’10, Matthew Kim ’11, Jennifer (Emerson) Kim ’13, Bear Sy ’09, Yelena (Rudenko) Sy ’09.
Scott Posey got married May 22, 2022 at Woodland Meadow Farms in Snohomish, Washington to Leticia Mendoza. Lutes in attendance included Jessica (Irving) Osterman ’10, Matthew Kim ’11, Jennifer (Emerson) Kim ’13, Bear Sy ’09, Yelena (Rudenko) Sy ’09.
2000s
Amy (Greenwood) Swanson has been promoted to senior associate professor at Bellevue College. She is also now the acting chair of the Health and Physical Education Department.
Kirsten Lysen and husband Chris Hewett joyfully welcomed their first baby, Oliver Lee Hewett, on July 18, 2021.
Kirsten Lysen and husband Chris Hewett joyfully welcomed their first baby, Oliver Lee Hewett, on July 18, 2021.
Darice Grass opened a cafe, Oxalis Kitchen, in Poulsbo, Washington where she lives with her husband and three daughters. The cafe features scratch-made and locally sourced menus served alongside specialty coffee in a cozy setting.
Darice Grass opened a cafe, Oxalis Kitchen, in Poulsbo, Washington where she lives with her husband and three daughters. The cafe features scratch-made and locally sourced menus served alongside specialty coffee in a cozy setting.
What started as an experiment and a fun, safe way to connect during the lockdowns of 2020, Jedd Chang, his wife, and their Italian friend in Tuscany ended up creating an online cooking experience that’s still thriving two years later. Chicca’s Cooking Club brings together happy home cooks from around the world to cook alongside Chicca, live from her kitchen in Italy, while Jedd and his wife co-host on Zoom and help manage the business side. Members learn new recipes from Chicca’s Italian heritage in six classes per season.
What started as an experiment and a fun, safe way to connect during the lockdowns of 2020, Jedd Chang, his wife, and their Italian friend in Tuscany ended up creating an online cooking experience that’s still thriving two years later. Chicca’s Cooking Club brings together happy home cooks from around the world to cook alongside Chicca, live from her kitchen in Italy, while Jedd and his wife co-host on Zoom and help manage the business side. Members learn new recipes from Chicca’s Italian heritage in six classes per season.
Leanna (Lookabill) Christian earned her master’s of science in accounting degree from the University of Washington Tacoma in June 2022. She was recognized as a Beta Gamma Sigma member and also received an award for highest GPA in her cohort. She is excited to begin her new career path in the accounting field.
Leanna (Lookabill) Christian earned her master’s of science in accounting degree from the University of Washington Tacoma in June 2022. She was recognized as a Beta Gamma Sigma member and also received an award for highest GPA in her cohort. She is excited to begin her new career path in the accounting field.
Reidun Zimmerman married Stephen McCurdy in Northern Ireland on July 1, 2021 at Dunluce Castle (featured in Game of Thrones). The couple met while teaching in Kuwait and are heading to Beijing, China for the next school year. Hoping to meet up with other Lutes in China. Attaway!
Reidun Zimmerman married Stephen McCurdy in Northern Ireland on July 1, 2021 at Dunluce Castle (featured in Game of Thrones). The couple met while teaching in Kuwait and are heading to Beijing, China for the next school year. Hoping to meet up with other Lutes in China. Attaway!
Kirsten Workman accepted a senior extension associate position with Cornell University’s PRO-DAIRY program at the beginning of 2022. Her new role as nutrient management and environmental sustainability specialist pulls from her depth of experience working with Washington State University Extension and the University of Vermont Extension and her strong understanding of how farming and environmental sustainability are inextricably connected. At Cornell she is working with farmers, researchers, state agencies and agriculture industry professionals to implement practical and effective conservation agriculture that protects land, water, air and communities. Kirsten is a certified crop adviser and has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from PLU and an M.S. in plant & soil science from the University of Vermont.
Kirsten Workman accepted a senior extension associate position with Cornell University’s PRO-DAIRY program at the beginning of 2022. Her new role as nutrient management and environmental sustainability specialist pulls from her depth of experience working with Washington State University Extension and the University of Vermont Extension and her strong understanding of how farming and environmental sustainability are inextricably connected. At Cornell she is working with farmers, researchers, state agencies and agriculture industry professionals to implement practical and effective conservation agriculture that protects land, water, air and communities. Kirsten is a certified crop adviser and has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from PLU and an M.S. in plant & soil science from the University of Vermont.
Suzanne (Hopkins) Sampson was promoted to commander in the United States Navy. She and her family currently live in the greater Charleston, South Carolina area. Her current assignment is the director of administration and command legal officer at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit.
Suzanne (Hopkins) Sampson was promoted to commander in the United States Navy. She and her family currently live in the greater Charleston, South Carolina area. Her current assignment is the director of administration and command legal officer at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit.
1990s
Brian Norman was appointed vice president of academic affairs at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Brian Norman was appointed vice president of academic affairs at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Keith Dussell started a new role with the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business as associate director of industry relations in Mohr Career Services. He has been with the university for just over two years. The role involves outreach to companies and organizations throughout the west coast and beyond.
Keith Dussell started a new role with the University of Oregon’s Lundquist College of Business as associate director of industry relations in Mohr Career Services. He has been with the university for just over two years. The role involves outreach to companies and organizations throughout the west coast and beyond.
After winning national recognition for employee DEI training and development by AACSB, the global accreditation board for business colleges, Tayah (Butler) Rathje was promoted to assistant dean of the Poole College of Management of North Carolina State University.
After winning national recognition for employee DEI training and development by AACSB, the global accreditation board for business colleges, Tayah (Butler) Rathje was promoted to assistant dean of the Poole College of Management of North Carolina State University.
Shana (Osmer) Weatherly was recently named the 2022 Brightman Volunteer Achievement Award winner. She is a retired Social Worker-turned volunteer animal handler at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. This award was created to recognize a PDZA volunteer who has made outstanding contributions in support of PDZA and its mission of “awakening a connection to wild life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest.” She also enjoys volunteering at Featherhaven, a nonprofit native songbird and raptor rehabilitation center in Enumclaw. One might say she traded working with people for animals!
Shana (Osmer) Weatherly was recently named the 2022 Brightman Volunteer Achievement Award winner. She is a retired Social Worker-turned volunteer animal handler at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. This award was created to recognize a PDZA volunteer who has made outstanding contributions in support of PDZA and its mission of “awakening a connection to wild life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest.” She also enjoys volunteering at Featherhaven, a nonprofit native songbird and raptor rehabilitation center in Enumclaw. One might say she traded working with people for animals!
Eric Knutsen accepted a new role in September 2022 as Principal of Stubbin Wood School in England. This is his third head teacher role leading a school focused on meeting the needs of young people with special educational needs. Additionally, he received his National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2020.
Jeff Roberts married Stephen Parrish on Sept. 3, 2021, at Thornewood Castle on American Lake. Jeff and Stephen live near Gas Works Park in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. Last year, Jeff started a new job at Baird Private Wealth Management where he earned his Series 7 securities license.
Jeff Roberts married Stephen Parrish on Sept. 3, 2021, at Thornewood Castle on American Lake. Jeff and Stephen live near Gas Works Park in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. Last year, Jeff started a new job at Baird Private Wealth Management where he earned his Series 7 securities license.
Jim Morrell was elected to the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Board of Directors. CUNA is the largest and only national association that advocates for the entire credit union movement.
Jim Morrell was elected to the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Board of Directors. CUNA is the largest and only national association that advocates for the entire credit union movement.
Julie (Birdsell) Funfar just completed her first year as a second career CTE Business & Technology teacher at Zillah High School in Zillah, Washington. After 30 years in Early Childhood & Childcare management, she received her Route 2 teaching certificate from Eastern Washington University in 2021 and will continue her studies there in the fall when she starts graduate school. Julie lives in Grandview, Washington with her life partner, Doug.
Julie (Birdsell) Funfar just completed her first year as a second career CTE Business & Technology teacher at Zillah High School in Zillah, Washington. After 30 years in Early Childhood & Childcare management, she received her Route 2 teaching certificate from Eastern Washington University in 2021 and will continue her studies there in the fall when she starts graduate school. Julie lives in Grandview, Washington with her life partner, Doug.
1980s
Carol Quarterman-Kummerle was inducted into the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame with the 2022 induction class. When she swam for PLU her accolades included 25 Northwest Conference Titles. She was inducted into the PLU Hall of Fame in 1986.
David Gremmels was recognized at the highest level of artisan makers in the country with the American Cheese Society (ACS) Lifetime Achievement Award on July 22, 2022. David serves as the president of Rogue Creamery, a USDA-certified organic cheese maker located in Central Point, Oregon.
David Gremmels was recognized at the highest level of artisan makers in the country with the American Cheese Society (ACS) Lifetime Achievement Award on July 22, 2022. David serves as the president of Rogue Creamery, a USDA-certified organic cheese maker located in Central Point, Oregon.
Lyle Slovick passed away June 1, 2021. A researcher, author and golf aficionado, he graduated from PLU with degrees in political science and history, and later a graduate degree from George Washington University. He worked in the library at George Washington University. There he assisted researchers from around the world including entities such as the BBC, History Channel, NPR Radio, Discovery Channel, and ESPN. Lyle’s passion for golf, once playing on PLU’s golf team, led him to work in the USGA Library, organizing their collection of historical articles and providing data from his own research. He was a published author, writing several books and contributing to “Through the Green,” a British journal, and other golf publications. Lyle is survived by sisters, Lynda Slovick Hanson ’72 and Dena Slovick Bindewald ’74 and brother-in-law Larry Hanson ’71.
Lyle Slovick passed away June 1, 2021. A researcher, author and golf aficionado, he graduated from PLU with degrees in political science and history, and later a graduate degree from George Washington University. He worked in the library at George Washington University. There he assisted researchers from around the world including entities such as the BBC, History Channel, NPR Radio, Discovery Channel, and ESPN. Lyle’s passion for golf, once playing on PLU’s golf team, led him to work in the USGA Library, organizing their collection of historical articles and providing data from his own research. He was a published author, writing several books and contributing to “Through the Green,” a British journal, and other golf publications. Lyle is survived by sisters, Lynda Slovick Hanson ’72 and Dena Slovick Bindewald ’74 and brother-in-law Larry Hanson ’71.
1970s
David Smock passed away November 19, 2021, from complications of tongue cancer. He enjoyed his career as a sports broadcaster, especially the last 10 years, doing play-by-play for the college level in California. His long career included Occidental College, California State University at Dominguez Hills and California State University at Fullerton. He is survived by his fiancée, Deborah Unoura, his sister, Diana Gosliga (Jim), his mother, Jeannine Smock and his aunt, Edith Cheoros. He also leaves behind many friends and colleagues.
Debbie Bennighof published the children’s book “Another Day at the Ballpark.” The book is aimed at kids from kindergarten to second grade. It is told through the eyes of a stadium chair at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. Benninghof, a retired teacher, is taking the book to read in classrooms in her home state of Arizona and in Oregon where she taught for 30 years.
Jim ’72 and Sherry (Erickson) Zimmerman celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary with a trip to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. They have proudly driven with this license plate since 1976. “Give a wave and a toot when you see a Lute!”
Jim ’72 and Sherry (Erickson) Zimmerman celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary with a trip to the island of Kauai, Hawaii. They have proudly driven with this license plate since 1976. “Give a wave and a toot when you see a Lute!”
Lynn Bratlie passed away August 8, 2021. Lynn studied education and choral music at PLU, and returned to Alaska with her husband to raise their five children. She accompanied Lutheran services on the organ, directed church choirs and taught music to children for more than 30 years. She is survived by her brother, John Bratlie of Bainbridge Island, Washington; her ex-husband, Sandy Simpson of Santa Fe, New Mexico; children, Dale Simpson of Lynnwood, Washington, Mary Simpson of Brooklyn, New York, Benjamin Simpson of Denver, Colorado, Kathleen Korevec of San Francisco, California, Bonnie Melius of Portland, Oregon; and grandchildren, Jackson, Andrew and Fionn Crockett, Emilia Bourgoyne, Dale Garrett, Otto Melius and Finn Korevec.
Lynn Bratlie passed away August 8, 2021. Lynn studied education and choral music at PLU, and returned to Alaska with her husband to raise their five children. She accompanied Lutheran services on the organ, directed church choirs and taught music to children for more than 30 years. She is survived by her brother, John Bratlie of Bainbridge Island, Washington; her ex-husband, Sandy Simpson of Santa Fe, New Mexico; children, Dale Simpson of Lynnwood, Washington, Mary Simpson of Brooklyn, New York, Benjamin Simpson of Denver, Colorado, Kathleen Korevec of San Francisco, California, Bonnie Melius of Portland, Oregon; and grandchildren, Jackson, Andrew and Fionn Crockett, Emilia Bourgoyne, Dale Garrett, Otto Melius and Finn Korevec.
Julie (Radford) Cross went on vacation on a river cruise through Europe this summer. On the cruise, she met two other PLU alumni, Kristi (Helton) Wagner ’91 and her son Nick Wagner ’19. What a small world!
Julie (Radford) Cross went on vacation on a river cruise through Europe this summer. On the cruise, she met two other PLU alumni, Kristi (Helton) Wagner ’91 and her son Nick Wagner ’19. What a small world!
1960s
Kenneth Nordlund passed away June 25, 2022. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force, stationed in Guam from 1946 to 1949. After leaving the service, he worked as a mail carrier for the USPS. He married Mary Pritchard on August 20, 1965. He completed his psychology degree from PLU in 1968, followed by his master’s in 1969. Upon graduation, he began his long career as a school psychologist for the Olympia School District until he retired in 1993.
Kenneth Nordlund passed away June 25, 2022. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force, stationed in Guam from 1946 to 1949. After leaving the service, he worked as a mail carrier for the USPS. He married Mary Pritchard on August 20, 1965. He completed his psychology degree from PLU in 1968, followed by his master’s in 1969. Upon graduation, he began his long career as a school psychologist for the Olympia School District until he retired in 1993.
The nursing class of 1962 gathered together the last weekend of June in Yachats, Oregon. All but one of the surviving members of the class attended. It was a great time of being together as a “sisterhood” of 64 years — starting as freshmen in 1958 at PLC.
Front row, left to right – Kay (Johnson) Koudele; Jacquie (Haverberg) Snyder, Karen (Hendrickson) Bender; Ardath (Sheggeby) Solsrud; Marilyn (Collett) Erickson
Back row, left to right – Alice (Andersen) Cornelius; Marge (Morris) Froiland; Arlene (Arnesen) Gaviola; Fernita (Albrecht) Bass-Thompson
Not pictured: Karen (Kliewer) Meyers
The nursing class of 1962 gathered together the last weekend of June in Yachats, Oregon. All but one of the surviving members of the class attended. It was a great time of being together as a “sisterhood” of 64 years — starting as freshmen in 1958 at PLC.
Front row, left to right – Kay (Johnson) Koudele; Jacquie (Haverberg) Snyder, Karen (Hendrickson) Bender; Ardath (Sheggeby) Solsrud; Marilyn (Collett) Erickson
Back row, left to right – Alice (Andersen) Cornelius; Marge (Morris) Froiland; Arlene (Arnesen) Gaviola; Fernita (Albrecht) Bass-Thompson
Not pictured: Karen (Kliewer) Meyers
1950s
Lothar Pietz published a book of poetry in 2021 titled “In the Dark of the Sun and Other Poems.”
Lothar Pietz published a book of poetry in 2021 titled “In the Dark of the Sun and Other Poems.”
Mary Louise (Engen) Carslon passed away April 16, 2022. Entering PLC in 1955, Mary Lou was a four-year member of the Choir of the West, sang with a special mixed Octet, The Eighth Notes, worked as a switchboard operator, enjoyed membership in the Senior Women’s Honor Society, Tassels, and graduated cum laude with a BAE emphasis in Business Practices and minor emphasis in primary age teaching. She is survived by her husband Paul ’60, sons Steve ’83 (Stacy ’83), Tim ’87 (Luann), and Pete ’88 (Dianne ’88); sister Jan; grandchildren Mackenzie ’14, Meredith, Samantha, Avery, and Mia.
Mary Louise (Engen) Carslon passed away April 16, 2022. Entering PLC in 1955, Mary Lou was a four-year member of the Choir of the West, sang with a special mixed Octet, The Eighth Notes, worked as a switchboard operator, enjoyed membership in the Senior Women’s Honor Society, Tassels, and graduated cum laude with a BAE emphasis in Business Practices and minor emphasis in primary age teaching. She is survived by her husband Paul ’60, sons Steve ’83 (Stacy ’83), Tim ’87 (Luann), and Pete ’88 (Dianne ’88); sister Jan; grandchildren Mackenzie ’14, Meredith, Samantha, Avery, and Mia.
The class of 1955 was finally able to gather to celebrate their delayed 65th Reunion in May on campus. Front row: Dick Knutzen, Beverly (Tranum) Knutzen, Gail (Taylor) Pedersen, Barbara (Johansen) Mathiasen, Phyllis (Grahn) Pejsa, Janet (Toepke) Elfving, Joan (Werle) Rutherford.
Back row: Dick Brandt, Iver Eliason, Bob Keller, Mina (Raaen) Mittelstaedt, Alice (Cuda) Hokenson, Philip Wigen, Erv Severtson, Alan Carlson.
The class of 1955 was finally able to gather to celebrate their delayed 65th Reunion in May on campus. Front row: Dick Knutzen, Beverly (Tranum) Knutzen, Gail (Taylor) Pedersen, Barbara (Johansen) Mathiasen, Phyllis (Grahn) Pejsa, Janet (Toepke) Elfving, Joan (Werle) Rutherford.
Back row: Dick Brandt, Iver Eliason, Bob Keller, Mina (Raaen) Mittelstaedt, Alice (Cuda) Hokenson, Philip Wigen, Erv Severtson, Alan Carlson.
Anna (Lee) Ankrum passed away May 2, 2022. She graduated from PLC with a degree in nursing. From 1972 to 1997 she worked for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as a nursing consultant and a surveyor in long-term care facilities. She is survived by her sister Solveig Lee ’58.
Anna (Lee) Ankrum passed away May 2, 2022. She graduated from PLC with a degree in nursing. From 1972 to 1997 she worked for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as a nursing consultant and a surveyor in long-term care facilities. She is survived by her sister Solveig Lee ’58.