2010s
Martha Spieker was recently hired, in Washington, D.C., as the press assistant and legislative correspondent in the office of U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (representing Washington’s 6th Congressional District).
Raquel Rodriguez was recently hired as a bilingual youth counselor at the nonprofit organization Friends of Youth – Griffin Home, where she provides specialized treatment to adolescent males.
Raquel Rodriguez was recently hired as a bilingual youth counselor at the nonprofit organization Friends of Youth – Griffin Home, where she provides specialized treatment to adolescent males.
John Marzano married Jacob (Rutledge) Marzano in the summer of 2016. They settled in Tacoma, Washington, and are starting their family. After PLU, John studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. In early 2017, he made his solo debut at Seattle Opera as Giuseppe in the production of Verdi’s “La Traviata.”
John Marzano married Jacob (Rutledge) Marzano in the summer of 2016. They settled in Tacoma, Washington, and are starting their family. After PLU, John studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. In early 2017, he made his solo debut at Seattle Opera as Giuseppe in the production of Verdi’s “La Traviata.”
Ryan Wheaton was appointed city manager of Shelton, Washington. In his first few months, Ryan has worked to ensure that city of Shelton exemplifies the principles of “trust, service and performance.”
Sophia (Pedemonte) Ovechka married Ronnie Ovechka on Sep. 3, 2016, at Hackett Ranch in Yakima, Washington.
Darlene Reilley earned her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Goddard College in Seattle.
Darlene Reilley earned her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Goddard College in Seattle.
Nick Oglesby recently moved to Vancouver, Washington, to coach high school football and opened a law practice. He primarily handles business, contracts, estate planning/wills and real estate matters.
Nick Oglesby recently moved to Vancouver, Washington, to coach high school football and opened a law practice. He primarily handles business, contracts, estate planning/wills and real estate matters.
Rebecca Ellis graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California, in June 2016. She joined Clear Chiropractic in Spokane, Washington, as a cranial-cervical junction specialist chiropractor.
Rebecca Ellis graduated from Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California, in June 2016. She joined Clear Chiropractic in Spokane, Washington, as a cranial-cervical junction specialist chiropractor.
George Culver, an apartment manager, created a computer lab for students in a Puyallup, Washington, complex to foster continuation of learning outside of school.
Brandon Kinne finished five years of service in the Army as a logistics officer. He will attempt to complete a hike of the Pacific Crest Trail starting in May.
Brandon Kinne finished five years of service in the Army as a logistics officer. He will attempt to complete a hike of the Pacific Crest Trail starting in May.
David Akuien traveled to South Sudan in December 2016 for a reunion with family (mother, sister and others) after 25 years of separation caused by the Second Sudanese Civil War.
2000s
Andrew Hyres, an Army soccer player, played in the 2017 World Military Football Cup. He scored the only goal for the United States.
Katelyn (Sanders) Anderson ’08 married David Anderson on Dec. 10, 2016. Deanna (Denmark) Fallin ’09 created the wedding invitations and Maggie Smith ’08 sang during the service. Jason Andrew ’02 and Carrie Andrew ’05 were also in attendance.
Katelyn (Sanders) Anderson ’08 married David Anderson on Dec. 10, 2016. Deanna (Denmark) Fallin ’09 created the wedding invitations and Maggie Smith ’08 sang during the service. Jason Andrew ’02 and Carrie Andrew ’05 were also in attendance.
Toni (Aulerich) Searles ’08 and Rick Searles were married Aug. 14, 2016, with the Rev. Dan Shaw ’98 officiating at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington.
Toni (Aulerich) Searles ’08 and Rick Searles were married Aug. 14, 2016, with the Rev. Dan Shaw ’98 officiating at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington.
Cindel Tobias was recognized as the 2015 Evergreen PK12 Distinguished Educator Award recipient. Cindel teaches mathematics at Olympia High School.
Mary Cook has accepted a position as nurse practitioner for the Bridgercare team in Bozeman, Montana.
Molly (Keller) Fields and husband, Jeffery, welcomed their son, Magnus Mark Einar, on July 9, 2015. The family lives in North Bend, Oregon.
Molly (Keller) Fields and husband, Jeffery, welcomed their son, Magnus Mark Einar, on July 9, 2015. The family lives in North Bend, Oregon.
Lisa Lennick ’08 and husband, Michael Perez ’07, welcomed son Elliot Daniel Lennick Perez on Feb. 14 in Boston.
Lisa Lennick ’08 and husband, Michael Perez ’07, welcomed son Elliot Daniel Lennick Perez on Feb. 14 in Boston.
Molly (Keller) Fields ’08 married Jeffery Fields on July 25, 2015, in Coos Bay, Oregon. Lutes in attendance were Harmony Rutter ’08, Elizabeth (Johannsen) Farrell ’09, Caitlyn Zwang ’09, Therese McGee ’10 and Andrea Nelson ’11. The ocean-shore ceremony honored the bride’s Norwegian-American immigrant roots with national flags, bunads and a theme of red, white and blue. The couple honeymooned in Iceland and Norway.
Molly (Keller) Fields ’08 married Jeffery Fields on July 25, 2015, in Coos Bay, Oregon. Lutes in attendance were Harmony Rutter ’08, Elizabeth (Johannsen) Farrell ’09, Caitlyn Zwang ’09, Therese McGee ’10 and Andrea Nelson ’11. The ocean-shore ceremony honored the bride’s Norwegian-American immigrant roots with national flags, bunads and a theme of red, white and blue. The couple honeymooned in Iceland and Norway.
Megan Wochnick covers high school sports and Clark College athletics at The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Washington. She has previously held positions as sports editor at The Daily News and sports reporter at The Olympian.
Joseph Lindquist ’07 earned his Master of Music in music education from North Dakota State University. He works in Fargo Public Schools teaching general music at two elementary schools. Joseph and Katy (Goode) Lindquist ’04 have two daughters, 5-year-old Sonja and 2-year-old Hope.
Ben Rasmus and wife, Heather, welcomed their son, Peter Noel Rasmus, on Feb. 17.
Ben Rasmus and wife, Heather, welcomed their son, Peter Noel Rasmus, on Feb. 17.
In March 2017, Stacey Stone was promoted to the position of shareholder with the law firm of Holmes Weddle & Barcott, P.C. The firm maintains offices in Seattle and Anchorage, Alaska. She practices in the Anchorage office with a focus in construction law, campaign finance and election law, and commercial debt collection.
Jennifer McQuilkin has been promoted to tax manager for The Doty Group in Tacoma, Washington.
Scott Stauffer was promoted to city recorder of the City of Milwaukie, Oregon. He is clerk of the city council, the city elections officer and records manager.
Carrie Hesch recently began work for the Washington Department of Corrections as a recreation specialist at Washington Corrections Center for Women. Through her work, Hesch has worked with inmates and The Sisters of Charity to make quilts and baby clothing for incarcerated women in Thailand.
David LaSalata ’04, ’06 has joined the Puyallup, Washington, Police Department. Prior to this work, David was a middle school science teacher at the Franklin Pierce School District and an assistant football coach at Pacific Lutheran University.
Meredith (Jarvimaki) Zandi is celebrating her 10th year of teaching at Seattle Lutheran High School.
Travis Zandi was recently promoted to group manager at Sound Earth Strategies.
Joshua Seckel recently left the federal government and is now the chief engineer of Whitehawk, a cybersecurity startup focused on matching vendors and customers to improve small- and medium-sized companies’ security posture.
Erika (Doane) Dorrington and husband, Ben Dorrington, welcomed Logan James Dorrington on May 10, 2016.
Erika (Doane) Dorrington and husband, Ben Dorrington, welcomed Logan James Dorrington on May 10, 2016.
Travis Zandi ’03 and wife, Meredith (Jarvimaki) Zandi ’04 welcomed daughter, Stella Juliet Zandi, on March 22, 2016.
Travis Zandi ’03 and wife, Meredith (Jarvimaki) Zandi ’04 welcomed daughter, Stella Juliet Zandi, on March 22, 2016.
Michael Grayum has been elected city administrator of Yelm, Washington. Previously, he served as mayor of DuPont, Washington.
Michael Baylous, a Lane Powell litigator, has been appointed to shareholder of the multi-specialty law firm in Anchorage, Alaska.
Lindsay (Kuciemba) Oliveira and husband, Mike Oliveira, welcomed their first child, Addison Bryna Oliveira, to their family on Dec. 15, 2016.
Miles and Anna (Buzard) Van Pelt welcomed Tyler David and Ethan Gregory on Jan. 19. They join their big sister, Kira.
Miles and Anna (Buzard) Van Pelt welcomed Tyler David and Ethan Gregory on Jan. 19. They join their big sister, Kira.
Sallie Strueby received her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver in 2015. She permanently resides in Denver.
Kevin Henrickson, Gonzaga University professor, spoke at the Spokane Convention Center on the topic “When Rational People Make Irrational Decisions.”
Devora Davis began her appointment as a newly elected councilwoman in San Jose, California, (District 6) in January.
1990s
Yvonne (Roskeland) Lerum died on Feb. 17.
Lori Richardson recently accepted the position of assistant nurse manager for the critical care unit at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington, where she has worked for 19 years. She became a first-time grandma to Hannah Lee Richardson in February.
Brian Bannon spoke at City Club of Chicago on “Revitalizing Communities” in February. He currently works as commissioner and chief executive officer of the Chicago Public Library system.
Lisa Meierotto accepted a new position as assistant professor in the School of Public Service at Boise State University. She will help launch the school’s new global studies major.
Matthew Ashworth accepted a position as general manager and senior vice president of WE Communications in Seattle. Previously, he served as vice president of technology for six years.
Jen Cohen, University of Washington’s athletic director, spoke at the Kitsap Athletic Roundtable meeting in January.
Marla (Hardman) Taylor married Guyla Kennedy on Jan. 6, surrounded by friends and family.
Marla (Hardman) Taylor married Guyla Kennedy on Jan. 6, surrounded by friends and family.
Jason Thompson was elected to the board of trustees at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington. He also chairs the Finance Committee of the hospital.
Jason Thompson was elected to the board of trustees at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington. He also chairs the Finance Committee of the hospital.
Borge Steinsvik and his wife, Regina, welcomed daughter Freya Steinsvik on Oct. 20, 2016, in Seattle. The couple has two other daughters, 3-year-old Sofia and 2-year-old Camilla.
Borge Steinsvik and his wife, Regina, welcomed daughter Freya Steinsvik on Oct. 20, 2016, in Seattle. The couple has two other daughters, 3-year-old Sofia and 2-year-old Camilla.
Famously known as Charles “Trip” Tucker, Connor Trinneer, reflected on his time on the set of “Star Trek” in honor of the 50th anniversary at the Central City Comic Con in Yakima, Washington.
Oneida Blagg is Pierce College’s first executive officer for equity, diversity and inclusion. Previously, she worked at University of Wyoming as director of diversity and employment practices.
1980s
Svend Rønning ’89, PLU professor of violin and chair of strings, was honored to perform the “Violin Concerto” by Jean Sibelius with Maestro Huw Edwards and the Olympia Symphony on Feb. 12. The occasion was also something of a reunion for the many Lutes who are members of the orchestra. From left to right: Grant Sears ’90, violin; Linda Hutson Pyle ’01, violin; Ryan Wagner ’04, trombone; Rønning; April Whyte ’04, viola; Naomi Wilkins Fanshier ’06, clarinet and John Wells ’02, trumpet.
Svend Rønning ’89, PLU professor of violin and chair of strings, was honored to perform the “Violin Concerto” by Jean Sibelius with Maestro Huw Edwards and the Olympia Symphony on Feb. 12. The occasion was also something of a reunion for the many Lutes who are members of the orchestra. From left to right: Grant Sears ’90, violin; Linda Hutson Pyle ’01, violin; Ryan Wagner ’04, trombone; Rønning; April Whyte ’04, viola; Naomi Wilkins Fanshier ’06, clarinet and John Wells ’02, trumpet.
Greg Schieferstein was hired as news director at the NBC network affiliate station KPVI-16 in Pocatello-Idaho Falls. He and his wife, Barbara, moved from Illinois where Greg was an award-winning TV news director.
Greg Schieferstein was hired as news director at the NBC network affiliate station KPVI-16 in Pocatello-Idaho Falls. He and his wife, Barbara, moved from Illinois where Greg was an award-winning TV news director.
Lisa Ann Berntsen died on Oct. 29, 2014.
Gerry Smith was appointed chief executive officer of Office Depot, Inc. Prior to this appointment, Gerry served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lenovo Group.
The Rev. Dr. Martin W. Eldred recently earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Graduate Theological Foundation in Mishawaka, Indiana. The title of his dissertation was, “New Creation, Corinth and the ‘New Face’ of Community in Christ: Paul’s ‘Evangelical Apologia’ in 2 Corinthians 1-7.” Martin and his wife, Shelly (Clark) Eldred ’84, live in Eagle River, Alaska, where Martin has served as pastor at Joy Lutheran Church since 1998.
Mark Crisson was appointed to the board of directors for Southwest Power Pool in Little Rock, Arkansas. This election follows Mark’s 40-year career in the electric utility industry.
1970s
The Rev. Jon Overlund is beginning a new position as senior director of mission and spiritual care at NYU Langone Health System in Manhattan, New York.
Prentis Johnson retired in December 2015 from the Boeing Co. after 37 years. He received his doctorate in theology from Midwest Theological University in May 2016 and was elevated to suffragan bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., in November 2016.
Prentis Johnson retired in December 2015 from the Boeing Co. after 37 years. He received his doctorate in theology from Midwest Theological University in May 2016 and was elevated to suffragan bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., in November 2016.
After 12 years as a Blue Whole Gallery member and artist, Karin Anderson’s featured artwork will be retired. Karin and husband, Jack Anderson ’74, will be moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, after his retirement.
Joe Brooks retired as director of operations, Tree Top, Inc., after 40 years of food manufacturing management with Ocean Spray Cranberries and Tree Top.
Donald Forbes now serves as drainage district commissioner for the Port Ludlow Drainage District in Port Ludlow, Washington.
Ernie Lassman retired in December 2016 after 38 years as a Lutheran pastor (Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod) and 29 years as the senior pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle.
1960s
Gayle Lindeblom retired in June 2016 after 33 years from Olympia Arthritis Clinic as laboratory manager. In September 2016, Gayle began as a substitute teacher for North Thurston Public Schools and is enjoying the career change very much. She and husband, David Lindeblom, will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in August 2017.
Gary Olson died on Jan. 30. A summer celebration and reunion of friends is planned for August. For information, please contact Jack Kintner at jack98230@gmail.com.
William ’63 and Gloria (Reinertson) Koll ’63 are celebrating 50 years of marriage with a week at Holden Village with daughter Karen Koll ’93, her husband, Matthew Williams, and their children, Alfie and Teddy; son Robert Koll ’96, his wife, Melissa (Davis) Koll ’98, and their children, Ally and Christian.
William ’63 and Gloria (Reinertson) Koll ’63 are celebrating 50 years of marriage with a week at Holden Village with daughter Karen Koll ’93, her husband, Matthew Williams, and their children, Alfie and Teddy; son Robert Koll ’96, his wife, Melissa (Davis) Koll ’98, and their children, Ally and Christian.
The family of Paul Carlson ’60 and Mary Lou Carlson ’59 celebrated the 2016 holiday season by attending “In Sweet Rejoicing: PLU’s 2016 Christmas Celebration” at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. Pictured in the front row: Stacy Waddell Carlson ’83 and Mary Lou; second row: Stacy’s daughter, Mackenzie Carlson ’14 and Dianne Carlson ’88; third row Peter Carlson ’88, Paul and Stephen Carlson ’83; fourth row: Peter and Dianne’s son, Avery Carlson, and family friend, Kip Godfrey ’14.
The family of Paul Carlson ’60 and Mary Lou Carlson ’59 celebrated the 2016 holiday season by attending “In Sweet Rejoicing: PLU’s 2016 Christmas Celebration” at Benaroya Hall in Seattle. Pictured in the front row: Stacy Waddell Carlson ’83 and Mary Lou; second row: Stacy’s daughter, Mackenzie Carlson ’14 and Dianne Carlson ’88; third row Peter Carlson ’88, Paul and Stephen Carlson ’83; fourth row: Peter and Dianne’s son, Avery Carlson, and family friend, Kip Godfrey ’14.
1950s
David Wake was selected for the Distinguished Emeritus of the Year Award, 2016-17, by the University of California at Berkeley Emeriti Associations.
David Wake was selected for the Distinguished Emeritus of the Year Award, 2016-17, by the University of California at Berkeley Emeriti Associations.
1940s
Norene (Skilbred) Gulhaugen died on Jan. 11.