PLU is deeply committed to the purposeful work of preparing students for success in a rapidly changing, globalized economy. Rooted in the transformative power of Lutheran education, we are dedicated to ensuring that our students find a place in the world that is both meaningful and makes excellent use of their talents and education.
In this issue of ResoLute, we meet Lutes who have experienced success on their own terms. We highlight some of the ways our community designs extraordinary learning opportunities and we explore how Lutes find meaning after graduation, measured not only by traditional forms of success, but in lives well lived.
You’ll see how Tarra Simmons ’00 was determined to shape her future and leave a criminal record in the past. In doing so, she helped change the legal profession in Washington state. You’ll meet Rosa Franklin ’74, the first African American woman elected to the Washington State Senate, a member of the Washington State Nurses’ Association Hall of Fame and a success story who exudes the twin virtues of humility and service.
You’ll learn how students and advisors are engaging through the new Nate Schoening Center for Student Success — a comprehensive one-stop resource for students that’s housed in Mortvedt Library. And you’ll see how the Office of Alumni & Student Connections is linking alumni, parents and current students to explore vocations, make career connections and cultivate innovative partnerships within our network — over 40,000 Lutes strong.
I believe everyone at PLU shares a deep commitment to student success. Whether it’s defined by the creation of more than $8 million in new donor-funded scholarships, the improvement of physical spaces where learning and innovation occur or support for our exceptional faculty as they launch the newest generation of Lutes, our eyes remain focused on gifting our students with the tools they need to make their Wild Hope a reality.
Thank you for inviting me to lead this community of students, teacher-scholars, staff, alumni and friends as PLU’s 14th president. I look forward to defining success together.
Sincerely,
ALLAN BELTON
President
Pacific Lutheran University
