2010s
Kelsey Johnson ’15 took a new position as a quality assurance technician at Brown and Haley, the makers of Almond Roca. This position allows use of her biology degree, chemistry minor, as well as affords her the opportunity to learn how to make fine chocolate and candy confections! It is a sweet look at food safety using science!
Christie Keifer ’14 began a career at University of Washington Tacoma as a professional blogger.
Brittne Lunniss ’14 is wrapping up the final year of her master of arts in the applied sociology program at University of Massachusetts Boston. She has had the privilege of teaching sociology 101 while at UMass – a class that inspired her to become a sociology major while at PLU! While in Boston, she contributed to federally funded research regarding youth gang violence in Greater Boston. She was able to work hands-on with local police departments as well as the Metro Mayor’s Coalition. Brittne specializes in criminology and plans to enter a career in law enforcement.
Brittne Lunniss ’14 is wrapping up the final year of her master of arts in the applied sociology program at University of Massachusetts Boston. She has had the privilege of teaching sociology 101 while at UMass – a class that inspired her to become a sociology major while at PLU! While in Boston, she contributed to federally funded research regarding youth gang violence in Greater Boston. She was able to work hands-on with local police departments as well as the Metro Mayor’s Coalition. Brittne specializes in criminology and plans to enter a career in law enforcement.
Sarah (Gumpert) Lynam’14 married Robert Lynam ’12 on Dec. 20, 2014, in Issaquah, Wash. Brittany Petersen ’14, Emily Walsh ’14 and Cameron Lamarche ’12 were in the wedding party.
Sarah (Gumpert) Lynam’14 married Robert Lynam ’12 on Dec. 20, 2014, in Issaquah, Wash. Brittany Petersen ’14, Emily Walsh ’14 and Cameron Lamarche ’12 were in the wedding party.
Joy Murphy ’14 is a student at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Joy Murphy ’14 is a student at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Pamela (Barrington) Nutt ’14 married James Nutt on Sept. 12 in Stevenson, Wash. Brittany (Reed) Menday ’10 was in the wedding party.
Pamela (Barrington) Nutt ’14 married James Nutt on Sept. 12 in Stevenson, Wash. Brittany (Reed) Menday ’10 was in the wedding party.
Rebecca (Hines) Jorgensen ’13 married Lars Jorgensen ’11 on Aug. 15 in Wenatchee, Wash. Lutes in the wedding party included man of honor Jordan Beck ’12, groomsman Mark Rud ’12, groomsman Ryan Ecklund ’10, woman of honor Elizabeth Steele ’14, bridesmaid Annette Kasprzak ’13, bridesmaid Renee Bedard ’13, bridesman Joshua Parmenter ’15 and bridesman Kraig Partridge ’14.
Rebecca (Hines) Jorgensen ’13 married Lars Jorgensen ’11 on Aug. 15 in Wenatchee, Wash. Lutes in the wedding party included man of honor Jordan Beck ’12, groomsman Mark Rud ’12, groomsman Ryan Ecklund ’10, woman of honor Elizabeth Steele ’14, bridesmaid Annette Kasprzak ’13, bridesmaid Renee Bedard ’13, bridesman Joshua Parmenter ’15 and bridesman Kraig Partridge ’14.
Maurice Eckstein ’11 is communities and volunteer relations manager for Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C.
Alicia Coragiulo ’11 and Christopher Adkins welcomed daughter Erin Lynn Coragiulo Adkins on May 23.
Alicia Coragiulo ’11 and Christopher Adkins welcomed daughter Erin Lynn Coragiulo Adkins on May 23.
Kaitlyn Morrell ’10 married Aaron Willis at the World Forestry Center in Portland, Ore., on July 25. Lutes in the bridal party included bridesmaid Adrienne (Fletcher) Shields ’10 and officiant Alexander Domine ’12. Lute musicians Michael Clark ’13 and MacKenzie (Trail) Ross ’10 performed. Kaitlyn and Aaron live in Tualatin, Ore., with their greyhound, Cedric. Kaitlyn is the manager of support services at Legacy Health and Aaron is a school psychologist with North Clackamas School District.
Alex (Kaullen) Stillman’10 married Bryce Stillman on April 11 at First Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Wash. Brittany (Reed) Menday ’10, Eric Griebenow ’11 and Katie Ford ’11 were in the wedding party.
Alex (Kaullen) Stillman’10 married Bryce Stillman on April 11 at First Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Wash. Brittany (Reed) Menday ’10, Eric Griebenow ’11 and Katie Ford ’11 were in the wedding party.
2000s
Erin Hollowell ’09 was announced as executive director of Alaska’s statewide organization, 49 Writers. In its fifth year, 49 Writers supports the artistic development of writers, fosters a statewide writing community and builds an audience for literature throughout Alaska. (JuneauEmpire.com)
Matt Palmquist ’09 is an interpretive ranger at Silver Falls State Park tasked with leading school groups, families and visitors from around the world through Oregon’s largest state park – sometimes in multiple languages. Matt speaks German fluently and also studied Spanish and Norwegian at PLU. (Zach Urness, Statesman Journal)
Matt Palmquist ’09 is an interpretive ranger at Silver Falls State Park tasked with leading school groups, families and visitors from around the world through Oregon’s largest state park – sometimes in multiple languages. Matt speaks German fluently and also studied Spanish and Norwegian at PLU. (Zach Urness, Statesman Journal)
Missy (Waldron) Byrne ’09 and Michael Byrne ’09 welcomed the birth of their son, Aidan Michael Byrne, on Aug. 4.
Missy (Waldron) Byrne ’09 and Michael Byrne ’09 welcomed the birth of their son, Aidan Michael Byrne, on Aug. 4.
Julie (Paulson) Pero ’09 and Troy Pero welcomed their second daughter, Kelsey Ann Pero, on July 4. She joins big sister, Claire Vivien Pero.
Julie (Paulson) Pero ’09 and Troy Pero welcomed their second daughter, Kelsey Ann Pero, on July 4. She joins big sister, Claire Vivien Pero.
Justin Gregson ’08 was hired in July as a Federal Way Police Department lateral police officer with two years of law enforcement experience as a Washington state trooper. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Pacific Lutheran University and he has honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 2003 through 2011.
Kari Liebert ’08 graduated summer 2015 from University of St. Thomas with a master of arts in music education.
Jillian (Russell) Hulings ’08 and Nathan Hulings ’09 welcomed son Theodore Alan Hulings on May 22.
Jillian (Russell) Hulings ’08 and Nathan Hulings ’09 welcomed son Theodore Alan Hulings on May 22.
Jessica (Solberg) Anderson ’07 was chosen as the 2016 Montana Teacher of the Year by the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation. Along with this award, she was chosen as one of five 2015 Montana state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, as well as a 2015 PBS Lead Digital Innovator (top 30 in the nation). She teaches earth science, chemistry and physics at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge, Mont.
Jessica (Solberg) Anderson ’07 was chosen as the 2016 Montana Teacher of the Year by the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation. Along with this award, she was chosen as one of five 2015 Montana state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, as well as a 2015 PBS Lead Digital Innovator (top 30 in the nation). She teaches earth science, chemistry and physics at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge, Mont.
Anna Grimm ’07 married Jeremiah Madden on Sept. 5 in Las Vegas. Lutes in the wedding party were Jenny (Grimm) Alston ’09, Kristi (Clough) Herriott ’07 and Beth (Zimmerman) Grolbert ’07.
Tiffanie (Clark) Davis ’07 and her husband, Keith Davis, welcomed son Sawyer Fox Davis, on Aug. 8.
Tiffanie (Clark) Davis ’07 and her husband, Keith Davis, welcomed son Sawyer Fox Davis, on Aug. 8.
Lindsay (Tozier) Storby ’06 married Seth Storby ’07 on Sept. 12 at St. Andrew’s House in Union, Wash. Lutes in the wedding party were Ruthy (Eap) Green ’06, Elizabeth (Hoffman) Pogreba ’06, Julie Johnston ’99, Meredith (Marsh) De Lira ’06, Justin Diercks ’09 and Ian Tozier ’12
Lindsay (Tozier) Storby ’06 married Seth Storby ’07 on Sept. 12 at St. Andrew’s House in Union, Wash. Lutes in the wedding party were Ruthy (Eap) Green ’06, Elizabeth (Hoffman) Pogreba ’06, Julie Johnston ’99, Meredith (Marsh) De Lira ’06, Justin Diercks ’09 and Ian Tozier ’12
Kaarin Praxel Austin ’07 and Andrew Austin ’06 were married on May 9 in Spokane, Wash. Lutes in the wedding party included Kristin (Hollingbery) Rue ’97, Jessica Holden ’07, Tove Tupper ’08, Rose (Stanek) Norbe ’08 and Tom Duncan ’05. In addition to the wedding party, there were over 40 Lutes in attendance! Kaarin and Andrew reside in Tacoma, Wash.
Kaarin Praxel Austin ’07 and Andrew Austin ’06 were married on May 9 in Spokane, Wash. Lutes in the wedding party included Kristin (Hollingbery) Rue ’97, Jessica Holden ’07, Tove Tupper ’08, Rose (Stanek) Norbe ’08 and Tom Duncan ’05. In addition to the wedding party, there were over 40 Lutes in attendance! Kaarin and Andrew reside in Tacoma, Wash.
Adrienne (Yoder) Brenner ’06 and her husband, Jonathan Brenner, welcomed their daughter, Nora Yoder Brenner, into the world on June 17. Nora joins her big brother, Wesley.
Adrienne (Yoder) Brenner ’06 and her husband, Jonathan Brenner, welcomed their daughter, Nora Yoder Brenner, into the world on June 17. Nora joins her big brother, Wesley.
Tiffany Doorn ’05, former Miss Washington 2006, is still sharing her compassion and love with the world. Tiffany has traveled to South Africa, Haiti and other parts of the world to live with those in need. Her latest endeavor for God’s Littlest Angels took her to an orphanage, where she delivered supplies to the children, lived with them for a month and tended to them one by one.
Michael Doyle ’05, U.S. Military Academy graduate, psychiatrist and experienced hospital administrator joined Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on July 1 as vice president of medical affairs.
Anthony Valadez ’05, real estate agent and chef, is the owner of Little Jerry’s in Tacoma, a restaurant inspired by his favorite show, Seinfeld. A kitschy little hole-in-the-wall, Little Jerry’s is one of Tacoma’s hidden gems. Attracting visitors near and far, Anthony says the diner has been a popular destination for “Seinfeld”-fanatics and hungry restaurant-goers alike. (Margo Greenman, South Sound Talk)
Molly (Marten) Hill ’05 and her husband, Dustin Hill, welcomed daughter Pepper Ann Hill on April 14. In August, Molly was named one of Business Examiner’s “40 Under Forty” for 2015, for her work with Summit Financial Group.
Molly (Marten) Hill ’05 and her husband, Dustin Hill, welcomed daughter Pepper Ann Hill on April 14. In August, Molly was named one of Business Examiner’s “40 Under Forty” for 2015, for her work with Summit Financial Group.
Nova (Schauss) Fergueson ’04 married Dan Fergueson on July 25 in Tacoma, Wash. Kjirsten (Kennedy) Eisentrout ’07 and Harmony (Haveman) Weinberg ’05 were both in the wedding party, with many more Lutes in attendance. Nova works in sales and client relations as a winery ambassador at Willamette Valley Vineyards, and Dan is the director of student activities and Greek life at Linfield College. They have made their home in McMinnville, Ore.
Nova (Schauss) Fergueson ’04 married Dan Fergueson on July 25 in Tacoma, Wash. Kjirsten (Kennedy) Eisentrout ’07 and Harmony (Haveman) Weinberg ’05 were both in the wedding party, with many more Lutes in attendance. Nova works in sales and client relations as a winery ambassador at Willamette Valley Vineyards, and Dan is the director of student activities and Greek life at Linfield College. They have made their home in McMinnville, Ore.
Laura (Hunter) Rose ’03, ’11 and Jon Rose ’04 welcomed daughter Eleanor Emma Rose on Oct. 28. Eleanor joins big sister, Clara.
Laura (Hunter) Rose ’03, ’11 and Jon Rose ’04 welcomed daughter Eleanor Emma Rose on Oct. 28. Eleanor joins big sister, Clara.
Everett Barr-Hertel ’02 graduated from Portland State University with his master’s in school counseling in June and was an early hire by Portland Public Schools, where he is loving his job counseling at Atkinson Elementary!
Melissa (Wollan) Francis ’02 and her husband, Tyler Francis, are proud to announce the birth of William John Francis, who joined big sister Lily on May 20. They currently live in Newport News, Va., where Melissa is completing her eighth year in the U.S. Air Force medical corps as an OB/GYN physician.
Melissa (Wollan) Francis ’02 and her husband, Tyler Francis, are proud to announce the birth of William John Francis, who joined big sister Lily on May 20. They currently live in Newport News, Va., where Melissa is completing her eighth year in the U.S. Air Force medical corps as an OB/GYN physician.
Rosemary Reed ’01 believes your major does not always determine what your profession will be. The skills acquired from the liberal arts education experience do shape your perspective and ultimately influence your character. She hopes to bring more awareness to those Iron Lutes who continue to serve, are wounded warriors or paid the ultimate sacrifice. A lot has changed in the military over the past 15 years since she was commissioned. She did not always get the support from others when she chose to serve, but she can tell you that men and women are making a difference, all over the world, and often it does not get noticed. So let the dialogue begin.
Rosemary Reed ’01 believes your major does not always determine what your profession will be. The skills acquired from the liberal arts education experience do shape your perspective and ultimately influence your character. She hopes to bring more awareness to those Iron Lutes who continue to serve, are wounded warriors or paid the ultimate sacrifice. A lot has changed in the military over the past 15 years since she was commissioned. She did not always get the support from others when she chose to serve, but she can tell you that men and women are making a difference, all over the world, and often it does not get noticed. So let the dialogue begin.
Barbara Pixton ’01 was honored in June as one of two Rangvald Kvelstad Teachers of the Year, which is based on nominations from the North Kitsap community. She is now the assistant principal at Orchard Heights Elementary School in Port Orchard, Wash.
Julie (Johnson) White ’01 accepted a full-time graphic design position working with the very talented in-house creative department at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in June 2015.
Todd Schoen ’01 and Tami Schoen welcomed the birth of their daughter, Anne Sjuree Olive Schoen, on Feb. 14, 2015. She was 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 20 inches long. She was delivered by cesarean section at Northwest Hospital & Medical Center in Seattle. Todd has been working at Russell Investments for the past five years. Tami is a dental hygienist in the Medical Dental Building. They reside in North Seattle.
Todd Schoen ’01 and Tami Schoen welcomed the birth of their daughter, Anne Sjuree Olive Schoen, on Feb. 14, 2015. She was 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 20 inches long. She was delivered by cesarean section at Northwest Hospital & Medical Center in Seattle. Todd has been working at Russell Investments for the past five years. Tami is a dental hygienist in the Medical Dental Building. They reside in North Seattle.
1990s
Kristin (Serkland) Anstett ’99 and Scott Anstett ’00 have moved to China where Kristin is teaching at Shanghai American School and Scott is working on all things art related.
Mike Safford Jr. ’98 was named the NAIA-Sports Information Directors Association Ike Pearson Award winner for 2015. Safford, a student worker in the PLU sports information office from 1995-98, is the 40th inductee into the NAIA SID “Hall of Fame” since its inception in 1977 and will be honored at the CoSIDA National Convention next June in Dallas. He is in his 15th year as SID at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho, and was recently named to the NAIA-SIDA Board of Directors.
Mike Safford Jr. ’98 was named the NAIA-Sports Information Directors Association Ike Pearson Award winner for 2015. Safford, a student worker in the PLU sports information office from 1995-98, is the 40th inductee into the NAIA SID “Hall of Fame” since its inception in 1977 and will be honored at the CoSIDA National Convention next June in Dallas. He is in his 15th year as SID at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, Idaho, and was recently named to the NAIA-SIDA Board of Directors.
Anne (Karlsgodt) Schaeffer ’99 and Bryan Schaeffer ’98, along with their twins, Kiersten and Meghan, welcomed baby sister, Thoren Grace “Torrey,” in December 2014. Chason Hendryx ’99 and Aubrey Seffernick ’00 welcomed Conrad Miles Hendryx in September 2014. Noal Cattone ’00 and Sarah Anderson welcomed Cruise Anderson Cattone in August 2014. Attaway Lutes! All three families reside in Seattle.
Anne (Karlsgodt) Schaeffer ’99 and Bryan Schaeffer ’98, along with their twins, Kiersten and Meghan, welcomed baby sister, Thoren Grace “Torrey,” in December 2014. Chason Hendryx ’99 and Aubrey Seffernick ’00 welcomed Conrad Miles Hendryx in September 2014. Noal Cattone ’00 and Sarah Anderson welcomed Cruise Anderson Cattone in August 2014. Attaway Lutes! All three families reside in Seattle.
Eddie Espinosa ’96, his wife, Ann, and 2-year-old son, Evan, welcomed Anderson Espinosa into the world on Sept. 27. Eddie’s position with the American Alpine Club also expands from managing club activities and supporting volunteers in the Northwest to include the rest of the Western states. The American Alpine Club is a national non-profit that supports all climbers through advocacy, member benefits and events.
Kendra-Ruth (Norris) Stumpf ’95 and Chuck Stumpf ’94 announce the adoption of their three children. Blayze Thomas Stumpf has been in their care since August 2013 when he was 10 weeks; his adoption was finalized Nov. 22 on National Adoption Day. Bio-siblings Jeremiah Joseph and< Serenity Sue arrived 7 weeks after Blayze in October 2013 when Jeremiah was 10 days old and Serenity was 16 months; their adoption was finalized on May 29.
Kendra-Ruth (Norris) Stumpf ’95 and Chuck Stumpf ’94 announce the adoption of their three children. Blayze Thomas Stumpf has been in their care since August 2013 when he was 10 weeks; his adoption was finalized Nov. 22 on National Adoption Day. Bio-siblings Jeremiah Joseph and< Serenity Sue arrived 7 weeks after Blayze in October 2013 when Jeremiah was 10 days old and Serenity was 16 months; their adoption was finalized on May 29.
Marni (Johnson) Drechsel ’94, volleyball coach at Cedar Park Christian in Bothell, Wash., beat 1-in-10 odds of surviving a cardiac arrest, which occurred during a Sept. 24 match. Fewer than three weeks later, she was back coaching her third-ranked team and says she has a new perspective on life.
Marni (Johnson) Drechsel ’94, volleyball coach at Cedar Park Christian in Bothell, Wash., beat 1-in-10 odds of surviving a cardiac arrest, which occurred during a Sept. 24 match. Fewer than three weeks later, she was back coaching her third-ranked team and says she has a new perspective on life.
Brian Aust ’92 has been a practicing immigration attorney for 15 years. He spent a week in July volunteering with the CARA Family Detention Pro Bono Project at the Southern Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, working with women from Central America who were in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These women are seeking asylum and other relief under our immigration laws. A vast network of attorneys and human rights activists are trying to persuade the federal government to end family detention, but in the meantime, the women and children held there require legal representation and the CARA Pro Bono Project is helping in that way. The work of the team was featured in Los Angeles Times articles. More information at www.caraprobono.org
Brian Aust ’92 has been a practicing immigration attorney for 15 years. He spent a week in July volunteering with the CARA Family Detention Pro Bono Project at the Southern Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, working with women from Central America who were in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These women are seeking asylum and other relief under our immigration laws. A vast network of attorneys and human rights activists are trying to persuade the federal government to end family detention, but in the meantime, the women and children held there require legal representation and the CARA Pro Bono Project is helping in that way. The work of the team was featured in Los Angeles Times articles. More information at www.caraprobono.org
Scott Rapp ’91 is founder of Adventure Maps Co. This catalog of 20 waterproof, tear-resistant, full-color topographic maps, with more on the way, covers trails from Oregon and Washington to Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Lake Tahoe in California. Adventure Maps are unique in that a lot of the information is provided by insiders for both the maps and for the updates that come out every one to three years. The Adventure Maps Co. donates a portion of its sales back to the user groups to use for maintenance. (Henry Miller, Statesman Journal)
Erick Swenson ’91, after nine years serving as sous chef and official beer geek for PLU’s own dining and culinary services, has begun a new adventure teaching culinary arts at Foss High School in Tacoma, Wash.
Matt Wilde ’90 was promoted from deputy general counsel to general counsel for Boise State University in October 2015. Matt and his wife, Amanda, a private firm attorney, have three children – a daughter, Avery (11), and twin sons, Maddox and Mitchell (6). They reside in Boise, Idaho. PICTURE
Matt Wilde ’90 was promoted from deputy general counsel to general counsel for Boise State University in October 2015. Matt and his wife, Amanda, a private firm attorney, have three children – a daughter, Avery (11), and twin sons, Maddox and Mitchell (6). They reside in Boise, Idaho. PICTURE
1980s
Mary (Walker) DeMuth ’89 released her 30th traditionally published book entitled The Day I Met Jesus (Baker Publishing House 2015). Her next book releases spring of 2016 and is entitled Worth Living: How God’s Wild Love for You Changes Everything.
Mary (Walker) DeMuth ’89 released her 30th traditionally published book entitled The Day I Met Jesus (Baker Publishing House 2015). Her next book releases spring of 2016 and is entitled Worth Living: How God’s Wild Love for You Changes Everything.
Whitney (Minas) Keyes ’89 was just appointed to the National Women’s Business Council where she will help advise the president, Congress and the Small Business Administration on issues impacting women in business.
Jonette (Lucky) Blakney ’85 recently joined the PLU Board of Regents.
Bob Michaels ’81 has created The Tacoma Eldercare Channel (www.ectacoma.com), a video-guided web directory and online magazine dedicated to making local senior care easier to understand and as transparent as possible for families who need it to be just that! Bob’s work with Smith Alling, P.S. as an elder law and estate planning attorney inspired him to create The Tacoma Eldercare Channel. He credits PLU with instilling in him his sense of civic responsibility.
Bob Michaels ’81 has created The Tacoma Eldercare Channel (www.ectacoma.com), a video-guided web directory and online magazine dedicated to making local senior care easier to understand and as transparent as possible for families who need it to be just that! Bob’s work with Smith Alling, P.S. as an elder law and estate planning attorney inspired him to create The Tacoma Eldercare Channel. He credits PLU with instilling in him his sense of civic responsibility.
1970s
The “Hogan’s Alley” hole at the Everett Golf and Country Club. Lute Friends, Mike Meyer ’79, Vern Cohrs ’80, Don Levin ’80 and Kevin Petersen ’79.
The “Hogan’s Alley” hole at the Everett Golf and Country Club. Lute Friends, Mike Meyer ’79, Vern Cohrs ’80, Don Levin ’80 and Kevin Petersen ’79.
Randall S. Fowler ’77 celebrated his 60th birthday this year by retiring from Rocky Mountain Emergency Physicians, which he helped found almost 25 years ago. He commemorated the milestone by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in September. He is excited for life’s next adventures, which he shares with his wife of 34 years, Keri Lu. Randy feels blessed by God’s love and mercy. He looks back at his time at PLU and is thankful for a terrific education and opportunity to get to know some awesome people over the years.
Randall S. Fowler ’77 celebrated his 60th birthday this year by retiring from Rocky Mountain Emergency Physicians, which he helped found almost 25 years ago. He commemorated the milestone by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in September. He is excited for life’s next adventures, which he shares with his wife of 34 years, Keri Lu. Randy feels blessed by God’s love and mercy. He looks back at his time at PLU and is thankful for a terrific education and opportunity to get to know some awesome people over the years.
The Oly Open has been a 37-year tradition. In honor of Leigh Erie ’77, who passed away on April 12, 2015, the 38th annual Oly Open became the 1st annual O’Leigh Open and was held Oct. 4 at Jackson Park Golf Course in Seattle. Pictured below are members of the Erie family and classmates from Richland, Wash., and/or PLU. Left to right, Bob Stein, Marc Spohr ’77, Steve Davis, Blake Byrne ’77, Paul Hewett ’77, Mark Dallos, David Emmons ’77, Jim Wusterbarth ’79, Brian Emmons, Norm Erie, Pete Erie, Tom Jacka ’76, Mike Erie ’76, Dave Dorothy ’77, Gary Wusterbarth ’77, Doug Clark, Greg Draus, Bill Ferguson. Other Lutes in attendance but not pictured: Jan Erie ’77, Lynne Emmons ’77, Kristi Spohr ’77.
The Oly Open has been a 37-year tradition. In honor of Leigh Erie ’77, who passed away on April 12, 2015, the 38th annual Oly Open became the 1st annual O’Leigh Open and was held Oct. 4 at Jackson Park Golf Course in Seattle. Pictured below are members of the Erie family and classmates from Richland, Wash., and/or PLU. Left to right, Bob Stein, Marc Spohr ’77, Steve Davis, Blake Byrne ’77, Paul Hewett ’77, Mark Dallos, David Emmons ’77, Jim Wusterbarth ’79, Brian Emmons, Norm Erie, Pete Erie, Tom Jacka ’76, Mike Erie ’76, Dave Dorothy ’77, Gary Wusterbarth ’77, Doug Clark, Greg Draus, Bill Ferguson. Other Lutes in attendance but not pictured: Jan Erie ’77, Lynne Emmons ’77, Kristi Spohr ’77.
Roger Lipera ’75 recently retired from the University at Albany Library where he was a training specialist for the past 14 years. He retains his web design and consulting business in Albany, N.Y.
Paul W. Twedt ’75 was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Washington State Music Teachers 2015 state conference. Since joining the Tacoma chapter in 1984, Paul has established and chaired the chapter’s “Orchestral Recital Series” and the “Joy of Piano Trios Festival,” both annual events of the past 20 years. Each spring he enters over 40 students in Tacoma chapter adjudications. Since 2003, he has also been on the consignment music faculty at Tacoma’s Annie Wright School.
Christie Kaaland ’72, accepted a position as associate editor of Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals, a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal. While assuming this editor position, Christie will also remain on full faculty at Antioch University Seattle. Christie also published Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Recover in the School Library: Creating a Safe Haven (ABC_CLIO, 2015), this year, a book for professional educators.
1960s
Philip Formo ’68 this past summer visited the places in Norway important to the life of his grandfather, Andreas Helland. Formo’s book, Papa, A Life Remembered, published by Amazon in 2013, tells the life of Andreas Helland, a clergyman, professor and an early supporter of the Lutheran Free Church.
Lyla (Burtman) Saretske ’65 died March 12.
Gloria (Reinertson) Koll ’63 announces the publication of her novel Skipping Stones, an immigration story. Gloria lives with her husband, William Koll ’63, on Whidbey Island, Wash. www.gloriakoll.com
Gloria (Reinertson) Koll ’63 announces the publication of her novel Skipping Stones, an immigration story. Gloria lives with her husband, William Koll ’63, on Whidbey Island, Wash. www.gloriakoll.com
1950s
Beverly (Tranum) Knutzen ’55 and Richard Knutzen ’55 attended the marvelous class of 1955 60th reunion at Homecoming 2015. Alumni came just for the reunion and from as far away as New York. They want to do it again in 2020.
Seated, Row 1, Left-right:
Dick Knutzen, Bob Keller, Joan Werle Rutherford, Barbara Carlson Olafson, Beverly Tranum Knutzen, Phyllis Grahn Pejsa, Marion Leonard Rogelstad
Standing, Row 2:
Gordon Christensen, Sophie Alvestad (Gordon’s granddaughter, PLU freshman), Dick Brandt, Florrie Magnusson Reep, Mary Estergreen Johnson, Kathy Biery Hoyer, Norma Borgford, Alice Cuda Hokenson, Nancy Schincoethe Hestenes, Annie Romtvedt McCracken, Pauline Skjonsby Schryver, Glenn Johnson
Standing, Row 3:
Phil Wigen, Jerry Schimke, Janet Mitton Elfving, Joan Chernut Benner, Iver Eliason, Al Carlson, Mina Raaen Mittlestadt, Erv Severtson, Ted Carlstrom
Seated, Row 1, Left-right:
Dick Knutzen, Bob Keller, Joan Werle Rutherford, Barbara Carlson Olafson, Beverly Tranum Knutzen, Phyllis Grahn Pejsa, Marion Leonard Rogelstad
Standing, Row 2:
Gordon Christensen, Sophie Alvestad (Gordon’s granddaughter, PLU freshman), Dick Brandt, Florrie Magnusson Reep, Mary Estergreen Johnson, Kathy Biery Hoyer, Norma Borgford, Alice Cuda Hokenson, Nancy Schincoethe Hestenes, Annie Romtvedt McCracken, Pauline Skjonsby Schryver, Glenn Johnson
Standing, Row 3:
Phil Wigen, Jerry Schimke, Janet Mitton Elfving, Joan Chernut Benner, Iver Eliason, Al Carlson, Mina Raaen Mittlestadt, Erv Severtson, Ted Carlstrom
1930s
Eugenia (Spence) Kvinsland ’38 died Oct. 24.
Gertrude (Stenberg) Anderson Haase ’36 died July 8.