2010s
Alexa (Koll) Waller ’17 married Brandon Waller in August 2017. Their marriage was celebrated by many Lutes. From left to right: Kristin Phillips ’17, Amanda Hartley ’17, Nicole Dandridge ’17, Karli Floyd ’17, Alexa (Koll) Waller ’17, Brandon Waller, Kathy Allen ’17, Haley Bridgewater ’18 , Emma Adams ’18, Sam Couch ’19. Not pictured: Anna (Koll) Stokke ’12.
Alexa (Koll) Waller ’17 married Brandon Waller in August 2017. Their marriage was celebrated by many Lutes. From left to right: Kristin Phillips ’17, Amanda Hartley ’17, Nicole Dandridge ’17, Karli Floyd ’17, Alexa (Koll) Waller ’17, Brandon Waller, Kathy Allen ’17, Haley Bridgewater ’18 , Emma Adams ’18, Sam Couch ’19. Not pictured: Anna (Koll) Stokke ’12.
The weekend of Commencement 2017, the Gettel and Gunnarson families met to celebrate the graduation of David Gunnarson ’17. His family and fellow Lutes gathered for a celebration photo. Pictured from left to right: Shirley (Allen) Gettel ’61, David Gunnarson ’78, Nadine (Gettel) Gunnarson ’88, Chris Gettel-Gilmartin ’19, David Gunnarson ’17, Robert Gettel ’60, Marie Gettel-Gilmartin ’86, Judy (Lovstrom) Gunnarson ’84, Samantha Gunnarson ’10 and Dennis Gunnarson ’83.
The weekend of Commencement 2017, the Gettel and Gunnarson families met to celebrate the graduation of David Gunnarson ’17. His family and fellow Lutes gathered for a celebration photo. Pictured from left to right: Shirley (Allen) Gettel ’61, David Gunnarson ’78, Nadine (Gettel) Gunnarson ’88, Chris Gettel-Gilmartin ’19, David Gunnarson ’17, Robert Gettel ’60, Marie Gettel-Gilmartin ’86, Judy (Lovstrom) Gunnarson ’84, Samantha Gunnarson ’10 and Dennis Gunnarson ’83.
Melissa Zamora announces the birth of her second child, Tanner, born on Sept. 14, 2017.
Melissa Zamora announces the birth of her second child, Tanner, born on Sept. 14, 2017.
Shane Daggett ’17 and Sarah (Sanders) Dagget ’08 married Aug. 5, 2017, at Northwest Trek in Eatonville, Washington. Ethan Miller ’15 was in the wedding party.
Shane Daggett ’17 and Sarah (Sanders) Dagget ’08 married Aug. 5, 2017, at Northwest Trek in Eatonville, Washington. Ethan Miller ’15 was in the wedding party.
Master of Fine Arts graduate, Chelsey Clammer, released her work, Circadian, winner of the Red Hen Press Nonfiction Manuscript Award.
Pamela Barrington started as the business manager of Fisher House, located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in July 2017.
Rhys Jones joined the PLU Academic Assistance team as administrative assistant.
Rhys Jones joined the PLU Academic Assistance team as administrative assistant.
Nicollette (Hall) Markin received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in June 2017. She married Jason Markin on Oct. 31 at the William Ross Mansion in Tacoma, Washington.
Nicollette (Hall) Markin received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington in June 2017. She married Jason Markin on Oct. 31 at the William Ross Mansion in Tacoma, Washington.
Thomas Kim was elected chair of the American Bar Association’s Law Student Division in March 2017.
In August, David and Amber (Aguiar) Carr married in Burlington, Washington. Lutes in the wedding party included Connor Anderson, Samantha North, Alex Smith, Skyler McFeeley and Canaan Higa. There were 30 other Lutes in attendance.
In August, David and Amber (Aguiar) Carr married in Burlington, Washington. Lutes in the wedding party included Connor Anderson, Samantha North, Alex Smith, Skyler McFeeley and Canaan Higa. There were 30 other Lutes in attendance.
Pam Axtman-Barker earned her master’s degree in communication and rhetorical studies from Syracuse University in May 2017. She now coaches the University of Rochester’s debate team. In June, Pam married Chris Axtman-Barker.
Pam Axtman-Barker earned her master’s degree in communication and rhetorical studies from Syracuse University in May 2017. She now coaches the University of Rochester’s debate team. In June, Pam married Chris Axtman-Barker.
Evan Ameluxen-Coleman earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Michigan in August 2017. He recently began practicing at Rebound Physical Therapy in Prineville, Oregon.
Christopher and Lindsay (Beale) Edison were married in July 2017. Lexi (Haas) Whitmyre, Mychael Tuiasosopo and Jonny Volland were in the wedding party with many other Lutes in attendance.
Christopher and Lindsay (Beale) Edison were married in July 2017. Lexi (Haas) Whitmyre, Mychael Tuiasosopo and Jonny Volland were in the wedding party with many other Lutes in attendance.
Michelle Black, who weighed 297 pounds upon graduating from PLU, has since lost 100 pounds and is currently awaiting a donor for a kidney transplant.
Michelle Black, who weighed 297 pounds upon graduating from PLU, has since lost 100 pounds and is currently awaiting a donor for a kidney transplant.
Olivia (Benge) Civile and her husband, Michael, announced the adoption of their daughter, Marie Nevaeh Civile. Marie was born on July 17, 2015, and was adopted Oct. 23, 2017.
Olivia (Benge) Civile and her husband, Michael, announced the adoption of their daughter, Marie Nevaeh Civile. Marie was born on July 17, 2015, and was adopted Oct. 23, 2017.
Joshua and Hailey (Boucher) Wood ’13 married Sept. 1, 2017, in Pioneer Park in Puyallup, Washington. Amelia (Klein) Kaiser ’13 was matron of honor.
Joshua and Hailey (Boucher) Wood ’13 married Sept. 1, 2017, in Pioneer Park in Puyallup, Washington. Amelia (Klein) Kaiser ’13 was matron of honor.
Brian Higginbotham ’13 and Allie Jo Koester ’13 married July 23, 2017. Lutes in the wedding party included Anna Pfohl ’13, Christopher Higginbotham ’14, Ryan Mitchell ’13 and Mark Herzfeldt-Kamprath ’13.
Brian Higginbotham ’13 and Allie Jo Koester ’13 married July 23, 2017. Lutes in the wedding party included Anna Pfohl ’13, Christopher Higginbotham ’14, Ryan Mitchell ’13 and Mark Herzfeldt-Kamprath ’13.
Sean Boaglio ’13 married Chrissy (Swope) Boaglio ’14 on May 5, 2017, in Seattle. Lutes in attendance included Dennis Boaglio ’78, Sue Boaglio ’78, Samantha (Potter) Tveter ’14, Chloe Cook ’15, Andi Adams ’15, Sarah Barnes ’16, Megan Abdo ’16, Hannah Munson’16, Kara Sherman’15, Michaela Edgers ’16, Katelyn Smith ’14, and Coach Jen Childress-White.
Sean Boaglio ’13 married Chrissy (Swope) Boaglio ’14 on May 5, 2017, in Seattle. Lutes in attendance included Dennis Boaglio ’78, Sue Boaglio ’78, Samantha (Potter) Tveter ’14, Chloe Cook ’15, Andi Adams ’15, Sarah Barnes ’16, Megan Abdo ’16, Hannah Munson’16, Kara Sherman’15, Michaela Edgers ’16, Katelyn Smith ’14, and Coach Jen Childress-White.
Panago Horton passed away on Aug. 22, 2017. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Panago will forever have a piece of his compassion, friendship, loyalty, laughter and love. Please click below to read his full tribute.
read obituary
Panago Horton passed away on Aug. 22, 2017. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Panago will forever have a piece of his compassion, friendship, loyalty, laughter and love. Please click below to read his full tribute.
read obituary
Sean Andrascik, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, returned to the U.S. in late summer from a deployment to the Mediterranean where he was supporting Marine Corps operations across the continent of Africa.
Sean Andrascik, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, returned to the U.S. in late summer from a deployment to the Mediterranean where he was supporting Marine Corps operations across the continent of Africa.
Amanda Robinett and Thomas Hansen were married July 4, 2017. Amanda works as a social media manager for the Pierce County communications team. The couple recently bought a home in Spanaway, Washington.
Amanda Robinett and Thomas Hansen were married July 4, 2017. Amanda works as a social media manager for the Pierce County communications team. The couple recently bought a home in Spanaway, Washington.
Kathleen Haughey was appointed executive director of the Vermont Folklife Center in Middlebury, Vermont.
Kristen (Lindell) Hagler ’11 married Scott Hagler on Sept. 23, 2017. Lutes in the wedding party included Megan Lindell ’09, Brooke Drennon ’11 and Holly (Dunning) Johnson ’11.
Kristen (Lindell) Hagler ’11 married Scott Hagler on Sept. 23, 2017. Lutes in the wedding party included Megan Lindell ’09, Brooke Drennon ’11 and Holly (Dunning) Johnson ’11.
Jonathan Stout received a Master of Fine Arts from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop in 2016. Currently, he is a visiting faculty member in the Rhetoric Department at the University of Iowa and his chapbook, The Dream of Zukofsky, was a finalist for the 2017 Omnidawn Chapbook Contest.
Colby Davies was named interim head coach of Steilacoom High School football team.
Conor McNeill and Kelly (Fenton) McNeill married in August 2016. Connor and Kelly celebrated their marriage with 13 Lutes in the wedding party and upwards of 35 in attendance.
Conor McNeill and Kelly (Fenton) McNeill married in August 2016. Connor and Kelly celebrated their marriage with 13 Lutes in the wedding party and upwards of 35 in attendance.
Brendan Abshier and his wife, Tiffanie, welcomed their first son, Jackson Keith, on Nov. 18, 2017.
Brendan Abshier and his wife, Tiffanie, welcomed their first son, Jackson Keith, on Nov. 18, 2017.
Katherine Alegado was promoted to captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. Capt. Alegado serves as the personnel management officer for the 451st Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) G-1 in Wichita, Kansas.
Katherine Alegado was promoted to captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. Capt. Alegado serves as the personnel management officer for the 451st Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) G-1 in Wichita, Kansas.
Jasmine Johengen was hired with the 771st Test Squadron as commanders secretary at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Paul Richter ’10 and Jackie (Roberts) Richter ’09 married in July 2017. Numerous Lutes were present for the ceremony and the reception. Lutes in the wedding party included Jessica Lee ’09, Osa Forrester ’12, Kyle Sinnott ’10, Dylan Twiner ’10, Frank Roberts ’13 and Travis Tingvall ’10.
Paul Richter ’10 and Jackie (Roberts) Richter ’09 married in July 2017. Numerous Lutes were present for the ceremony and the reception. Lutes in the wedding party included Jessica Lee ’09, Osa Forrester ’12, Kyle Sinnott ’10, Dylan Twiner ’10, Frank Roberts ’13 and Travis Tingvall ’10.
2000s
Andrew Croft coaches soccer at Woodinville High School in Woodinville, Washington.
Kate Geldaker was named director of government affairs for Alaska Airlines in August 2017.
Nicole (Reinke) Gant welcomed baby Emery Reese Gant on July 24, 2017.
Nicole (Reinke) Gant welcomed baby Emery Reese Gant on July 24, 2017.
Michael Jorgensen was recognized as one of the honorees in the Business Examiner’s “40 Under Forty” list for 2017, for entrepreneurship and business acumen.
Leann Conley-Holcom graduated with honors in June 2017 from the University of Washington, earning a doctorate in choral conducting. During her time at UW, Leann led recital choir, assistant directed the university’s top choir, Chamber Singers, and taught undergraduate choral methods and conducting.
Leann Conley-Holcom graduated with honors in June 2017 from the University of Washington, earning a doctorate in choral conducting. During her time at UW, Leann led recital choir, assistant directed the university’s top choir, Chamber Singers, and taught undergraduate choral methods and conducting.
Kelli (Dukleth) McLeod and her husband, Ian, welcomed their first child, Zachary Colin McLeod, on Aug. 26, 2017.
Kelli (Dukleth) McLeod and her husband, Ian, welcomed their first child, Zachary Colin McLeod, on Aug. 26, 2017.
Travis Pagel ’07 and Jessica (Luppino) Pagel ’08 welcomed their second child, Owen Douglas Pagel, on June 15, 2017. He joins older brother, Hunter.
Travis Pagel ’07 and Jessica (Luppino) Pagel ’08 welcomed their second child, Owen Douglas Pagel, on June 15, 2017. He joins older brother, Hunter.
Joe Izenman completed his Master of Information and Data Science through U.C. Berkeley School of Information.
Joe Izenman completed his Master of Information and Data Science through U.C. Berkeley School of Information.
Leslie Harris left her position as community relations manager and policy analyst with the City of Kenmore on Aug. 26, 2017. She now works as a management analyst for the City of Bonney Lake.
Raechelle (Watkins) Baghirov and Farid Baghirov welcomed their son, Logan Idris Baghirov, on Sept. 19, 2017.
David Wolbrecht was appointed neighborhood services outreach coordinator for the City of Kirkland.
Rosa McLeod was recognized as one of the honorees in the Business Examiner’s “40 Under Forty” list for 2017, for her work as the South Sound and North Olympic Peninsula outreach director for U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell.
Judy Henry was promoted in August 2017 to chief financial officer of VirTra in Tempe, Arizona.
Molly (Marten) Hill and husband, Dustin, welcomed their second child, Dexter James Hill, on Nov. 20, 2017.
Molly (Marten) Hill and husband, Dustin, welcomed their second child, Dexter James Hill, on Nov. 20, 2017.
Anna McLeod and Ken Cyprian welcomed their daughter, Ella Ozioma McLeod Cyprian, on May 17, 2017.
Anna McLeod and Ken Cyprian welcomed their daughter, Ella Ozioma McLeod Cyprian, on May 17, 2017.
Katrina (Wagner) Murphy and her husband welcomed Nora Lee Murphy, their first child, on Aug. 3, 2017.
Daphne (Smith) Buren and husband, Erik, welcomed their son, Elliot James Campbell Buren, on Sept. 10, 2017.
Daphne (Smith) Buren and husband, Erik, welcomed their son, Elliot James Campbell Buren, on Sept. 10, 2017.
Nichelle Holloway was a featured artist for the 35th concert season of Magic Philharmonic Orchestra in Magic Valley, Idaho.
Stacy Hilton Klutzke ’03 married Matthew Hilton Klutzke on May 6, 2017, at the Abernethy Center in Oregon City, Oregon. Jessica Darling ’03 and Peter Bonifaci ’02 were in attendance.
Stacy Hilton Klutzke ’03 married Matthew Hilton Klutzke on May 6, 2017, at the Abernethy Center in Oregon City, Oregon. Jessica Darling ’03 and Peter Bonifaci ’02 were in attendance.
Joshua Seckel recently started as chief solutions architect at Sevatec in Fairfax, Virginia, a national security firm.
Laura Brewer was recognized as one of the honorees in the Business Examiner’s “40 Under Forty” list for 2017, for her work in the South Sound.
Ray Brassard, Emerald Ridge High School teacher and Puyallup High School football coach, was awarded the first-ever, high-school level Medal of Honor Excellence in Character Education by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
Judy Loveless-Morris was recognized as one of the honorees in the Business Examiner’s “40 Under Forty” list for 2017, for her passion of lifelong learning and public service.
Amy Van Horne has joined the Affiliated Community Medical Center in Willmar, Minnesota, as a family nurse practitioner.
Danielle Beck received a tenure-track assistant professor position at Folsom Lake College in Folsom, California, in the department of psychology.
Emily (Keys) O’Quinn serves as the college and career readiness counselor at Mountainside High School in Beaverton, Oregon. Emily was a member of the planning team that designed the school and now facilitates programs such as advisory curriculum, post-high school planning activities and community service initiatives.
Meshelle Taylor and Ronald Cole were promoted to lieutenant colonel by the U.S. Army on Oct. 1, 2017. Lt. Col. Taylor is the chief of medical information officer at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia. Lt. Col. Cole is the deputy chief nurse executive of the Army Public Health Nursing Division at Public Health Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. They are respected leaders who are enforcing the latest evidence-based practice and shaping the future of Army nursing.
Meshelle Taylor and Ronald Cole were promoted to lieutenant colonel by the U.S. Army on Oct. 1, 2017. Lt. Col. Taylor is the chief of medical information officer at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia. Lt. Col. Cole is the deputy chief nurse executive of the Army Public Health Nursing Division at Public Health Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. They are respected leaders who are enforcing the latest evidence-based practice and shaping the future of Army nursing.
Shane Tackett was elected senior vice president of revenue management and e-commerce at Alaska Airlines.
1990s
Terry Shaw received the 2017 Governor’s Arts and Heritage Award for his contributions to art and cultural development in the Olympia, Washington, community.
Kristen Sundberg Lunstrum’s collection of short stories, What We Do With the Wreckage, has won the 2017 Flannery O’Connor Prize. Her work will be published by the University of Georgia Press in October 2018.
Jana Strasburg gave a TEDxRichland talk on innovation.
Tara Nelson began working for Denver’s Messner Reeves LLP in June 2017 as a litigation legal assistant.
Josh and Lisa Lawrence opened a new wine tasting room for their estate winery, Gard Vintners, in downtown Walla Walla. The winery has received acclaim over the years for accomplishments, such as the highest scoring domestic ice wine ever for Wine Spectator, and highlighted in the article “New Faces of Washington Wine” in Wine Spectator.
Josh and Lisa Lawrence opened a new wine tasting room for their estate winery, Gard Vintners, in downtown Walla Walla. The winery has received acclaim over the years for accomplishments, such as the highest scoring domestic ice wine ever for Wine Spectator, and highlighted in the article “New Faces of Washington Wine” in Wine Spectator.
Dr. Jason Dashow recently joined the Alaska Center for Oral and Facial Surgery.
Keith Dussell was promoted to the position of human program manager of human resources at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Recently, he returned from a trip to Scotland.
Keith Dussell was promoted to the position of human program manager of human resources at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Recently, he returned from a trip to Scotland.
Jamie (Anderson) Passaro recently started an obituary writing service called Dear Person. She writes obituaries, eulogies and toasts.
Kelly Davis recently was hired as a front-end web developer in the interactive brand marketing department for Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Georgia.
Kelly Davis recently was hired as a front-end web developer in the interactive brand marketing department for Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Georgia.
Chris Porter, owner of A la Mode pie shop, now has two locations in Seattle.
Shannon Tilly and Craig Norton welcomed their son, Samuel Vincent Norton, on Dec. 3, 2015.
Shannon Tilly and Craig Norton welcomed their son, Samuel Vincent Norton, on Dec. 3, 2015.
Dr. Jay Evans was elected as a board member for the Montana BioScience Alliance.
Holly (Matthes) Guadagno and husband, Steven, adopted daughter, Gia, on Jan. 4, 2017. She joins brothers Jason, Luke and Kyle.
Holly (Matthes) Guadagno and husband, Steven, adopted daughter, Gia, on Jan. 4, 2017. She joins brothers Jason, Luke and Kyle.
Neil Kelleher was named one of the winners of the inaugural Advances in Measurement Science Lectureship Award.
Linda Trendler works as the volunteer manager at Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville, Washington.
1980s
Jeff Neumeister ’89, John Ringler ’89 and Tony Hidenrick ’89 celebrated John’s 50th birthday with a desert hike in the Nevada Mountains in spring.
Jeff Neumeister ’89, John Ringler ’89 and Tony Hidenrick ’89 celebrated John’s 50th birthday with a desert hike in the Nevada Mountains in spring.
Melissa (Womack) Mills has served in law enforcement for the past 28 years. Melissa was a platoon leader during Desert Storm, a deputy for Pierce County and is now a federal officer.
Melissa (Womack) Mills has served in law enforcement for the past 28 years. Melissa was a platoon leader during Desert Storm, a deputy for Pierce County and is now a federal officer.
Ron Newberry recently accepted a communications specialist position at the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. The nonprofit is dedicated to protecting lands and waters in Island County.
Ron Newberry recently accepted a communications specialist position at the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. The nonprofit is dedicated to protecting lands and waters in Island County.
Denise (Bruce) Higgins was inducted into the PLU Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2017. She was a two-time NAIA National Champion and All-American in the high jump. She does employee communications for King County in Washington state.
Denise (Bruce) Higgins was inducted into the PLU Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2017. She was a two-time NAIA National Champion and All-American in the high jump. She does employee communications for King County in Washington state.
Bruce Berton was appointed ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina for the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe.
Charles Guildner was appointed as president and chief executive officer of North Cascades Bank in Chelan, Washington.
Craig Muller recently joined The Private Bank as a director and private wealth advisor. He is based in Walnut Creek, California, and services Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.
1970s
Elizabeth James is a member of the senior executive services at Veterans Affairs and the acting chief learning officer in Washington, D.C.
Randall Fowler retired from emergency medicine after 25 years with Rocky Mountain Emergency Physicians in Pocatello, Idaho. He now works part time with Portneuf Medical Center as the medical director of employee health and occupational medicine. Recently, Randall summited Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Hood.
Randall Fowler retired from emergency medicine after 25 years with Rocky Mountain Emergency Physicians in Pocatello, Idaho. He now works part time with Portneuf Medical Center as the medical director of employee health and occupational medicine. Recently, Randall summited Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Hood.
Kim Bishop ’75 retired from teaching in June 2017 and now works part time for Gonzaga University as a supervisor for field experience and student teaching. Kim’s wife, Cindy (Moen) Bishop ’76, is a compliance manager for Providence Health Services.
After 41 years, Lawrence Johnson retired from his position as operations manager of AMPCO System Parking at San Francisco International Airport and is relocating to Maple Valley, Washington.
Jill (Tallman) Veverka retired from her position as an English teacher. She now works as an online affiliate marketer and moved back to southern Oregon, where she worked most of her teaching career.
Jill (Tallman) Veverka retired from her position as an English teacher. She now works as an online affiliate marketer and moved back to southern Oregon, where she worked most of her teaching career.
1960s
Stanley Hoobing finished his interim ministry position in Westby, Montana, at the end of July 2017. He now serves as interim pastor at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, Montana.
George Beard celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary in August 2017. After three years in retirement, George has many hobbies and belongs to the Navy League and the United States Power Squadrons.
George Beard celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary in August 2017. After three years in retirement, George has many hobbies and belongs to the Navy League and the United States Power Squadrons.