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delivering exceptional customer care that is safe and highly effective,” Mariani says. “There’s also the business side of it, being as innovative as possible, and embracing and integrating technology into what we do.” Read our full profile of Mark Mariani. Great care starts with recruiting great employeesWhen Leah Butters ‘15 decided to major in environmental studies she didn’t have healthcare marketing in mind. Actually, she didn’t have any specific professional sector in mind. The PLU Softball stand

other half reserved for OR trips. By making bikes available and providing a map of bike-able roads and trails in the area, Pfaff hopes to increase the number of students, faculty and staff who regularly ride bikes. “It’s a more sustainable way of traveling,” Pfaff said. Plus, there are the added benefits of getting some exercise and saving money on gas, he added. An English writing and environmental studies double major, Pfaff was moved to get involved in PLU’s sustainability efforts after taking a

said. This led to jazz band in middle school and another jazz band at Mount Lake Terrace High School, located north of Seattle. That’s where he met up with David Joyner, PLU’s director of jazz studies, who often trolls through high school jazz bands to recruit talent. But in this case, McEntire had already decided to come to PLU, the alma matter of his mother, Cindy ’82, father, Mike ’81 and sister, Erin ’08. McEntire hasn’t regretted the choice – of school or his future profession – for an instant

sequence. “The degree isn’t merely a prize for jumping through academic hoops,,” Rubin said. “The program is collaborative and process oriented throughout.. It’s very personal.” Rick Dakan is a recent graduate of the program from Sarasota, Fla. The 38-year-old fiction writer focuses on a specific genre with a “mixed media element.” He had published two novels before admission into the program and published two novels during his studies. “It really is exciting to see that chance to pause and reflect on

studies and political science major from Spanaway, Wash. “It doesn’t look very good,” the man responds as he gazes on the bag of lettuce. Wilted brown seems to be taking over the green of the produce. “It’s a little old, but really it’s still good,” McCracken says. “Would you eat it?” asks the man bluntly. McCracken pauses unsure what to say, so she just nods in agreement silently and the man continues down the line. “I thought about it and he was right,” McCracken said. “I wouldn’t eat that

. Small classes and attentive professors also helped her get through her studies and overcome dyslexia (another reason she decided against journalism as a career-she just couldn’t keep up with the teleprompter.) The solo performance class helped the 4-foot-10-inch Pansino battle her innate shyness and sparkle in her new-found calling, she said. She also credited trying out for the Lute cheer squad and teaching English in China during a J-term trip with helping her push herself through a natural

of the children in their homes and communities. In the end, gathered her findings and reported back to the schools in hope of helping them develop a curriculum that takes advantage of these funds of knowledge. “If I know more about their culture, then the better I can connect with them,” she said. “Learning for those children becomes a little bit easier.” In many ways, Thirumurthy’s studies are a slice of something in which she’s invested her entire career: understanding and exploring other

by John Froschauer) What’s more, beginning this year, Wild Hope will be a permanent component of the newly created Center for Vocation, with Lynn Hunnicutt, associate professor of economics, as its director. Samuel Torvend ’73, the previous director, stepped down when he was named University Professor of Lutheran Studies.  Torvend will advise the center as its director for vocational reflection, a position he has held before. It means that PLU’s Wild Hope project, and the university’s commitment

an integral part of the opera,” Van Mechelen said. After a taste of this, Van Mechelen knows that singing is what she wants to do with her life. She arrived at PLU as a transfer student. “I went into audition for the music program and the faculty was so warm and inviting … It just felt like home,” she said. Marlette Buchannan Hall, a vocal studies lecturer at PLU, said she showed up for the first day of rehearsals this last summer and realized a few of her students were right along side her. Hall

corporation after graduation. Colleen Hacker, professor of movement studies and wellness education at PLU, encouraged Bendzak to write down his goals, but also to go on information interviews even if no job was available. Bendzak on Nike campus. (Photo provided by Tyson Bendzak) This persistence and goals setting paid off when Bendzak finally landed a job at the child development center in 2011.“I would just say pursue your passion,” Bendzak said of students trying to figure out what they want to do, and