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was always passionate about human interaction, working hard and doing a great job at whatever I’m doing to the best of my ability. (Enterprise) exposed me to all different sides of running a business: the customer service, sales, marketing, operations, accounting and managing employees as well.” Those skills were invaluable when Thorpe began as a project manager at SuperGraphics, managing the workflow of new projects through the design and production phases and coordinating shipping and install

interested in. I knew that I would have a chance at getting an associate’s degree while I was in the military through the language training program. That was definitely one of the motivating factors, as a first-generation college student. Do you feel that language acquisition has helped you in the transition to becoming an undergrad student? Absolutely. The military language school is no joke, so that honed my work ethic. Also, I am able to use my language skills in my research as a history major — it

foundational things to what I’ve done in my career. What’s your best advice to current PLU students who might be interested in a career in the IT field?  The best advice I would give is to start your career at a place where you can have tremendous opportunities to learn and grow. You’re not done learning when you get your bachelor’s degree at PLU. You’ll have some great knowledge and skills to offer, but you should still be focused on growth. Early in your career, especially, look for jobs that will

patience, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I was glad to learn from Dr. Yakelis and be a part of his team!” "This research experience was like a bridge connecting my academic journey," explained del Toro. Fani del Toro ’24 | Chemistry major Preparing for the future “Doing summer research with Dr. Yakelis has played a vital role in shaping my post-graduation plans, particularly in pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry,” said del Toro. “It helped me gain practical skills in creating new synthetic

fall semester of 2012, taught by Avila and Smith. The course leveraged the skills of art students to help market and express efforts of sustainability on campus. “It was design for social change,” Avila said. For art students, that meant finding ways to best communicate and illustrate the ins and outs of sustainability. During the course, the students worked toward promoting an annual challenge at PLU – unPLUg. The event challenges different residence halls to cut the amount of energy they consume

, “Yay for failing!” Utley works with his students to fully embrace this concept. “I’m a strong believer in, ‘If you understand what it means to fail, in conjunction with your self education, you can take the pressure off yourself and your experiences will get richer,’” said Utley. “Every time you fail, you learn.” Utley hones his improvisational skills as part of the four-man group Muh Grog Zoo, while working full-time for the Broadway Center. Group members Paul Richter and Dylan Twiner also

medical school applications, formidable biochemistry courses and an upcoming commencement ceremony, she continues to find time for her passion to help others. Huang volunteers at the Browns Point/Dash Point Fire Department, located near the Port of Tacoma. She pulls 12-hour shifts as an emergency medical technician. Her volunteer work has enabled her to hone her skills through practical experience. She also has found a community – a family – that she says supports and encourages her to do better. She