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gathered samples and expertly interpreted the amassed data. This research project was part of the Natural Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (NSSURP). NSSURP allows student researchers to work directly with PLU faculty mentors to experience a learning dimension rarely accessible from the academic-year textbook and laboratory assignments. Research projects reflect the natural sciences fields of biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, geosciences, mathematics, physics

symposiums and to the Scandinavian Cultural Center, among other projects and programs. The Bensons are also among PLU’s most improbable benefactors. Their story is one of remarkable good fortune, followed by unparalleled generosity. “I believe that we have supported PLU because we were called to do it. I think that God had a plan for us,” Jolita said. “We started out with nothing and had absolutely nothing for a very long time. Then we were blessed and it just seemed natural to do all that we could for

subjects—and to excite them about math and science. MESA stands for Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement, and MESA Day tests all of those skills through fun challenges such as building stick bridges, designing and flying gliders, creating prosthetic arms and building energy-generating windmills from straws and masking tape. Students have been working on these projects throughout the year—in class and after school—and then they bring them, and their own high hopes, to PLU each spring. It’s a

provide students with learning opportunities by working with clients, both on and off-campus. Rather than a geographic location, the center is an organized way of conceptualizing and approaching topics typically taught only in classroom settings. This fall, for instance, four different classes containing nearly 50 students studying graphic design, research methods, public relations/advertising and media studies, will work together on a series of real-world projects, all focused on one specific

, for instance, four classes of nearly 50 students studying graphic design, research methods, public relations/advertising and media studies are working together on a series of real-world projects, all focused on one specific community partner. To some extent, activities of the new Center are patterned after PLU’s highly successful MediaLab program. Robert Marshall Wells, associate professor of Communication and faculty adviser to MediaLab since its inception, has been appointed director of the new

houses religious items, the multifaith space doesn’t only lend itself to religious practices. Mediation and reflection not tied to a specific faith are also encouraged. The Interfaith Working Group designed the space to provide Lutes the opportunity to practice faith and spirituality freely and comfortably. To curate the space, the group petitioned for a grant from the Diversity, Justice and Sustainability fund — a reserve pulled from student fees to pay for projects that contribute to the

and others on campus to elevate the entire department to the top of the Northwest Conference and to be a mainstay on the national level.”PLU AthleticsSnyder’s tenure saw IC tally its highest-ever finish in the Midwest Conference All-Sport Standings, as well as an institutional record for All-Conference athletes. A proven leader, Snyder oversaw $4 million worth of capital projects, including renovations to the College’s baseball and softball stadiums, the resurfacing of its indoor track, and a

. He accepted a full-time position a few weeks before commencement. One year later, he transferred departments, to an up-and-coming Microsoft games unit that only had about 25 staff members. He’s worked in gaming ever since, spending 13 years in what is now Microsoft Studios (where his projects included favorites like Halo, Mass Effect and Age of Empires), before stints with multiple gaming start-ups as well as industry heavyweights like Electronic Arts and Big Fish Games. “Lots of people play

experience: My PLU experience has been truly life-changing. As a first year, I would have never been able to guess what kind of journey I was about to embark on. During my time at PLU, I met many lifelong friends – including the girl that I get to marry! On top of that, I had learning opportunities that challenged me both academically and as an individual. Zachary Grah ’13 is from Puyallup, Wash. The school of business combined theory with relevant projects involving real organizations. This education