Search

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

August 24, 2010 Enhancing the student experience, one scholarship at a time Every year thousands of students are provided the opportunity to attend PLU because of the dedicated support given to them by alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff – even fellow students. Gifts to Q Club, PLU’s annual fund, help strengthen academic and athletic programs, support campus life and other areas of need at PLU. Most importantly, these gifts support student scholarships. Ninety-five percent of all PLU

their time and energy – all in that great Lutheran tradition of service. “We’ve noticed over the years that the outdoor rec trips and the service trips are always the first ones to fill up,” said Melanie Deane ’12, ASPLU programs coordinator and student organizer of On the Road. “So this year, we wanted to make sure there were more opportunities for students.” One of those trips was to Tenino, Wash., where about a dozen students rolled up their sleeves and got muddy at Left Foot Organics, a non

Ministry on the side to go out and offer health care and sandwiches to people” in select neighborhoods. The organization, she says, at times also offered HIV testing. LVC’s volunteer programs provide lodging, transportation support, and stipends for food and other necessities to their volunteers, who are stationed throughout the country, usually in major cities, and housed with four to eight other LVC volunteers. These house-groups are then put in contact with other ancillary non-profits or aid

with the program, is carrying on PLU’s legacy. Competitive debate has been an integral part of the university since it was founded in 1890. One of the oldest nationally competitive forensics programs in the country, PLU’s award-winning Speech and Debate program has a long history of championship speakers as well as a strong commitment to excellence in forensics competition. In addition, Professor Michael D. Bartanen, chair of PLU’s Department of Communication & Theatre, has co-authored an

Froschauer/PLU) Ubuntu Award The philosophy of Ubuntu is translated as “I am because we are”; it has become a core theme of leadership development programs at PLU. Students eligible for this award have a 3.0 GPA or higher and have demonstrated the fundamental values of leadership and service within our community. Graduating seniors were nominated by the PLU community; recipients were presented with a pin to be worn at Commencement. Pam Barker Kathryn Boelk Cody Cano Youdinghuan David Chen Catherine

include filmmaking, photography, public relations, advertising and other media content and services. MediaLab has received numerous awards since its inception, including an Emmy Award, five National Broadcasting Society Awards and many other honors. MediaLab is one of several programs within the Center for Media Studies at PLU, which is part of the University’s School of Arts and Communication. For more information about the campus premiere of Waste Not, contact the School of Arts and Communication at

most intimate moments of a selection.” This year’s Christmas Concerts will be the exclusive world premiere of prolific Hollywood film composer J.A.C. Redford’s A Christmas Invitation, a three-movement work composed especially for PLU’s world-renowned Choir of the West, University Chorale and University Symphony Orchestra. Redford has written scores for nearly 100 feature films, TV movies and television programs. His film compositions include Disney’s Oliver and Company (1988), Newsies (1992) and

. “I’m looking forward to experiencing the amazing scale of it,” she said, “to stand next to something so breathtaking and enormous.” McGaha, a Whidbey Island native, says she wasn’t bitten by the travel bug until late high school, but PLU’s commitment to study away programs and ample study away scholarship opportunities were a big part of her decision to become a Lute. McGaha spent one semester studying away in London and another in Copenhagen. She counts both among the highlights of her

“follow-on project.” Students use the follow-on project to spread knowledge of study away and encourage students to participate in programs abroad. Zimmerman plans to do her project at her alma mater, Naselle High School, in southwestern Washington. She said the school is understaffed and underfunded, but it is the place that encouraged her to look into study away opportunities. She said she hopes to share her experiences with the students at Naselle so they can “dream bigger.” "Coming from a little