text:
> PLU UnPLUgged, 10
> Holocaust Chair Announced, 8
> Mangan's 'The Billboard,' 23
calendar Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall April 18, 8 p.m. Artist Series: Alison Sincoff (flute) and Gail Berenson (piano) Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall April 20, 7:30 p.m. Earth Day Celebration Talk: David Montgomery, author of "Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations" Scandinavian Cultural Center April 20, 8 p.m. Choral Series: University Singers and Vocal Ensemble Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
The campus blooms like a springtime flower. Photo illustration by Jordan Hartman '02.
APRIL April 1, 7 p.m. Literary Spotlight Series: Erica Bauermeister Garfield Book Company, Fireside Lounge April 6, 10:30 a.m. Women's Voices and Votes: Washington Suffrage Garfield Book Company, Community Room April 6, 6 p.m. MBA Speaker Series: Jim Fredrickson, Microsoft Corporation Morken Center, Public Events Room April 6, 8 p.m. Regency Concert Series: Lyric Brass Quintet Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall April 8, 8 p.m. Studio Series: Sax Studio Recital Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall April 8, 7 p.m. Jolita Benson Education Lecture: Unintended Consequences of Technology University Center, CK East
April 9, 3 p.m. Division of Social Science Lecture Xavier, 150 April 11, 2 p.m. Nordic Film Series: "Aberdeen" Scandinavian Cultural Center April 13, 7:30 p.m. Religion Department Public Lecture Scandinavian Cultural Center
April 21, 7 p.m. Philosophy Department Lecture Scandinavian Cultural Center April 22, 5 p.m. Equal Pay Day Speaker Scandinavian Cultural Center April 23, 7 p.m. Harmony PRIDE Drag Show University Center, CK April 24, Noon Studio Series: Bassoon Ensemble Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
April 15, 6 p.m. Hebrew Idol Live Finale Administration Building, 101
April 26, 6 p.m. MBA Speaker Series: Lynn Michaelis, Strategic Economic Analysis Morken Center, Public Events Room
April 15, 8 p.m. Choral Series: University Chorale Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
April 26, 7:30 p.m. Ingram Lecture by Dr. Amir Hussain Scandinavian Cultural Center
April 16-17, 7:30 p.m. Dance 2010 Eastvold Auditorium April 17, 8:30 a.m. Peace Building at the Local Level Rieke Science Center, Leraas Lecture Hall April 18, 3 p.m. Richard D. Moe Organ Recital Series: Jack Mitchener, Guest Organist
April 27, 8 p.m. Choral Series: Choir of the West Homecoming Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall April 28, 8 p.m. Band Series: University Concert Band Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall continued on inside back cover
Pacific Lutheran University Scene Spring 2010 Volume 40 Issue 3 4
Here & Now
Life of the Mind
Power Off Competition On Residence halls vie to reduce energy consumption
REALLY?! Six professors prove – or debunk – some issues of the day
Game On What Matt Kennedy '07 did in Uganda may change lives forever
Giving Back Renovation seeks to improve teaching and research Children at a school in the Namuwongo slum, Uganda, mug for the camera. Photo by Ted Charles '12
The Arts
Alumni Profiles
Alumni Class Notes
Jeremy Mangan's 'The Billboard'
Attaway Lutes Senior hurlers for baseball team are a potent one-two punch
Alumni News & Events Lute U goes to Ashland, Oregon
Scene EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Greg Brewis
Lia Bigano
Loren J. Anderson President
Steve Hansen
Hauge Administration Building #207 253-535-8410 firstname.lastname@example.com www.plu.edu/scene
Barbara Clements WRITERS
Greg Brewis Steve Hansen Barbara Clements Chris Albert Nick Dawson Jim Plourde
Steven P. Starkovich Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Laura F. Majovski Vice President, Student Life and Dean of Students Karl Stumo Vice President, Admission and Enrollment Services
Jordan Hartman '02 ART DIRECTOR
Simon Sung ONLINE MANAGER
Toby Beal
Steve Olson Vice President, Development and University Relations Sheri J. Tonn Vice President, Finance and Operations
OFFICE OF CONSTITUENT RELATIONS Lauralee Hagen '75, '78 Executive Director Sumerlin Larsen '01 Associate Director G. Lee Kluth '69 Director, Congregation Relations Nesvig Alumni Center Tacoma, WA 98447-0003 253-535-7415 800-ALUM-PLU www.plualumni.org
ADDRESS CHANGES Please direct any address changes to email@example.com or 800-ALUM-PLU ON THE COVER Associate Professor of Political Science Peter Grosvenor
Scene is printed on 10 percent post-consumer recycled paper using soy-based sustainable inks. The paper was manufactured at a Forest Stewardship Council-certified plant.
Volume 40, Issue 3 Scene (SSN 0886-3369) is published quarterly by Pacific Lutheran University, S. 121st and Park Ave., Tacoma, WA., 98447-0003. Periodicals postage paid at Tacoma, WA, and additional mailing offices. Address service requested. Postmaster: Send changes to Development Operations, Office of Development, PLU, Tacoma, WA, 98447-0003, firstname.lastname@example.com. © 2010 by Pacific Lutheran University
here & now
n January, students from PLU studied on all seven continents for the third time in five years. PLU was the first-ever university to do it in 2006. More than 300 students in 20 different classes studied off campus in places like Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand – and Antarctica. Read the blog entries from many of the students who took part in this year's J-Term study away program at http://sojourner.plu.edu
Above: Kari Plog '11 and fellow students encounter monsoon rains on the river Nile in Uganda. Inset: Luke Hansen '11 walks with a friend from the Watoto Orphanage near Kampala, Uganda. Photos by Ted Charles '12.
Explore! celebrates seven years with record attendance
he Explore! first-year student retreat celebrated its seventh year as part of the PLU experience in January, with a record 150 students attending the off-campus, overnight event. "This weekend really gives students permission to ask questions that can help identify things that they are called to do," Amber Dehne, assistant director of student involvement and leadership, said. "In college, there is a lot of pressure to have all of the answers, but here the students are the ones who get to ask most of the questions." Explore! is part of PLU's groundbreaking "Wild Hope" project, which seeks to encourage exploration of the concept of vocation – the meaning and purpose of life – among students. Wild Hope and Explore! are funded by a grant from the Lily Endowment, Inc. As part of the program, student participants form small groups with a leader who can answer questions throughout the weekend. There are student panels with upperclassmen, and a staff/faculty panel where they discuss their vocational development since their graduation. "College provides a lot of opportunities and even encourages students to ask a lot of questions," Explore! student coordinator Elizabeth Ginsberg '12 said. "It's nice for these students to have a weekend to get away and think about the issues that they faced during the first semester. That's what I did last year, and now I want to help other students do the same."
A record 150 students attended Explore!, where first-year students seek to explore the meaning and purpose of life.
fall of 1992 to teach one course in the physics department as he was finishing his Ph.D from the University of Victoria, British Columbia. He has been teaching continuously ever since. In 1997, he was hired into a tenure-track position, and since 2001 has been associate professor of physics. He has served the university as a department chair and has extensive experience on the Faculty Affairs Committee and Budget Advisory Committee. Starkovich's professional academic expertise is in general relativity and cos-
mology. As an undergraduate he studied atmospheric chemistry, graduating from Oregon State University in 1976. In the mid-1980s he served in the Oregon State Senate working on issues related to the environment, labor and education. In 1985, he earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon in educational policy and management with an emphasis in higher education administration. In the belief that every small college should have an observatory, Starkovich wrote the "astronomy half" of the $500,000 grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation that brought an astronomical observatory to the PLU campus in 1998.
Steven Starkovich named provost
teven P. Starkovich has been named provost and dean of graduate studies through the 2011-12 academic year. He had been serving as acting provost this year during the sabbatical leave of Patricia O'Connell Killen. She is returning to her alma mater to become academic vice president at Gonzaga University in Spokane. Starkovich first came to PLU in the HERE & NOW > PLU SCENE SPRING 2010
here & now continued
Campus hosts highprofile conferences
t was a busy spring at PLU, with the university hosting high-profile events. In early March, the 2010 Wang Center Symposium brought numerous speakers to campus to discuss the global impact of sports and recreation. The event, titled "Understanding the World Through Sports and Recreation," featured a keynote address by Olympic speed skating gold medalist Joey Cheek, who has used the international stage to turn the world's attention to the plight of the population of Darfur. The Powell and Heller 2010 Holocaust Conference took place March 18-20, bringing some of the most prominent Holocaust scholars to campus. Renowned scholar – and former PLU professor – Christopher Browning delivered the opening lecture. Other highlights included Carl Wilkens' discussing his eyewitness account of the Rwandan genocide, and a special presentation of music from the Holocaust. Students also got into the act with the unique partnership between the Wild Hope Project and the Division of Natural Sciences. The result was "Meant to Live: Unearth Your Passion." The two-day event in late February featured panels of recent alumni, who discussed the passions and interests that have brought them to their place in life. Reed Timmer from the Discovery Channel's "Storm Chasers" was the keynote speaker. Taylor Hagbo
Olympic speed skating gold medalist Joey Cheek delivered the keynote address at the Wang Center's symposium "Understanding the World Through Sports and Recreation."
On a whim, Taylor Hagbo wows PLU Idol audience In what has become a January tradition, the third-annual PLU Idol contest wowed both the audience and judges with enthusiastic – and talented – performances. This year's winner, Taylor Hagbo '11 pulled out all the stops, mak-
ing all of Lagerquist Concert Hall his stage and getting the crowd singing along to his original song. But the reason behind Hagbo's performance madness wasn't just to be crowned the third PLU Idol, but to catch the eye of a girl. "I sort of did it on a whim," he said. "I was trying to impress this girl. I think it's working maybe." It certainly impressed everyone else.
Faculty members honored for excellence
our PLU faculty members were honored this past December as the 2009-10 Faculty Excellence Awards recipients. The awards seek to recognize outstanding accomplishments of the faculty in five areas of work: teaching, advising, mentoring, research, and service. The recipients were nominated and selected by their peers, signifying their high regard among those who know them well. This year's Faculty Excellence Awards went to Lisa Marcus, associate professor of English (for teaching); Anna LeonGuerrero, professor of sociology (for research); Michael Halvorson, associate professor of history (for research); and Joanna Gregson, associate professor of sociology (for mentorship).
PLU targets 2020 to be 'carbon neutral'
LU has implemented a comprehensive sustainability plan to ensure it remains a leader in environmental sustainability on college campuses. The plan is called the Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Guide. "We have a long history of practicing sustainable environmental stewardship at PLU," President Loren J. Anderson said. "Now this comprehensive plan reinforces the dedication of the entire campus community to reaching the goal of being carbon neutral by 2020." The comprehensive plan defines what PLU's carbon footprint is and the steps the university must take to reduce it. As an example, the plan identifies and commits to facility upgrades that will point the university toward carbon neutrality. There are also smaller steps that make a significant difference. For instance, PLU Sustainability Coordinator Chrissy Cooley plans to launch a campaign to encourage people to shut off campus computers when they are not in use. She notes that there are nearly 3,600 computers on campus. When those computers run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it costs PLU $124,000 annually. By cutting that to eight hours a day, only five days a week, and then further subtracting holidays, Cooley estimates that PLU would save more than $90,000 a year.
Neeb Center receives LEED certified gold status
LU's Martin J. Neeb Center officially received a gold ranking from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council. The center is the only radio facility in the nation with a LEED Gold ranking. "We are proud that the building meets LEED Gold standards and affirms Pacific Lutheran University's
commitment to energy conservation," PLU President Loren J. Anderson said. The Neeb Center is home to the radio station 88.5 KPLU and the all-Jazz Web stream, Jazz24. This past June the station moved to the new building after 18 months of construction. It also houses PLU's Office of Development.
Reaching LEED Gold is recognition that the building is both energy efficient and environmentally sound. The Neeb Center is the second new building at Pacific Lutheran University to achieve LEED Gold status, the other being the Morken Center for Learning and Technology. S
Eva Johnson '95, director of student involvement and leadership, received the Region V 2009 Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award from NASPA, the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. (Johnson is pictured above with faculty mentor Jeremy Stringer.) Charles A. Bergman, professor of English, published a Smithsonian magazine essay "Wildlife Trafficking" (December 2009) reporting on the illicit trade of stolen wild animals in Ecuador's rain forest. Brenda L. Ihssen, visiting assistant professor of religion, published an article in the "ARTS: The Arts in Religious and Theological Studies" (issue 21:1, 2009) entitled "Smashing God's Face – Art, Theology, and Violence in the Byzantine Empire." Kevin J. O'Brien, assistant professor of religion, will have his book, "An Ethics of Biodiversity: Christianity, Ecology, and the Variety of Life," published in June 2010 by Georgetown University Press.
Troy Storfjell, associate professor of languages and literatures, appeared in two episodes of the History Channel television series "Clash of the Gods" in his capacity as a Scandinavianist scholar. Storfjell also had his article "Borrowed Authenticity: America in Markens grøde," a postcolonial analysis of Knut Hamsun's most popular novel, published in Nordlit: Tidsskrift i litteratur og kultur (Nordlit: Journal of Literature and Culture). Nathalie op de Beeck, associate professor of English, provides the critical essay for "Little Machinery – A Critical Facsimile Edition by Mary Liddell" (June 2009: Wayne State University Press). Op de Beeck examines Liddell's pictorial storytelling, and connects her work to artistic conventions of the 1920s. Rick P. Barot, assistant professor of English, received a 2009 Artist Trust/Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship. The award recognizes an artist's creative excellence and accomplishment, professional achievement and continuing dedication to their artistic discipline. Edwin C. Powell, associate professor of music, published an article detailing the PLU wind and jazz Ensembles tour of Du Jian Yang. "Touring China," was published in the "National Band Association Journal." (December 2009)
life of the mind Holocaust Conference, endowed chair underscore distinction
The Kurt Mayer Chair in Holocaust Studies again secures the university's position as one of the premier centers for Holocaust studies in the nation.
hen the third annual Powell and Heller Holocaust Conference wrapped up its last session on March 20, organizers viewed the three-day event as nothing short of a success. The conference brought more than a dozen international Holocaust scholars to campus and each lecture and discussion roundtable was well attended. The conference was also a time to celebrate important milestones that will ensure the Holocaust will be studied at PLU for years to come. New gifts in support of the Kurt Mayer Professorship in Holocaust Studies have pushed that endowment total beyond $2 million, making it the third endowed chair at PLU. The Kurt Mayer Chair in Holocaust Studies again secures the university's position as one of the premier centers for Holocaust studies in the nation. The Holocaust conference sessions
were broad as they were engaging – there were stories from survivors of the Holocaust, an eyewitness view of the Rwandan genocide, even a performance of music associated with the Holocaust. Of special importance, educators were also invited to campus to consider ways to better teach the Holocaust – and, certainly, the lessons of tolerance – in middle and secondary schools. "Holocaust studies is not a new idea at PLU. It is an area of academic distinction and excellence that has been built over the past three decades – made possible by the commitment and support of the university at all levels, by the remarkable leadership of professors Christopher Browning and Robert Ericksen '67, and by the support of many close friends of the university, as well as members of the Jewish community," PLU President Loren J. Anderson said. In 2007, two prominent Tacoma area families funded the first $1 million in
Kurt Mayer
support of an endowed professorship in Holocaust studies at PLU. The gifts were made to honor the memory of their family and friends who were murdered in the Holocaust and to ensure that the painful lessons learned from the Holocaust will be taught to future generations of students. The donors were Kurt and Pam Mayer, Joe and Gloria Mayer, Natalie Mayer-Yeager, Nancy Powell, Carol Powell Heller and Harry Heller. Together they committed both to giving $1 million and to help raise another $1 million to eventually fund a $2 million endowed chair. Additional support from these initial donors, plus support from Dale '63 and Jolita '63 Benson and other new gifts brought the endowment to the chair level of $2 million. The endowment funds supplemental salary for the Mayer Chair, research and travel related to scholarship, enhanced
library resources, student-faculty research fellowship opportunities, coordination of the annual Lemkin Student Essay Contest and the Lemkin Lecture (named for Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term "genocide"), as well as the annual Holocaust conference. At first glance, PLU might seem to be an unlikely place to be a center of Holocaust study and scholarship. But really, it embraces the Lutheran educational tradition of working for issues of justice and tolerance. According to Professor Emeritus of History Philip Nordquist's '56 second book documenting the history of PLU "Inquiry, Service, Leadership and Care: Pacific Lutheran University 1988-2008," faculty members were already studying and teaching about the Holocaust as soon as the 1950s. But when Christopher Browning began his tenure as professor in PLU's history department in 1974, he brought with him a renewed interest in the subject. Browning's 1992 publication "Ordinary Men," is considered one of the leading texts in the field of Holocaust studies. Publication of this and other works brought accolades to Browning and PLU – for one, Browning was named as a visiting scholar at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and at the Institute for Advanced Study at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Browning has since moved on to become the coveted chair in history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but his legacy continues. Browning often returns to campus – he was, in fact, the opening night speaker at this year's Holocaust conference. "Chris Browning built such momentum here and created this tremendous attention for PLU. Now when people throughout the United States and in Europe hear Pacific Lutheran University, they recognize it as an important center in Holocaust studies," said Professor of History and recipient of the Kurt Mayer Chair of Holocaust Studies Robert Ericksen. Ericksen himself is an internationally recognized Holocaust scholar, most notably for the book "Theologians Under Hitler." His work at PLU has continued to raise the profile of Holocaust studies, and for his efforts, in 2007 he was named the Kurt Mayer professorship.
Robert Ericksen '67, Kurt Mayer Chair of Holocaust Studies, continues PLU's long tradition of studying the Holocaust.
That name – Kurt Mayer – is another key reason Holocaust studies have such deep roots at PLU. The Tacoma businessman, philanthropist and community leader, now 80, came to the United States with his parents as a 10-year-old Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany on one of the last ships to leave Europe. Many of his family members perished in the Holocaust. He eventually settled in Tacoma and in 1957 established the first volume home-building company in the area. The company, now known as Mayer Built Homes, specialized in subsidized and affordable housing. Mayer was the first person of the Jewish faith to serve on Pacific Lutheran University's Board of Regents, serving from 1995 to 2005. He was instrumental in the development of the university's Holocaust Studies Program. "When my generation passes there will no longer be eyewitnesses to an event that may yet be defined as the greatest crime in modern history," Kurt Mayer wrote. "I am telling my story because we must continue to learn from the lessons of the past." And thanks to people like Mayer – and Browning, Ericksen and numerous other members of the PLU community – PLU continues to ensure that future generations will also learn these valuable, and essential, lessons. S
—Steve Hansen, with additional reporting by Chris Albert, Greg Brewis and Barbara Clements
Even at 80, Kurt Mayer continues to be a tireless advocate to ensure that the Holocaust is not forgotten. He recently published "My Personal Brush with History," his first-person account of fleeing Nazi Germany. Mayer appeared at the conference to sign copies of his book, with all proceeds going to support the PLU Holocaust Studies Program. "My book is intended to give my grandchildren – ages 12, 10 and 8 – an opportunity to read, later in life, about what many believe has been an incredible journey," Mayer said. "It can also be a study for those who are interested in the Holocaust and an inspiration for those who wish to prosper financially in business." "My Personal Brush with History" is available at bookstores including Garfield Book Company at PLU: www.plu.edu/bookstore.
POWER OFF COMPETITION Residence hall students vie to be the best at everything. With UnPLUgged, they're competing and saving energy and money, too. Julia Rodrigues and Jason Sipe led their respective residence halls in a battle to reduce energy consumption.
mid-season loss of Ordal Residence Hall's most valuable player may have been the difference between victory and defeat in PLU's UnPLUgged tournament. "We lost our star player," said Ordal's current sustainability coordinator, Jason Sipe. That star player was the hall's first-round sustainability coordinator Julia Rodrigues, who this semester moved to Tingelstad Residence Hall – or T-stad as it is called by students – for a residence advisor position. Normally that'd be no big deal, except that Ordal faced Tingelstad head-to-head in the second round of the UnPLUgged tournament. The tournament is a yearlong challenge in which eight campus residence halls compete to see which is using the least energy – with the loser knocked out of the competition. After the first round last fall, the entire campus shed nearly 48,000 kilowatt hours (kWh), with Ordal doing the best by dropping its kWh per student by 19.1 percent. February was round two: Ordal vs. T-stad as the heavyweights, with Hong vs. Pflueger on the undercard. In the first round, Ordal really showed its spirit by doing whatever it took to lower energy use. "We basically lived in the dark for a month," Sipe said. Sipe credits a lot of the enthusiasm in the first round to the work Rodrigues helped create. Students come together as a community and through the friendly competition, make a positive impact in changing energy consumption behaviors, the two agreed. "The reason Ordal won (in the first round) was because we came together as a whole," Rodrigues said. "We're all college students and we're all pretty competitive." How did the second round go? When the tallies came in March 1, campuswide, the results were everything organizers could have hoped for. Students saved 126,640 kWh compared to the previous February – enough to power 126 homes. (It also saved the university $4,293.14.) As for the marquee matchup? Sipe's prediction that Rodrigues' presence at Tingelstad would fire up those students proved true. Tingelstad, led by Rodrigues, reduced its perresident energy consumption by 24 percent. Ordal, led by Sipe, reduced its per-resident consumption by 14.7 percent. "I suspect they grilled her for tips," Sipe said of his friendly rivalry. In the second bracket, Hong reduced its per-resident energy consumption by 5 percent. Pflueger reduced its per-resident consumption by 17.3 percent. This means Tingelstad will go head-to-head with Pflueger in April. (Check out sustainabilityplu.wordpress.com to find the results.) Even with the loss, Sipe said the real goal is building on this tournament's momentum for the coming years. "We are working to focus on building good habits for living in a dorm and living sustainably," Sipe said. That's really what this whole thing is about, Rodrigues added. The two have already seen some students change their practices by making sure to unplug appliances when they are not in use, or turning a power strip off, or doing the simplest of acts like turning off the lights when they aren't needed. "There's a lot more than just plugging and unplugging things from the wall," Christine Cooley, PLU's sustainability coordinator, said. "The technology (to save energy) is there. People's habits haven't adapted to it yet." That's starting to change this year, thanks to UnPLUgged. And it will likely change even more with all stars like Rodrigues and Sipe bringing others enthusiastically along. S
Six PLU professors tackle common assumptions,
age-old wisdom, folklore and controversies of the day. With a nod to the "Really?" column that frequently appears in the New York Times, we asked six faculty members from disparate disciplines to prove — or debunk — some common ideas of the day. You'll be surprised what you think you know.
A carbon tax will
reduce pollution IN GENERAL, A TAX on an action induces people to do less of the action. A "carbon tax� would raise the price of consuming goods like fossil fuels that cause carbon dioxide emissions, thus giving incentive to consume less of these. No one likes higher prices. But we as a society pay the cost of polluting emissions in other ways. Using less fossil fuel, for example, would not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions implicated in global climate change, but also those of several other pollutants that affect human health. A carbon tax would make those who cause the emissions from their consumption pay something for it directly and, in the process, lead to fewer emissions. For an electorate that hates new taxes, one could offset the carbon tax increase by lowering some other existing tax such as payroll taxes. This way, the bottom line for most households need not change, but the incentive for conservation is preserved. To address equity concerns, one could offset the burden of the carbon tax on the poor by adjusting existing programs that specifically help the poor. As one possibility within the tax system, one could adjust existing income tax credits for low-income groups.
BOTTOM LINE: A carbon tax with offsetting tax adjustments elsewhere can be both an efficient and equitable way to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
PRISCILLA ST. CLAIR Associate Professor of Economics
You shouldn't judge a
book by its cover MY FRIENDS IN COLLEGE were always intrigued by my taste in music. While we typically identify ourselves as someone who loves one genre, I am more a lover of album art. Typically, I choose my music based off the cover. To me, the cover should convey the type of music, the mood and even the experience I am to have while listening to the audio. It's such an interesting way to pick your music that I apply a similar principle to what I read. The type, texture, size and visuals all play a part in whether I will thumb through the book or read the back cover. "It's important," I tell my students, "that you are engaging the user with the data." In picking a book, the cover design should be expressive of the content, it's a very interactive experience and one that we should not forget, especially when living in an über-dynamic user experience world.
BOTTOM LINE: A book cover should tell you something about the content you are going to read. If it's an interesting cover, enjoy the book. JP AVILA Assistant Professor of Art
The unexamined life is
not worth living SOCRATES IS HERALDED AS THE FIRST REAL PHILOSOPHER in the Western tradition. He embarked on a quest for wisdom. Finding little wisdom, but lots of self-certainty, he began his job as the gadfly of Athens. He asked people questions and publicly revealed that their guise of authority and assuredness masked ignorance and inconsistency. He suggested that everyone undertake the task of carefully examining their beliefs and think for themselves. His idea that the unexamined life is not worthy living is referenced often. But what did examining life get him? Executed! Maybe the unexamined life is not worth living, but at least you get to live. Original thinkers have often faced persecution, exile and execution. Thinking can be dangerous. Putting your thoughts out into the public arena where they can be acted on can be deadly, for yourself or for others. Ideas about individuality and democracy obviously changed the world, but many died in the process. Ideas about racial purity and the will to power have been behind some very destructive actions. So, should we all just stop thinking? No. Learning to think clearly and carefully gives us the ability to form and shape our own lives. Without it, we are left following the thoughts of others. When we don't think for ourselves we are most likely to follow other people's ideas without seeing where they lead and without taking responsibility for our beliefs and actions.
BOTTOM LINE: Socrates' fate demonstrates that thinking can be bad for your health, but he was right that not thinking is guaranteed to be dangerous and deadening.
ERIN MCKENNA Professor of Philosophy
Nuclear weapons always make a country
more secure NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION is driven by the perception that nuclear weapons always enhance national security. Yet Britain has been a nuclear power since 1952, and there is no evidence that its nuclear weapons make it more secure. The cancellation of the Blue Streak missile program in the early 1960s left Britain dependent on American rocketry and guidance systems – first Polaris, then Trident. Britain is the only nuclear weapons state that cannot fire its warheads without the active cooperation of a foreign power. A genuinely independent deterrent, on the French model, would cost an estimated £100 billion and could take around 25 years to develop. Currently, Britain has 160 operational nuclear warheads, carried by 16 Trident II D-5 ballistic missiles in four Vanguard class nuclear submarines. This system will be obsolete by 2025, and the government's 2010 Strategic Defense Review confirms that Trident will be upgraded over the next 20 years at a cost of £20 billion. Trident's opponents point out that other countries have either ended their own nuclear weapons programs (Brazil and South Africa), or removed other countries' nuclear weapons from their soil (Canada and the Ukraine), without either jeopardizing their own security or destabilizing the international balance of power.
BOTTOM LINE: Britain would be no less secure if it were to phase out its nuclear weapons. PETER GROSVENOR Associate Professor of Political Science
Sean Parnell talks with Alaska National Guard troops during Alaska Day celebrations in Sitka.
Sandy and Sean Parnell celebrate with the Sitka locals during Alaska Day celebrations.
You are what
you eat WHETHER YOU HAD BACON AND EGGS for breakfast, a glass of milk or potato chips with your lunch, or a cheeseburger and milkshake for dinner, chances are you ate a lot of corn today. How so? Farm animals in the United States chowed-down on 5.25 billion bushels – that's 147 million tons – of feed corn in 2008. Their metabolisms convert corn's simple carbohydrates into the complex animal proteins and fats that make up meat, dairy products and eggs. Americans get another hefty dose of corn from cornstarch, corn oil and high fructose corn syrup. We consume three times more of the stuff than actual kernels of sweet corn. Chemists can distinguish from a single hair follicle the percentage of our diet that originated from corn. Corn photosynthesizes carbohydrates four carbon atoms at a time, and it has a preference for carbon atoms that have more neutrons than those found in rice, wheat or potatoes. Neutrons are subatomic particles that reside in the nucleus of an atom, and sensitive instruments known as mass spectrometers can detect the abundance of neutrons in each atom. This distinctive isotopic marker confirms that approximately half of the carbon atoms in American bodies came directly or indirectly from corn.
BOTTOM LINE: You are what you eat, and most of what you eat started out as corn.
JUSTIN LYTLE Assistant Professor of Chemistry
The jury is still out about
global warming RECENT EVENTS SUCH AS THE SNOWSTORMS in the eastern United States have caused some to question whether or not global temperatures are increasing. To address these questions, we can turn to the instrumental temperature record, a record of temperatures measured directly by humans for the past 130 years. These measurements, made with thermometers and, more recently, satellites, are averaged to calculate one global mean temperature per year. Simply put, the instrumental temperature record is astonishing. Twenty of the warmest global mean annual temperatures have occurred in the last 25 years, with 2005 being the warmest year. 2009, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, and 1998 are all tied for second warmest. The 2000s were the warmest decade on record, and each of the preceding three decades was warmer than the one before it (Hansen et al., 2010). Satellite data document temperature increases on both ocean and land surfaces, and in both urban and rural environments. Scientists expect climate patterns to continue to fluctuate from year-to-year, such as the El Nino–La Nina climate oscillation, but global mean temperatures are expected to rise 0.2 to 1.00 F per decade through the 21st century (Mote et al., 2009; IPCC, 2007). In the Pacific Northwest, increased temperatures will bring rising sea levels, reduced snowpack and more extreme weather patterns.
BOTTOM LINE: Direct measurements deliver a clear verdict: global temperatures are increasing.
CLAIRE TODD Visiting Assistant Professor of Geosciences and Environmental Studies
In 2008, Matt Kennedy '07 arrived in Uganda for a job that never materialized. What he did next could change lives forever. att Kennedy '07 sat in front of his computer screen and tried not to hyperventilate. On one side of the screen was his bank account, on the other was the ticket he planned to purchase for Uganda. After months of wrestling with doubts, Kennedy had committed himself to leave his job at REI and go to Uganda under the auspices of Global Youth Partnership for Africa. He was to teach bicycle repair to residents of a large slum outside the capital city of Kampala. A few weeks later, Kennedy stepped off of the plane in Uganda, and again, tried to steady his breathing. He had $500 left in his 20 PLU SCENE SPRING 2010 > FEATURES
bank account and $100 stuffed in his pocket. "I remember thinking 'please, pleeease, let someone be there for me,'" Kennedy said. There was a friendly face waving a sign. But the job he had flown nearly 9,000 miles to do was no longer available for him. "I'd never seen anything like it," he said, recalling his first visit to the bicycle repair shop. "They were using technology that was generations before my time." So with two months left on his visa, what was he going to do? "I knew to be happy, to be really happy, I had to feel like as I was contributing to life in general, something meaningful," Kennedy said. He quickly found another way to contribute.
A random conversation with an Australian in a youth hostel gave Kennedy an idea. What about setting up a soccer tournament in the poorest areas of the city, a nearby slum called Namuwongo, and teaching life and leadership skills? The director of the Global Youth Partnership was interested. So working with a local contact, Joseph Ocitti, Kennedy set up a tournament involving 15 teams, interspersed with leadership meetings two times a week. Kennedy knew that there was no way that he, a white man from America, could sell the idea of a tournament and leadership classes to a group of 54,000 people living on the equivalent of $2 a day. But Ocitti had "street cred" with the residents. He was their
unofficial mayor. And there were informal soccer teams in the slum to draw from, as well as the insatiable desire to play the sport. "He generally did the leadership classes and organization within Namuwongo, while I worked on organizing from the outside," Kennedy said. In June, the two-day tournament finally started, funded by the last $500 in Kennedy's bank account. Hundreds from the slum turned out to cheer on the teams, which came down to the underdogs, called the Rangers, against the favored Gomo-tong team. When the underdogs won, the crowd erupted. Kennedy took a moment to stand outside himself – "this really happened," he remembered thinking. "It was like they'd won the Super Bowl." Kennedy bade farewell to Ocitti and headed off to China for a job guiding youth on a hiking and biking tour. But he couldn't stop thinking about that tournament – and perhaps starting another. But he was home in Puyallup in 2009, unemployed. He scored a landscaping job and decided to try and save
90 percent of his earnings. Soon, he was again buying tickets to Uganda, this time with his girlfriend and fellow Lute, Margaret Chang '07, a global studies major. The field they'd used for the first tournament was gone, now an office complex. So they found another field outside of town. When the bus arrived to take spectators to the tournament, the kids and the parents were amazed, Kennedy said. "They didn't believe this would happen," he said. "They didn't believe the buses would come." Or that T-shirts would arrive, or that there would be a free lunch. Eventually, Kennedy and the partnership would like to see the program become self-sustaining, and even provide some jobs for the people of Namuwongo. Social workers within the community think the tournaments have had a positive effect. "I think this has taught me what a little person – and I count myself as one – can do," he said. "If you have a vision, if you're flexible, if you're willing to take a risk, incredible things will happen." S
Understanding the World Through Sports and Recreation The 2010 Wang Center International Symposium: Understanding the World Through Sports and Recreation, proved to be a terrific success, featuring many speakers and topics on the global impact of sports and recreation. The event, which took place March 45, featured Olympic speed skating gold medalist Joey Cheek, who has used the international stage to turn the world's attention to the crisis in Darfur. On the second day, other speakers included PLU alumni, such as Matt Kennedy '07, SeattlePI.com sports columnist Art Thiel '75 and mountaineer Jason Edward '84 '89. Topics included sports and its effect on nationalism and identity in China, video gaming and marketing football to the world. It was the fourth such symposium hosted by PLU's Wang Center for Global Education since 2003 – its reputation and reach continues to grow with each event. "We wanted to be able to have broad conversations on global issues," said Neal Sobania, executive director of the Wang Center for Global Education. "That is what the symposia have always been about – to get students to engage with the experts in the field." To read more, about the recent Wang Center Symposium visit www.plu.edu/understandingtheworld
giving back Enhanced teaching and research is the aim of Rieke renovation
ithout scientific research, we'd still be battling smallpox. People with cancer would have no hope. And things we take for granted everyday, like the Internet and computers that fit into the palm of your hand, wouldn't exist. PLU plays an important role both in conducting scientific research and in preparing the scientists who will make tomorrow's groundbreaking discoveries. Several PLU alumni have gone on to play key roles in the medical and scientific community, pursuing discoveries that make the world a safer, healthier and more compassionate place. The home for science education at PLU is Rieke Science Center. The 88,500square-foot facility anchors the university's lower campus. Completed in 1985, the equipment, laboratories and classroom space now must be renovated to continue to serve the needs of PLU faculty and students, and, by extension, the world. "Improving the efficiency and flexibility of these laboratory spaces increases the likelihood of significant collaboration with faculty members at area community colleges and involvement of underrepresented students, broadening the impact of science education in the Puget Sound region," said Angelia Alexander, dean of the Natural Sciences Division. To meet this need, PLU has launched a plan to invest $6 million to upgrade research and teaching space in Rieke. The first $1 million toward this effort has been raised to purchase and install a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer in 2009. PLU is the only independent college in the Pacific Northwest to own equipment of this quality and sophistication, which is used to conduct cutting-edge chemistry experiments. Additional renovation of Rieke is required to keep up with advances in how science is conducted and taught. SOME EXAMPLES The method of teaching college-level science has shifted considerably
toward research-rich academic programs supported by problem-solving situations in the classrooms and labs.
• • • •
Incorporation of information technology and sophisticated laboratory instrumentation has mushroomed. Science faculty members have implemented a senior capstone (i.e. a senior's final project representing the knowledge gained in his or her discipline) for all students. The expectation of faculty members to conduct research and to engage in student-faculty research has risen dramatically. Best practices in laboratory safety are more rigorous and can be improved through the installation of new fume hoods and the expanded practice of green science. These new technologies also save significant amounts of energy.
The renovation plan will arrange laboratory benches, hoods and other spaces to accommodate the installation of new equipment and instruments. It will allow for a more efficient and userfriendly configuration of both new and
existing equipment. Upgrades in teaching and laboratory space include:
•• •• •
Biology Geosciences Chemistry Physics Computer ScienceComputer Engineering
Student-faculty research will be greatly enhanced. Faculty will be able to mentor their teams of students more effectively and enable them to work with larger teams, providing a greater number of students with this important opportunity. In biology, chemistry and geosciences departments, the reorganization and expansion of laboratory space will increase capacity for students to take part in our highly successful student-faculty research program. "To enable PLU faculty and students to reach their full potential, renovation of Rieke is an imperative," said —James Plourde Alexander. S James Plourde is director for campaign and strategy in the Office of Development. To learn more about investing in the renovation of Rieke Science Center, please contact the Office of Development at 800826-0035 or visit www.plu.edu/rieke.
the arts 'The Billboard'
When Ogden Nash wrote "I think that I shall never see a billboard lovely as a tree," it is fair to say he'd never seen Jeremy Mangan's version. The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation found Mangan's artistic style featuring precarious and interlocking barns or sheds so enticing, they selected him the second annual winner of the Foundation of Art Award. As a part of the award, Mangan was commissioned to create a piece of art titled "The Billboard." The annual program was established by the community foundation to honor professional artists living and working in Pierce County.
THE BILLBOARD acrylic on non-buckling board 24" x 34" 2009
Mangan, who lives in Fife, Wash., graduated from PLU in 1998 with degrees in German and art, and later received an MFA in painting from Hunter College, City University of New York. When he's not painting, Mangan currently works parttime for the Tacoma Art Museum as a contracted art handler. Many of his creations, including "The Billboard," he describes as "a visually interesting world of questionable logic." S To learn more about the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, visit www.gtcf.org. To see more of Mangan's work, visit www.jeremymangan.com.
attaway lutes As four-year friends, senior hurlers are potent one-two punch
"Rob and I share a very odd relationship because we have been competing against each other ever since we got to PLU." —Trey Watt '10
Seniors Trey Watt and Robert Bleecker are more than just dominant pitchers. "Trey and I have become great friends since we first arrived here," Bleecker said. "With that comes a little bit of a rivalry."
n the minds of most PLU baseball fans, 2007 was the season when everything changed. Prior to 2007, it had been 53 years since a PLU baseball team won a conference title. The senior-laden 2007 team not only won the Northwest Conference title, it set a school record
with 35 wins and came within one victory of advancing to the NCAA Division III College World Series. The 2007 pitching staff was anchored by two seniors, NWC Pitcher of the Year Joe DiPietro and Kael Fisher, and junior Brett Brunner. That same year, two freshmen pitch-
ers labored in relative obscurity, learning what it took to become successful college athletes and students. That season changed everything for Trey Watt and Robert Bleecker, now senior members of the 2010 baseball team, and their success has kept PLU as a regional baseball power.
Watt came to PLU out of Tualatin (Ore.) High School, where he was an all-league pitcher and infielder. Bleecker, out of Blaine (Wash.) High School, was an all-state honorable mention and twice earned the school's Golden Arm Pitching award. Watt's fastball hits the speed gun in the low 90-mile-per-hour range and he mixes in a slider as a strikeout pitch. After pitching in relief as a freshman, Watt has turned into a reliable starter who enters the 2010 season with a 13-3 career record and 145 strikeouts in 145 innings pitched. Bleecker's fastball is a few miles per hour slower than his friend's, but his ability to mix up pitches led to him earning 2009 Northwest Conference Pitcher of the Year honors after he compiled a 9-1 record. He has a 16-2 career record and needs just three more wins to rank in the PLU top five for career pitching victories. Both Watt and Bleecker have twice earned first team all-conference honors. For those who know Watt and Bleecker, it's not surprising that their individual successes have mirrored each other and that their accomplishments have been reflected in a baseball program that has won two conference championships and compiled a 90-32-2 record over the past three seasons. "Rob and Trey are close friends and have roomed together throughout their career at PLU," head coach Geoff Loomis said. "I believe that neither would have been as successful without the other. They've been trying to oneup each other for four years and that competition has made them into two of the most successful pitchers in the history of our program." Watt and Bleecker say many of the same things about each other. "Rob and I share a very odd relationship because we have been competing against each other ever since we got to PLU," Watt said. "Through this competition we developed a great friendship. We have been workout partners for three years now and have helped each other to develop great work habits. It is amazing how baseball can shape the lives of people in ways that you would never expect. It is one heck of a game and Rob is one heck of a friend." "Trey and I have become great friends
since we first arrived here," Bleecker said. "With that comes a little bit of a rivalry – friendly competition you could call it. We are both trying to outdo each other when it is our respective turns to start a game. It helps us and it helps the team because it's always making us strive to become better ballplayers. Trey has pushed me to become the athlete I am, and I'm sure I wouldn't be the same player I am today if he weren't playing here." Their journey to rank among the Northwest Conference's most dominant pitchers has come through hard work, determination and applying what they have learned to every start they make. "Rob and Trey have had similar careers," Loomis said. "As freshmen, they had to learn to trust that their teammates would play great defense behind them. They were always trying to make the perfect pitch. As sophomores, they became pitchers rather than throwers. They were more efficient in their outings. They developed above-average off-speed pitches to compliment their fastball. The progression has really been quite amazing." With the 2010 season just getting under way (both pitchers have 2-0 records through seven games), their
goal is to win the program's third conference title in the last four years. "(Experiencing) the success we had in 2007, I believe that everyone on the team could tell that, as we matured, we could match and hopefully even do better than the 2007 team," Bleecker said. "Now that I'm a senior, I have very high expectations for 2010, and I believe I speak for the entire senior class that anything less than a league championship would be a disappointment to us all." They would also like to accomplish something that barely eluded the 2007 team – win a regional title and earn a trip to the Division III World Series. To Watt, it would mean that he would have accomplished "all of my goals as a PLU baseball player. It would complete the legacy of one of the best teams that I have ever been a part of." To Bleecker, "It would be the cherry on top. I have enjoyed a lot of success as a player here, have made lifelong friends, and had some great memories. To be able to contribute to something as special as taking the Lutes to the College World Series for the first time would be something amazing that not very many people get to experience at any school, not just PLU." S —Nick Dawson
alumni news & events
Brick (Danforth Comins '97) explains to Dixie (Julia Hogan Laurenson) how he ended up on the floor in OSF's production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Photo by David Cooper.
Lute U returns to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, July 9-12
Prices per person: ❏ Double occupancy ❏ Single occupancy
$835 $1,135
Price per person Multiplied by ___ registrants
$____ $____
e are delighted to invite alumni, parents and friends to attend Lute University 2010, as we travel to the nationally renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival the weekend of July 9-12. Nestled in a beautiful southern Oregon valley, the festival has been a rich and rewarding experience for those whose love of fine theater parallels with their love of beautiful surroundings. The group will leave Friday morning, July 9, and travel to Ashland in style on a deluxe coach bus fully equipped with air conditioning and televisions. Lute U attendees will stay at the Plaza Inn and Suites at Ashland Creek, located in the heart of the beautiful downtown. Included in the trip will also be a special event meal that will feature a presentation by a member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Participants will enjoy four magical plays including "She Loves Me," "Hamlet," "Merchant of Venice," and "Twelfth Night." Additionally, there are limited tickets available for the Saturday morning backstage tour and/or a Sunday afternoon performance of "American Night." The cost of this trip is $835 per person for double occupancy, and $1,135 for single occupancy. This includes transportation to and from PLU, three nights lodging, four theater performances as well as a special event with the whole group. Participants will return to PLU on Monday, July 12. Space is limited, so please make reservations by June 9, 2010.
Optional tickets (indicate preference and number attending): ❏ ___ Saturday morning backstage tour ($12): $___
❏ ___ Sunday afternoon performance of "American Night" ($70): $___ ❏ Check enclosed, payable to PLU ❏ Bill my: ❏ VISA ❏ MasterCard
Please list the names of registrants:
❏ I am traveling alone, but would like to share a room.
(Please register as single occupancy and if a single roommate becomes available, we will contact you.)
❏ Please contact me/us regarding the possibility of meeting the group in Ashland. ❏ Please contact me/us regarding a payment plan.
Please mail completed registration form and payment no later than June 9. If you are considering the trip, please let us know that with a call or an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com.
STARGAZING Among the many OSF castmembers is Danforth Comins (left), a 1997 alum. Danforth has been a part of the OSF for seven seasons. This year, he will perform in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Merchant of Venice," and "Throne of Blood." He has acted all over the country, including the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in California. S
Office of Constituent Relations 2010 Lute University Pacific Lutheran University 12180 Park Avenue S. Tacoma, WA 98447
A more detailed itinerary will be sent to those who register. Tickets for the performances will not be mailed in advance. If you have any questions, please call the Office of Constituent Relations at 253-535-7415, 800-ALUM-PLU or email@example.com
alumni news & events continued
Picture Perfect This group of PLU alumnae met for their annual "PLU Girls Christmas Party," which took place Dec. 12, 2009, in Yakima, Wash, at Kristal (Sutton '02) Graham's home. Front row, left to right: Alayna (Post '02) Broderson, Megan (O'Brien '02) Nelson, Sarah (Kohn '02) Atchison, Becca (Ehli '02) Miller and Meredith (Woolsey '02) Mortensen. Back row, left right: Lisa Truebenbach '02, Kristal (Sutton '02) Graham, Lisa Hobbs Reaugh, Melissa Cole '03, Heidi (Ruud '02) Barabe, Kristin Diercks '04, Stacey (Calahan '02) Miller, and Anna (Edgar '02) Minzel.
1969 PLU classmates met for dinner Friday, October 2, during the 2009 Homecoming weekend. Classmates and their spouses pictured at the Tacoma Yacht Club are, front row, left to right: Karen (Ranheim '70) Stuen, Barbra (Thompson '69) Aune, Diane (Clouston '68) Peterson, George Wigen '69, Mickey Slind, Penny (Wilson '69) Magelssen, Russ and Beverly (Jensen '69) Hada. Second Row, left to right: Tom Stuen '69, Norm Aune '69, Dr. Marvin Slind '69, Phil Goldenman '69, David Magelssen '69, Bill Ranta '69 and Dave Johnson '69.
In September of 1969, Linda (Stone '73) Mettler, Sara Quigley '73, Sherry (Erickson '73) Zimmerman, Terri (Carlson '73) Alumbaugh, and Sandy (Dimler '73) Privett arrived at PLU from California, Washington and Hawaii. They all lived in Pflueger Hall and quickly became friends. During the next four years, these young women roomed together, studied together, laughed and cried together, supported one another, and formed long lasting friendships. They kept in touch over the years and shared their most important moments. In August of 2009, they met to celebrate their friendship founded at PLU 40 years earlier.
Would you like to share your pictures with your fellow alumni? Send pictures to us by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com, or by mail to the Office of Constituent Relations, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Ave. S., Tacoma, WA 98447. Please feel free to call us at 800-ALUM-PLU if you have any questions.
PLU night at the Tacoma Rainiers
nce again, the PLU family, including alumni, parents and friends, will enjoy a wonderful summer night watching the Tacoma Rainiers battle the Albuquerque Isotopes on August 20 at 7 p.m. Admission to the game is $9.50, which includes a hot dog, chips, soda and a fireworks show. Tickets can be purchased at www.plualumni.org or by calling 253-535-7415. Please register prior to Wednesday, Aug. 11, as all tickets will be distributed by mail following that date.
HOMECOMING 2010 OCTOBER 7-10 Pencil Us In UPCOMING EVENTS April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parent Council Meeting April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hawaii Club Luau April 30-May 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Relay for Life May 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Q Club Spring Donor Banquet May 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .High School Youth Gathering May 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Commencement July 9-12 . .Lute University at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, Ore. August 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PLU at the Tacoma Rainiers baseball game
For more information: www.plualumni.org or call 800-ALUM-PLU.
Join the
The following candidates are nominated for the 2010-2011 Alumni Board of Directors. Please vote for two candidates – two response boxes are provided if two alumni live in the same household.
econnect with your classmates! Everyone is just a click away when you join the PLU online community. Registering is easy – just visit www.plualumni.org and follow the simple instructions. You will need your alumni record number to join – but do not worry, it is printed on the address label of this magazine. S
Detach this form and mail before Aug. 1, 2010, to the Office of Constituent Relations, Nesvig Alumni Center, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Avenue S., Tacoma, WA 98447. You can also cast your ballot online at www.plualumni.org.
❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑
James Kittilsby '60 David Chun '84 WRITE-IN CANDIDATE(S)
alumni profiles
Upright dignity
"It's easy to be frustrated when you see a great need and you don't think you have the resources to meet the need." —David Brown '90
As a doctor stationed in Iraq, Lt. Col. David Brown '90 (right), started hearing reports of children without the use of their legs. "I really wanted to do something," he said.
Frustration breeds vision for change
n the distance as the dust sifts through the air, a middle-aged Iraqi man walks to a makeshift United States military medical station. Draped in his arms is a young child, his son. It is apparent the boy does not have the use of his legs. His father has brought his son to get a wheelchair. As the father and his boy get closer to the station, soldiers tell him, "You don't have to carry him the whole way. We have a wheelchair for your son." The father calmly says, "I've carried him his whole life and I can carry him these last few feet." In the father's eyes, it is not a burden to carry his son. But he's joyful to be able to give his son the freedom that so many take for granted. The journey this family has taken is not entirely unique in Iraq, said Lt. Col. David Brown '90, and current PLU MBA student. Brown said it also was not unusual to see children without family members to carry them often drag themselves hand over hand. As a doctor stationed in Iraq in 2005, Brown first started hearing reports of children without the use of their legs in the city of Mosul. Platoon leaders would report the sight regularly. "I really wanted to do something," Brown said, "but I really had no capacity to help."
Then one day, Brown and Brad Blauser, a private contractor at the time, were in chapel at their base in Iraq when Brown's frustration boiled over. Blauser had been looking for a way to make a difference and wasn't sure what he should do. Brown told him what he'd seen with his own eyes. Blauser asked, "What do you need?" Brown replied, "What I really need are pediatric wheelchairs." And so began Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids (www.wheelchairsforiraqikids.com) Before Brown knew it, Blauser had taken charge of finding wheelchairs, funding, and anything else he could think of to propel their vision. "It's easy to be frustrated when you see a great need," Brown said, "and you don't think you have the resources to meet the need." It wasn't too long after Brown and Blauser first spoke that a shipment of 31 wheelchairs made it to Iraq. Since, there have been more than 720 wheelchairs given to Iraqi children. All of which carry a story, not unlike the father who carried his son his whole life. "Giving them the dignity and respect of being up off the ground," Brown said, "I just think that's a great gift." Many of the soldiers who have been part of this program have told him the same thing over and over again. "This is the one great thing I'm going to remember from my deployment," Brown said. S —Chris Albert
alumni class notes 1936
Donald Ellertson was selected as one of the 100 distinguished educators in the last 100 years from the Battle Ground School District in Battle Ground, Wash.
Parenthood of Snohomish County. She is survived by daughter Suzanne, son John, stepson Randy; grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, John.
Class Representative – Volly (Norby) Grande
Class Representatives – Naomi (Roe) Nothstein and Carol (Schuler) Karwoski
Class Representative – Marilu (Miller) Person
Class Representative – Luella (Toso) Johnson
Class Representative – Phyllis (Grahn) Pejsa
John D. Jacobson was presented with the Eisenhower Medical Center Distinguished Service Award for outstanding patient care, by promoting high technology in progressive medicine without abandoning the traditional approaches of treatment.
Class Representative positions available: 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1959, 1968, 1980, 1990 and 1991.
Lenore Alene (Jaalstrom) Bozarth died on Jan 13.
1943 Patricia (Iverson) Pinkstaff died Dec. 4, 2009. After PLU, Patricia became a teacher and taught for more than 40 years. In 1955, she married Traver Pinkstaff. Patricia's life was filled with family, music, Sons of Norway events, travel, volunteering, reading, crocheting, sewing, Seahawks football and cooking. She was also very involved in her church. Patricia is survived by two brothers, Myron and Bill; a sister, Anita; nieces and nephews.
1945 Class Representative – Annabelle Birkestol
Marciel (Fink) Morse died Oct. 31, 2009. She owned and operated a clothing store in Davenport, Wash., for many years and presented many style shows in Spokane and other eastern Washington communities. She is survived by four daughters and three brothers, Marvin '52, Alvin '53 and Maurice '55.
1956 Class Representatives– Ginny (Grahn) Haugen and Clarene (Osterli) Johnson John R. Reay was named professor emeritus of mathematics at North Dakota State University in April, 2009. John and his wife Sarah Jacobson reside in Bellingham, Wash.
1957 Wilma (Johnson) Harrell died Nov. 14, 2009. Wilma kept a PLU Alumni Directory on her bookshelf and was very fond of her memories there.
Class Representative – Ed Larson
Raymond Braaten died Sept. 11, 2009. After PLU, Raymond taught at a missionary school for a year in Liberia and later settled in Thousand Oaks, Calif. There, he taught social studies in middle school for 25 years, until he retired in 1993. His wife Sylvia died in 1970. In 1975, he received his master's degree in education from California Lutheran University. He is survived by daughter Sue, son John; three granddaughters and two sisters.
Class Representative – Gerry Lider
1948 Class Representative – Norene (Skilbred) Gulhaugen
1950 Class Representative – Dick Weathermon
1958 Class Representative – Don Cornell
1951 Emilie (Lee) Elizabeth (Bishop) Zulauf died Dec. 11, 2009. Lee obtained her master's in business administration from PLU and passed the CPA exam. She taught financial accounting at Pierce College, PLU, California State University Long Beach, Humboldt State University and Massey University in New Zealand. Lee was active at Trinity Lutheran Church in Parkland and in the PLU community. She was involved in PLU's Women Club and established the Alfred D. and Alice G. Bishop Scholarship in Computer Science in honor of her parents. In 2005, she was honored with the PLU Heritage Award. She is survived by her husband Dwight; children Kathryn '75, David, John and Deborah; grandchildren and cousins.
1959 Phyllis (Pedersen) Templin married Burton Nesset on Dec. 19 at Spanaway Lutheran Church in Tacoma. Phyllis retired in 1999 after teaching at Tacoma Community College for 28 years. Burton is a retired PLU Chemistry professor. Together they have six children and 15 grandchildren. Four of their six children graduated from PLU, as well as one granddaughter. A second granddaughter is currently a junior at PLU. They live in Parkland. Delores "Dee" (Larson) Deisher died Sept. 20, 2009. Delores started her career as a substitute teacher and later became the director of education for Planned
1964 Class Representative – Jon and Joan (Riggers) Malmin Understanding Israel (formerly Claudette Baker) is currently working on her Ph.D. in education at Argosy University. Understanding earned her master's degree in education in 2008 through the Muckleshoot Tribal College First People's Program at Antioch University in Seattle. She presently works for the National Association of American Indian Children and Elders, and started a non-profit, Wedgewood Healing, to assist youth.
1965 Class Representative – Dave Wytko
Gordon Wayne Lewison died Dec. 9, 2009. After PLU, Gordon attended Naval Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Later, he worked for 26 years for Marsh and McClennan, Inc., in Seattle. Gordon married his wife Audrey in 1973. He enjoyed travelling, reading, sports, and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his wife; his brother, Rodney; and two nephews.
Dick Running was selected as board chair for the Linn-Benton Community College Board of Education. Dick, who has served on the board since 2007, is a certified public accountant with Boehme and Running in Albany, Ore. Dave Wytko's wife, Shirley Marie Wytko, died Nov. 5, 2009.
1966 Nancy Ann (Thompson) Seitz died Oct. 16, 2009. After graduation, Nancy worked for more than 40 years as a registered nurse. After retirement, she continued her vocation by serving as a parish nurse at her church. She married her husband of 41 years, Steve, in 1968 and together they had three children.
1961 Class Representative – Ron Lerch
1962 Class Representative – Leo Eliason and Dixie (Likkel) Matthias Jan (Dyer) Shabro was appointed to the Tacoma City Council. She served two terms as a state representative and eight years on the Pierce County Council. Jan also served as chair of Tacoma/Pierce County Board of Health and president of the Economic Development Corporation of Pierce County.
1963 Class Representative – Merlyn and Joan (Maier) Overland
Class Representative – Frank Johnson
1967 Class Representative – Craig Bjorklund John Earl Cook died Jan. 4. After graduation, John taught elementary school for 18 years. Later, he became a certified nurse and worked mostly in home elderly care. John is survived by former wife Ellen; son John, and daughters Mareta and JoEllen; and seven grandchildren. Robert Hauke died Sept. 23, 2009. Bob worked in adult literacy research for 10 years at George Washington University in Monterey, Calif. He later worked for 20 years as the administrative director of surgical services at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Ore. In 1995, he moved back to Astoria, Ore., to work as the wine and seafood manager of Hauke's Sentry Market. That year, he met Marilynn Knowlson, and they married in 1998. Bob loved the John Day River and serving his community.
1968 John R. Stewart, currently the vice president and dean of academic affairs at the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa, will retire in June. Before arriving at the University of Dubuque, he taught for 32 years at the University of Washington. John received his master's degree from Northwestern University and his doctorate at the University of Southern California.
Mike Deal has left his position on the Puyallup City Council after 20 years. After PLU, Mike received a master's degree in education from Oregon State University. A longtime educator, he taught at Pierce College and eventually retired as principal at Edgemont Junior High. Mike also served as mayor of Puyallup for six years. Mike and wife Patty live in Puyallup, Wash.
Richard Erstad retired from the American Friends Service Committee after 30 years. The committee directs programs in Latin America and the Caribbean focused on health, development, human rights, peace building, conflict prevention, and advocacy relating to U.S. policy. He is now setting up a consulting business. His wife Dr. Gladys Fenichel continues her practice in psychiatry and has a faculty affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Their son Daniel, 27, works in the film industry in Los Angeles; daughter Sara, 25, teaches high school Spanish in the South Bronx of New York City; daughter Laura, 20, is a sophomore at Columbia University. William "Bill" Krieger has been named the new director of the arts and sciences division at Montana State University – Great Falls College of Technology. He taught at Pierce Community College and served as dean of academic education at Walla Walla Community College. Bill received his doctorate in American studies from Washington State University. Penny Leake was awarded the Theresa E. Christy Award, the top award given to Iowa nurses by the Iowa Nurses Association. Penny is an associate professor of nursing at Luther College. She received her master's degree from Ohio University in Athens, and her doctoral degree in nursing from the University of Texas, Austin. John and Cathy (Severson '69) Pederson's four daughters have all completed their bachelor's degrees (two attended PLU and one, Dena (Pederson '02) Sayama, graduated. Two of them have also received their master's degrees, and two are married. John is now retired, and both he and Cathy enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren. Marilynne Buddrius Wilson has been selected to be part of a health care delegation to Cuba sponsored by "Witness for Peace."
1969 Class Representative – Rick Nelson David Hanson co-published the article titled "A Personal Perspective on the Initial Federal Health Based Regulations to Remove Lead from Gasoline" in the August 2009 issue of "Environmental Health Perspectives," Volume 117, Number 8. The Rev. Philip Petrasek was forced into retirement by Parkinson's disease. He served as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church and gave his last sermon on Nov. 1, 2009. Phillip was also very involved in community service; he helped troubled churches, coordinated the Ferndale Community Service Cooperative, and helped setting up a health center in Ferndale, Wash. Phillip and his wife Linda (Simundson '70) now plan to travel.
1970 Class Representative – Bill Allen The Rev. Gary William Mayhood died Jan. 3. Ronald I. Toff was appointed to the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Previously, Ronald served as the president of the Law Offices of Ronald I. Toff. He received his juris doctorate degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.
is a sophomore in high school, plays the trumpet and is interested in drama. Stuart is in his 30th year of teaching music in Oregon Public Schools and Kathy has 22 piano students at her home studio. Judith Van Houten was recently named University Distinguished Professor at the University of Vermont. Judith was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, National Honor Society, and elected as a fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
1971 Class Representative – Joe Hustad, Jr.
1972 Class Representative – Molly Stuen Bernadette McDonald was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence for her work in presenting and promoting mountain culture. She has written three books on famous mountaineers and is working on the fourth.
1973 Class Representative – Karen (Wraalstad) Robbins and Sandy (Dimler) Privett
Susan Norwood worked in Benin the past three summers on an interdisciplinary project (with engineers) that focuses on water quality and related health issues. She will take the fourth group of students to Benin this summer. Chris Pankey recently competed in the Pacific Masters (Northern California) Swimming Championships, and was part of a mixed 4x200-meter freestyle relay that established a world record for their age group (120-159 combined years). Chris also placed first in the 1500-meter freestyle, and second in the 200-meter freestyle. Chris swims for the Manatees in Oakland, Calif.
Class Representative – David Johnson
Class Representatives – Leigh Erie and Joan (Nelson) Mattich
Class Representative – Helen Pohlig George Floyd "Pete" Irwin died June 29, 2009. After graduation, Pete served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam and was an Air Force instructor for 19 years. He went on to fly 747s for United Airlines until retirement in 2003. In 1994, Pete married his wife Lisa. He is survived by his wife; daughters Kathryn, Jacqueline and Kelly, and son Ryan; brother Tom and sister Trudy; two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
1976 Class Representative – Gary Powell Trudy (Thorsness) Lund retired from the Anchorage School District in May 2009 after 25 years of teaching. Her husband, Curt, also retired from the U.S. Army after 34 years. They are traveling and looking forward to their first grandchild, a girl, to be born in March. Their son, John, just received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Washington. He is an engineering professor at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Stuart and Kathy (Koenig '77) Rigall celebrated 32 years of marriage last August. Their son Gabe, 27, is an Army Arabic translator stationed at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. Dan, 25, graduated in December with a degree in worship arts from Biola University in Los Angeles. Stephen, 22, is majoring in visual arts at Biola. The youngest, David, 16,
Steve Chestnut, superintendent of Selah School District, was selected by the Washington Association of School Administrators as Washington state's 2010 Superintendent of the Year. Previously, Steve was the superintendent for Moses Lake School District for 12 years. Steve received his master's degree in education from Central Washington University and his doctorate in education from Seattle University. The Rev. Virginia Johnson is the new pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Othello, Wash. Virginia worked in Tacoma for two years and in Quincy, Wash., for 12 years before arriving in Othello. She attended the Vancouver School of Theology in British Columbia and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. Deborah Robbins and Donald Bialik were married on Sept. 12, 2009, and had a combination honeymoon and family reunion in Orlando, Fla. in December.
1978 Class Representative – Pete Mattich
1979 Class Representatives – Dave and Teresa (Hausken) Sharkey Dave E. Artis was recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in pharmaceutical sales. He has 15 years experience in the field and works for the
pharmaceutical company NovaQuest, specializing in product cost analysis. Before entering the pharmaceutical field, David served in the U.S. Navy. Vickie (Pomeroy) Lackman was appointed acting president of Bates Technical College in Tacoma. Vickie has served as the college's vice president of human resources for the past five years. Previously, she worked as the human resources director for Providence Health System. She holds a second bachelor's in education from Montana State University and a master's degree in organizational development from California Pacific University. Craig Sheffer recently competed in the 2009 United States Masters ShortCourse Swimming Championships held in Clovis, Calif. Craig placed fourth in his age group in the 50-meter breaststroke, eighth in the 100-meter breaststroke, and 10th in the 200-meter breaststroke. He earned All-America Honors in Masters Swimming every year since 2002. While swimming for PLU in 1976 and 1977 as a member of Chaser's Racers, Craig earned All-America honors in both years at the National Swimming Championships. Craig, an attorney in Sacramento, swims for the Sacramento Masters. Todd Spencer was named co-offensive line coach at Georgia Institute of Technology. Todd coached for 11 seasons at the Naval Academy and six at Oregon State University before arriving at Georgia Tech.
1980 Michael Staudinger's second novel, "A Conspiracy of Little Things," was recently published. His eldest son, Christopher Staudinger '08, is teaching English in Korea and posting his travel documentaries on Facebook. Michael lives with his wife and sons in Pasco, Wash.
1981 Class Representative – Dean and Susan (Lee) Phillips Robert Halterman recently joined the FirstHealth Richmond Medical Group Women's Center. Robert is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and has special interest in high-risk obstetrics, advanced laparoscopic and reconstructive pelvic surgery, urogynecology, and infertility. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Dianna (Koneman) Johnston completed her master's of science degree in nursing in December 2009 at Walden University. She was also elected to the board of directors of the Idaho Alliance of Leaders in Nursing. Dianna is a nursing program administrator at Eastern Idaho Technical College and her husband John is a refrigerator mechanic.
Dianna, John and their son Matthew, 11, live in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Jim Martin-Schramm (Martin) recently published his new book, "Climate Justice: Ethics, Energy, and Public Policy." Jim is a professor of religion and the research chair for the Center for Ethics and Public Life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
1982 Class Representative – Paul Collard Kathy (Bayne) Hulings and husband Dale celebrated the graduation of their son Nathan '09 with a group of PLU alumni: Gerald (Jerry) Bayne '58, Joanne Bayne Widman '57 and Geoffrey Bayne '88. Kathy is a legal secretary, Nathan works at the Gateway newspaper, Jerry and Joanne are both retired school teachers, and Geoffrey plays in the Navy Band in Annapolis, Md. Paul Collard was chosen to officiate the NCAA Football DIII National Championship Game where the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater beat Mount Union College. Collard has been officiating football for 23 years and this was his first national championship game assignment. Paul lives in Ellensburg, Wash.
1983 Class Representative – Dave Olson
1984 Class Representative – Mark Christofferson George Dill died Nov. 19, 2009. George spent 23 years in the U.S. Army before attending PLU. Later, he taught business and accounting at Pierce College. George served on the Puyallup City Council since 2005 and had been elected to another term. He is survived by many friends and family members.
self-employed medical transcriptionist and Dean is a project manager at the City of Everett Parks and Recreation. The family lives in Burlington, Wash.
1987 Class Representatives – Lisa Ottoson and John Carr Jim Diacogiannis became pastor of Lopez Island Christ the King Community Church in September 2009. Jim was formerly a teacher for 21 years. Jim and his wife Laurel (Pitts '80) also adopted two daughters from Ghana, West Africa, in March 2008. Rachel, 8, and Sarah, 11, join 10 siblings. The family resides in Lopez Island, Wash. John Wolfe was named interim executive director of the Port of Tacoma on Jan. 1. John has served as the port's deputy executive director since 2005. He previously served as the executive director of the Port of Olympia.
1988 Class Representative – Brenda Ray Scott Ed Chun was able to finally pursue his dream of owning a restaurant when he was forced by the recession to sell his insurance business. The business, Chun's Sunrise Catering & BBQ, offers catering for special events and homecooked family meals of Korean and Hawaiian influences. Ed, his wife Susie '90, and their two children live in Medford, Ore. Sven Ombudstvedt has been named CEO of Norske Skog. Previously, he worked as CFO and senior vice president of Yara International and as head of corporate strategy at Norsk Hydro ASA. He received a master's in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Mary DeMuth was nominated to be a delegate in the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town, South Africa. She's the owner of www.thewritingspa.com and will release two books this year. Marnie Graham received the U.S. Department of the Interior's Diversity Champion award for the Bureau of Land Management in Washington, D.C. She started working at the Glennallen Field Office as a public affairs specialist five years ago. She and her husband Doug Vollman live in the Copper Valley in Alaska.
1986 Class Representative – Stacey (Kindred) Hesterly James von Grabow received a master's of divinity from Azusa Pacific University in May, 2009. James and his wife Veronica live in Culver City, Calif. Dan Merchant's first feature film, "Lord, Save us From Your Followers" was awarded Best Spiritual Documentary at the Beliefnet Film Awards. The film is being released in theaters nationally by Thunderstruck Films and will be released on DVD by Virgil Films in April, 2010. Dan and his wife, Kara (Kehoe '85), live in Lake Oswego, Ore.
Steve Valach was named the Seattle Seahawks High School Coach of the Year on Dec. 6, 2009. Steve is the head football coach at Liberty High School in Issaquah, Wash. Wendy Weaver, assistant professor of English at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisc., was presented the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award. Wendy joined the college in 2006. She oversees the annual Literature, Creativity and Social Justice Conference, and directs the college's honor program.
1989 Deirdre Ann Reardon married Dean Alan Shaughnessy Aug. 15, 2009. Deirdre is a
Class Representative – Lisa (Hussey) Ferraro
1994 Class Representatives – Dan Lysne and Catherine (Overland) Hauck Levi Dean was hired by the design firm Range as a client partner for the company's Coeur d'Alene, Idaho team. Levi has more than 10 years of marketing experience.
1990 Steve Maxwell was named president of the South Sound District of KeyBank, where he has worked since 1993. Before joining KeyBank, Steve worked for US Bank. Steve and his wife Kim (Berg) '90 have 9-year-old twins.
Calvin Goings was appointed as administrator for Region 10 of the Small Business Administration, overseeing programs in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Previously, Calvin served as senior advisor to the president at the Washington Credit Union League and also as an elected official in Pierce County for nearly two decades. Calvin and his wife Amy have a son, William, 5.
Patrick Foran graduated last May from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland. Ore. After directing and teaching theatre for 15 years, Pat is now an attorney with Landye Bennett Blumstein LLP. While at Lewis and Clark, he received the Justice Robert E. Jones Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy and was inducted into the Cornelius Honor Society. Pat also received the 2008 Joyce Ann Harpole Award. Pat and his wife, Nicole, live in Portland with their four children. Kauna Ben Shingenge is the second-incharge at the Namibian Embassy in Tanzania and will be there until 2012. In November, he was busy with voter registration for the presidential and parliamentary elections.
1992 Class Representative – Darcy (Pattee) Andrews
1985 Class Representatives – Janet (Olden) Regge and Carolyn (Plocharsky) Stelling
Jayne (McNutt) Leighty and her husband Jim recently moved back to the Pacific Northwest after moving around the country for 12 years because of Jim's career as a Marine Corps Officer. Jayne is now enrolled in the interior design BFA program at The Art Institute of Seattle. Jim is retired from the military and works as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. The couple lives in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle and loves being back in the area.
Lucinda Busler is working on completing a Ph.D. in education administration and leadership at Capella University, and will be doing an administrative internship in 2010-2011. Thomas Edwards works as an accounts payable intern in the disaster relief office of the American Red Cross in Portland, Ore.
1993 Class Representative – Barbara (Murphy) Hesner Bryan Ertsgaard achieved National Board Certification as a teacher and continues to work to improve urban education in Dayton, Ohio. He lives in Dayton.
Class Representative – Christi Rupp Skyler Cobb was promoted to national account manager for Franke Coffee Systems. Skyler resides in Meridian, Idaho.
Michele Tomseth, Penny Grellier '94, and Jenny (Michael '94) McGuire spent Nov. 59, enjoying a girls' weekend in New Orleans. Activities included enjoying the unique cuisine of New Orleans, a self-guided tour of the Garden District, a wonderful swamp tour outside of Slidell and a great educational tour offered by Save Our Cemeteries of the St. Louis #1 cemetery.
1996 Class Representatives – Mari (Hoseth) Lysne and Jennifer (Riches) Stegeman
1997 Class Representatives – Andy and Stephanie (Merle) Tomlinson Crystal Aikin was nominated for four Stellar Awards and received Best New Artist of the Year and Best Contemporary Female Artist of the Year awards by the Stellar Award Gospel Music Academy. In the last year, Crystal recorded her debut album, "Crystal Aikin." Joshua Johnston joined Federal Way Orthopedic Associates. Joshua has a special expertise in arthroscopic surgery and the treatment of sport-related injuries. As a fellow at the Santa Monica
Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group, he provided care for members of major league soccer teams, men's and women's national teams, and college athletic departments. Joshua received his medical degree from the University of Washington.
The Rev. Ryan Rouse married Lyndsay Betts on March 21, 2009. Ryan is the proud stepfather of Kenny, 13. He is a minister at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nev. The family resides in Las Vegas.
2000 Class Representative – Ashley Orr
Bryan Ketcham was named director of the Catholic Charities Housing Services. Previously, Bryan worked for the CCHS Office of Rural and Farmworker Housing in Yakima, Wash., as the director of housing policy. Bryan holds a master's degree in international relations from the University of Kent at Brussels.
1998 Class Representative – Shannon (Herlocker) Stewart Todd Fukumoto married Melanie Pagdilao in Hawaii on Jan. 18, 2009. Jeremy Mangan won The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation's "Foundation of Art Award." The $7,500 award recognizes Jeremy's talent and his commitment to the creative community of Pierce County. He received a master's degree in painting from Hunter College, City University of New York. While in New York, Jeremy worked as the principal ice sculptor for Okamoto Studio in addition to his painting and exhibits. He is currently working parttime for the Tacoma Art Museum as a contracted art handler. Drew Moneke was selected for the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. The honor comes with a $25,000 cash prize. Drew, a social studies teacher at West Salem High School, was recognized for creating a dynamic classroom to keep students aware and engaged. Wai Tim Petersen was selected as the director of the Manson Park and Recreation District in Manson, Wash. After PLU, Wai obtained his master's degree in human performance from Oregon State University. He later founded a business and development growth strategies company and also served for the Pierce County Superior Court in children advocacy.
1999 Class Representative – Julie (Johnston) Bulow von Dennewitz The Rev. Debra M. Koch married Bradley Abbott on Nov. 3, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fresno, Calif. Brad is the camp director at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp near Kalispell, Mont. Debra is the associate pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell. David Potts married Melissa Marie Restivo in October 2009, in Maui, Hawaii. David was promoted to senior operations engineer at Microsoft in Redmond, Wash. Melissa is currently working on her master's degree in social work at the University of Washington. The couple resides in Bellevue, Wash.
Annie Boulet died unexpectedly on Dec. 9, 2009, due to a ruptured aneurysm. Annie began her teaching career bouncing between Spokane, Tacoma and England. In 1994, she started teaching for the Puyallup School District and later became a counselor. Annie was involved in many volunteer organizations and founded Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a program to help students reach college level. She is survived by her parents, a grandmother, a brother, and two nieces. Timothy O'Neill married Tracy Mertens on Sept. 6, 2009, at Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Ill. Tim is a product manager for Kuriyama of America, Inc. Tracy is a human resources administrator for Ambius, Inc. The couple met while Tim was working in Tracy's hometown, Madison, Wis. The couple lives in the Chicago metropolitan area. Ann Ober married Steven Gotfredson on May 29, 2009, in Millcreek Canyon, Utah. Ann works for the Office of the Mayor in Intergovernmental Relations. Steven is a prosthetic and orthotic technician. Lutes in attendance at the wedding were Robin Ober '00 and Emily Larson '02. The couple resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.
2003 Class Representative – Elisabeth Pynn Himmelman
2004 Stephen Bruce Clark married Rena Parcells on June 27, 2009. Stephen works for the Renton School District and Rena works for the Bellevue School District. The couple lives in Seattle. Gillian Hanson married Jason Carnahan on Aug. 29, 2009 in Eagle Creek, Ore. Fellow Lutes in the bridal party were Sally (Porterfield '02) Kroon and Bridget Baker '02. Gillian is a first grade teacher in Vancouver, Wash., and Jason owns a consulting/import business. The couple currently resides in Portland, Ore. Jackie Kimball graduated in May 2009 with a medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Science. She moved to Connecticut to begin her residency in psychiatry at the University of Connecticut, Farmington. Erica Sponberg is currently attending Valparaiso University and working on her
Randy Martin has been named director of the Skagit Valley College San Juan Center after serving as the center's Elderhostel coordinator for the past 10 years. Previously, Martin provided student support services as an educational
2004 Mark Groesch on Jan 16, 2010.
Friends and Family
Patricia (Iverson) Pinkstaff on Dec. 4, 2009.
1945 Wilma (Johnson) Harrell on November 14, 2009.
1951 Emilie (Lee) Elizabeth (Bishop) Zulauf on Dec. 11, 2009.
Marciel Fink Morse on Oct. 31, 2009. Raymond Braaten on Sept. 11, 2009.
Megan Lewis is now living in Mexico City and working for the U.S. Department of State through the Institute of International Education. The program helps Mexican students access higher education in the United States.
Mark Groesch died Jan 16. Mark was working toward his master's degree in theology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. Mark loved spending time with his family and friends, snowboarding, playing golf, hunting, fishing and cycling. Mark is survived by his parents Dr. C. William and Lu Ann Groesch; grandparents William and Margaret Hill and James and Mary Groesch; sister Sarah (Groesch) Chandler '00; a nephew, a niece, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Lenore Alene (Jaalstrom) Bozarth on Jan 13, 2010.
Class Representatives – Nicholas Gorne and Brian Riehs
John Dodge is currently working on his master's degree in horn performance at the University of Oregon School of Music. Before returning to school, John taught band for four years in middle and high school. He is also the associate director and co-principal horn for the Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra.
Class Representatives – Keith Pranghofer
Class Representative – Tammy Lynn Schaps
In Memoriam
Garth Gustavson married Caroline Shin on May 9, 2009, at Garth's parents' home in Yakima, Wash. Best man was Regan Myers '02. Both Garth and Caroline are full-time missionaries with Youth with a Mission in Battambang, Cambodia.
master's degree in English studies and communication with a TESOL certificate.
1959 Delores "Dee" (Larson) Deisher on Sept. 20, 2009.
1960 Gordon Wayne Lewison on Dec. 9, 2009. Nancy Ann (Thompson) Seitz on Oct. 16, 2009.
1967 John Earl Cook on Jan. 4, 2010. Robert Hauke on Sept. 23, 2009.
1970 The Rev. Gary William Mayhood on Jan. 3, 2010.
1975 George Floyd "Pete" Irwin Jr. on June 29, 2009.
1984 George Dill on Nov. 19, 2009.
2000 Annie Boulet on Dec. 9, 2009.
Florence Orvik died on Nov. 8, 2009. She was an assistant professor of education at PLU in the 1960s. Professor Emeritus Ann K. Tremaine died on Oct. 10, 2009. Ann received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and her master's degree in violin performance from the University of Washington under Emanuel Zetlin. She taught at PLU and was a member of the PLU Symphony Orchestra for almost 30 years, retiring in 1992. During that time she was also Concertmaster of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Pops Orchestra. She is survived by her husband, Norm, family and friends. Lucille Johnson, professor emeritus of English and longtime PLU faculty member, died Feb. 11 Dr. Johnson came to PLU in 1953. She entered phased retirement in 1984. During her tenure she served as English Department chair and worked closely with the School of Education in their English teacher preparation program. While her area of specialty was Canadian Literature, at one time or another she taught every English course offered except Shakespeare.
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planner for the Tacoma Community College Running Start program. Martin and his wife, Melissa, have two daughters, Ava and Lucy. Kevin and Elizabeth (Johnson '05) Roberts will be celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary on Aug. 14, 2010, in Mumbai, India, where they both have jobs working for the American School of Bombay. Kevin is teaching middle school math and is the current head of the Math Department, while Elizabeth is working in the superintendent's office and attending online courses through Syracuse University to receive a master's degree in library and information science. They were married in Boise, Idaho, and were living in Tacoma until 2008 when they moved to India.
2005 Class Representative – Micheal Steele
Job Information JOB TITLE
Marriage (no engagements, please)
Shawn Blackler and Hilde Moen '08 were married in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 3, 2009. The wedding and ceremony took place at Norse Hall, Sons of Norway. Carl Christensen '07 was the best man and Sidsel Kiehn '05 was the maid of honor. The couple lives in Norway. Molly (Marten) Hill, of Summit Financial Group, was honored as "Assistant of the Year" at the Commonwealth Symposium. She was honored for her dedication, knowledge and genuine regard for the client's well being. Aaron B. Key recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J. During the training program, Aaron completed a vigorous curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, fire fighting and marksmanship.
Kelsey Bergey received her master's degree in voice in June 2009, from the University of Washington. Later in the year, she opened Bergey Voice Studio in Aberdeen, Wash.
Jessica (Patrick) Knapp married Joshua Brandon Knapp on May 25, 2009, in Olympia. Jessica is a veterinary intern for small animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University New Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Joshua is working on his bachelor's degree at Washington State University. The couple lives in Pullman, Wash.
Portland, Ore. Graham is a baker and Mandi is a physical therapist. In attendance at the wedding were fellow Lutes groomsman Jake Bechtel '06, Molly Elizabeth Anne Feider '06, and Aaron Gerow '06. Neale Travis Rapp married Jessica Jean Carter '06 on July 7, 2007, in Powell, Wyo. Neale works as an ISS Para-Educator in the Big Horn School District and Jessica is an optometrist. The couple resides in Powell, Wyo.
2006 Class Representative – Jenna (Steffenson) Serr David J. Bentsen graduated from Willamette University College of Law in Spring 2009. He was admitted to the Washington Bar in December 2009. David entered practice as an associate attorney with Speidel Law Firm in Wenatchee, Wash. He also serves on the Board for the Wenatchee Row and Paddle Club. Kelly Fahl graduated with a juris doctorate from the University of Oregon School of Law in May, 2009. She earned a certificate in environmental and natural resources law, one in ocean and coastal law, and the pro bono certificate of completion. She also passed the Oregon Bar Exam this summer. Hillary Krueger now works as a physician's assistant for West Sound Emergency Physicians in Bremerton, Wash. Jason Rimkus was named head football coach at Interlake Senior High School in Bellevue, Wash. Jason arrives at Interlake after working as the assistant coach at Bothell High, coaching at PLU and Western Washington University. Jason is also currently a graduate student at the University of Washington. Stacey Stone graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in May 2009. She received a position at the insurance defense law firm of Lynch and Associates in Anchorage, Alaska, in September 2009. Aaron John Roetcisoender married Jamie Lynn Fortescue '06 on Aug. 8, 2009, in Puyallup, Wash. Jamie teaches third grade for the Tacoma School District and Aaron works for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Carrie Andrew '05 was the maid of honor. The couple resides in Tacoma, Wash.
2007 Class Representative – Kaarin Praxel and Maggie Morgan
MAIL TO: Office of Constituent Relations, PLU, Tacoma, WA 98447-0003; FAX: 253-535-8555; E-MAIL: firstname.lastname@example.com; Internet: www.plualumni.org. Please limit to 100 words.
Graham Murtaugh married Mandi Jo Reimers on July 17, 2009, on Kruger's Farm in
Jeffrey Blair was awarded a Distinguished Fulbright Award in Teaching to conduct research in South Africa. Jeffrey teaches 8th and 10th grade humanities at The Northwest School in Seattle.
Zoë Lindsey married Allen Shih on Nov. 7, 2009 in Puako, Hawaii. Zoë is a pediatric nurse practitioner and associate partner at Cascade Pediatrics in Issaquah, Wash. Allen is a clinical pharmacist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Wash. The couple currently resides in Renton, Wash. Brett Patterson is the new music director at Holy Family Catholic Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. Brett holds a master's degree in music in organ performance and sacred music, and improvisation from the University of Texas, Austin. He also studies English choral tradition at King's College and St. John's College in Cambridge, England. Brian Splinter married Kathryn Noel Maule on June 27, 2009, in Everett, Wash. Brian works as a mental health counselor for the Department of Corrections in Monroe, Wash. The couple resides in Sultan, Wash.
Allison Cambronne works for Stanley Associates, a federal contractor in Washington, D.C., Allison's current assignment is at the U.S. State Department in the Bureau of Consular Affairs in the Visa Office.
Future Lutes Michelle Jackson Hammons and husband Luke welcomed Ashlyn Rene Hammons in June 2008. She joined brothers Jackson, 5, and Mason, 4. In Sept. 2009, the family moved to Mukilteo where Michelle has been teaching Spanish for the past 17 years. This past summer she led her seventh student tour. She took 15 students on a tour of Spain and Morocco.
2008 Class Representative – Christy Olsen Field and Courtney Stringer
John McKenna works as a systems integrator for Augustine Consulting and is currently embedded with American Forces in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jackie Mendez was crowned Miss Pierce County 2009 last March. She also competed for the title of Miss Washington 2009 and placed in the top ten. Jackie works for ADP Construction Services in Tacoma. She is an accomplished violinist and an active community member. Caitlin Stoskopf works as an AmeriCorps volunteer for the Girls Scouts. She helps high-risk girls in foster care by instilling courage, confidence and character. The girls will learn lessons of service by volunteering at food banks, helping with community clean-ups and running school supply drives.
2009 Class Representative – Maren Anderson and Amy Spieker Clare Brauer-Rieke works as the outreach coordinator for Earth Ministry as part of a yearlong placement with Lutheran Volunteer Corps.
Danielle (Phillips) States and her husband Brian welcomed their first child, Katherine Hope States, on May 28, 2009.
Stephen Kilbreath and wife Amy announce the birth of their son Jack Morrison Kilbreath on July 11, 2009.
Chad Blau was selected to be part of the Yakima Valley Warriors, a new team part of the American Indoor Football League. The team, which will start playing in the spring, is part of a six-team Western Conference. Home games will be played at the SunDome in Yakima, Wash.
Matt Iseri and his wife Shauna welcomed Matilda Jane on July 14, 2009.
Tammy (Huynh) Mandilag and husband Romel announce the birth of their first son, Marcus Huynh, on April 27, 2009. The family lives in Hillsboro, Ore.
1996 Maricar (Casal) Steele and her husband James announce the birth of their second child, Clifton, on Sept. 14, 2009. He joins big sister Amelia, 3. Maricar works at Bosley as a clinical supervisor. The family resides in Kent, Wash.
1999 Jenny (Klumpp) Cramer and husband Matt welcomed their daughter Siena Grace Cramer on Dec. 23, 2008. Jenny is a stayat-home mom. The family resides in Colorado Springs, Colo. John and Michelle (Pleny '01) Eussen welcomed their second son, Reid Robert Eussen, on Feb. 5, 2009. John works from home and Michelle is a stay-at-home mom and an independent business owner with Sensaria Natural Body Care. They family recently moved to Vancouver, Wash.
2000 Birgitta (Hillesland) Dubova and husband Ilir announce the birth of their child, Axel Aslan Dubova on Nov. 12, 2009. The family lives in San Diego, Calif. John and Kari (Pettis '02) Fricke welcomed Asher Caleb Fricke on Dec. 19, 2009. Asher joins sister Mirabella Rose, 3, and brother Tanner Jonah, 19 months.
2001 Suzanne Beauchene and husband Ryan Heiberg welcomed their first child, Dorian Paul Heiberg, on Sept. 28, 2009. Suzanne works as an RN at Seattle Care Alliance. The family resides in Seattle. Kim (Johnson '01) Rothlisberger and husband Travis announce the birth of their second son, Lukas Marco Rothlisberger. He joined his big brother Jakob, 17 months, on Sept. 24, 2009.
2002 Jason and Carrie (Thorpe '05) Andrew welcomed Carson Charles into the family on August 29, 2009. Jason works for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The family lives in Tacoma. Matthew and Rebecca (Kluck '02) Geballe announce the birth of Lillian Wilma Geballe on Nov. 22, 2008. The family resides in Rio Rancho, N.M.
Forrest and Jennie (Bow '02) Griek welcomed daughter Svea Griek on Nov. 13, 2009. Forrest is an assistant principal for the Federal Way School District. The family lives in Tacoma.
Marc and Christie (Novak '04) Heany announce the birth of Abigail Joy Heany on Nov. 6, 2009. The family resides in Gig Harbor, Wash.
Louis and Noreen (McEntee '00) Hobson welcomed Thomas Richard Hobson on Jan. 18. Sarah Lord and Adam Sundstrom '01 welcomed Erik Lord Sundstrom on Nov. 16, 2009. He joined big sister Nora Alma Sundstrom, 3. Adams teaches sixth grade and Sarah teaches high school biology and environmental science in Billings, Mont. The family lives in Billings. Brian and Brianne (McQuaig '01) Vertrees announce the birth of their son Langley Rey on March 22, 2009. Brian is the promotions manager at Stemilt and Brianne owns and operates Seed Marketing. The family lives in Wenatchee, Wash.
2004 Jessica (Prest) Smiddy and husband Lawrence announce the birth of their twin daughters Abigail Norah Smiddy and Jacquelyn Kay Smiddy on Dec. 31, 2009. The family resides in Bellevue, Wash. S
perspective continued from back page
academic buildings take between 15-20 years from conception to completion. The envisioned building was approved in concept in 1978 and the Mary Baker Russell Music Center was completed in 1998 – exactly 20 years! I'm grateful to have been in on the project from the very beginning and to have witnessed the enthusiasm and support of two presidents toward realizing that dream over two decades. The 1980s saw the emergence of study away as an important PLU facet. The Rieke Science Center was completed, faculty governance grew stronger and recruitment of new students became increasingly focused. Academic programs grew stronger and new programs were undertaken. At the end of the decade, the university celebrated its centennial, with a yearlong celebration that included the world premiere of my col-
league Gregory Youtz's opera on Northwest Native American history and simultaneous international tours to China (by the Choir of the West and University Orchestra) and to Norway (by the Wind Ensemble and University Chorale), thereby affirming both our place on the Pacific Rim and our Scandinavian history. The times of change returned in the early 1990s as enrollment downturns of the previous decade finally hit PLU and the university entered uncertain economic times. PLU's current president, Loren J. Anderson arrived and led the university through those turbulent times. The university emerged in the new millennium with additional focus and fiscal discipline. Long-range planning and short-term initiatives were instituted, the former producing planning documents titled PLU 2000 and
PLU 2010, the latter involving annual creation, monitoring and assessment of shorter-term goals. The university is currently in the first year of a threeyear, pan-university cycle to produce the next planning document, PLU 2020. The last decade has seen strengthening of our three institutional hallmarks: ever-increasing numbers of students participating in study away, increased student-faculty research and, thanks to the support of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., continued emphasis on leading intentional lives by exploring and seeking vocation. On that fateful quick visit in the summer of 1969 it was the people of PLU who impressed me the most and made my decision to join this community so easy. I met a few faculty and administrators that day, including Maurice Skones, my earliest mentor and predecessor as chair of the music department. In the subsequent years, I have counted myself blessed to have worked with so many distinguished colleagues across the campus: from the faculty, the administration and the staff. And it didn't take me long into my first term of teaching here to realize how special the PLU students are! We in music have always engaged in student-faculty research since our common enterprise is to make music together. In many ways (technology, multitasking!) the students have changed. But in the most fundamental ways (passion, commitment, talent) they remain the best indicator of PLU's uniqueness. Just as the student body renews itself with each new class, so too does the faculty, but on a slower time schedule. The decade past has also been marked by a sea change in the makeup of that faculty. Colleagues of my generation at PLU (we came in the '70s and stayed) have retired after long and satisfying careers, and a whole new cohort of committed PLU faculty are beginning their careers here. My hope for them is a professional and personal life as full, rich and sustained as I've enjoyed at this very special place. S David Robbins is professor of music and chair of the music department.
calendar continued from inside front cover
April 29, 2 p.m. Psychology Colloquium Xavier, Nordquist Lecture Hall
May 8, 5 p.m. Duane Swank Retirement Dinner Scandinavian Cultural Center
April 30, Noon PLU Relay for Life PLU Track
May 7, 8, 14, 15, 16 A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams Eastvold Auditorium
May 18, 6 p.m. MBA Info Sessions Morken Center, Public Events Room
May 8, 8 p.m. Artist Series: Taiwanese Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
May 19, 8 p.m. Studio Series: String Kaleidoscope Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
May 9, 3 p.m. Band Series: University Wind Ensemble Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
May 28, 6 p.m. School of Nursing Graduate Recognition Ceremony Trinity Lutheran Church
May 9, 7 p.m. Studio Series: Guitar Ensemble Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
May 29-30 Spring Commencement Weekend 2010 PLU Campus
MAY May 1, 3 p.m. Studio Series: PLU Harp Ensemble Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall May 1, 6 p.m. Q Club Spring Donor Banquet May 1, 6 p.m. Carnival Nowadays University Center, Cave May 2, 3 p.m. Studio Series: Mu Phi Epsilon Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall May 4, 5 p.m. Studio Series: Jazz Combo in the Cave University Center, Cave May 4, 8 p.m. Orchestra Series: University Symphony Orchestra Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall May 5, 8 p.m. Regency Concert Series: Regency String Quintet Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall May 7-8 Natural Sciences Academic Festival Morken Center May 7, 8 p.m. Jazz Series: University Jazz Ensembles University Center, CK May 8-9 Congregation Relations Youth Gathering 2010 Multiple campus locations May 8, 9 a.m. Duane Swank Retirement Symposium Rieke Science Center, Leraas Lecture Hall
May 10, 8 p.m. Studio Series: Student Wind and Brass Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall May 11, 8 p.m. Studio Series: Solvvinden Flute Ensemble Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall May 12, 8 p.m. Studio Series: Percussion & Steel Pan Ensembles Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
May 17, 8 p.m. Studio Series: Organ Student Recital Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
May 29, 9 a.m. ROTC Commissioning Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall May 29, 11:30 a.m. Arete Reception and Induction Scandinavian Cultural Center May 29, 2 p.m. School of Nursing Recognition and Pinning Ceremony Trinity Lutheran Church May 29, 8 p.m. Commencement Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert Hall
May 13, 8 p.m. Studio Series: Piano Ensemble Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Lagerquist Concert
May 30, 2:30 p.m. 2010 Spring Commencement Tacoma Dome
May 14, 3 p.m. Division of Social Science Lecture Xavier, Room 150
June 28-30 Summer Theological Conference 2010 Scandinavian Cultural Center S
May 14, 7 p.m. Student Series: HER/PLUtonics Concert Mary Baker Russell Music Center, Amphitheatre May 17, 10:30 a.m. Mississippi River in American Culture Garfield Book Company, Fireside Lounge
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perspective A special place
After a fateful visit to campus in 1969, Professor of Music David Robbins reflects on 40 years of change.
By David Robbins
ast year I completed my 40th year on the faculty of Pacific Lutheran University. Little did I know in 1969 that I would find such a permanent, fulfilling and enriching professional home as I have at PLU. It all started so simply, yet signs were there. In the spring and summer of 1969, I was looking for my first college teaching job as I completed my graduate music degree at the University of Michigan. Like so many seeking their first real job, I had cast a wide net, applying for any and all positions that vaguely aligned with my interests, training and abilities. One such position was
at a small Lutheran university in the Pacific Northwest. I knew little of the school or the traditions out of which it had grown, but I had visited the Northwest on several occasions. On one such visit, at the prescient age of 14, as I looked at Mt. Rainier on a clear day from the Olympic Hotel in Seattle, I announced to my bemused parents that "this wouldn't be a bad place to settle down someday." Little did they know, as I was raised and they remained on the East Coast, that they had many cross-country flights ahead. The 1970s at PLU were a time of change, a theme I later realized would
repeat itself regularly. The 4-1-4 calendar was in its first iteration, with the January term called the Interim. Students were required to take two interim courses in their four years; faculty was encouraged to teach innovative courses outside the regular curriculum and even outside their specific disciplines. President William O. Rieke came to PLU in 1975 and soon after capital construction projects resumed, including plans for a new, much-needed music/fine arts facility. At the time I didn't believe those who told me that continued on page 38
Alumni Publication for Pacific Lutheran University