Pacific Lutheran University

09/03/2026

Join us in celebrating PLU Professor emerita Dr. Sheri Tonn on being named the 2026 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Laureate! 🎉

After 40 years on our chemistry faculty, Dr. Tonn continues to inspire Lutes through her lifelong dedication to environmental justice, community advocacy, and protecting Puget Sound.

This is a truly well-deserved honor for an extraordinary educator and leader! 💛🖤

08/28/2026

Today, Pacific Lutheran University mourns the death of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway.

King Harald V holds a special place in PLU’s history. On May 23, 2015, His Majesty visited our campus, walking alongside President Thomas Krise before delivering the commencement address for the Class of 2015. During his visit, he received an honorary degree in recognition of his distinguished service to Norway and the world.

More than a decade later, we remember his visit and the lasting meaning it holds for our community. As a university founded by Norwegian immigrants, PLU has long shared a special connection with Norway through education, culture, and enduring relationships across the Atlantic.

We remember King Harald V with gratitude for his years of service and with appreciation for the place he holds in PLU’s history and our community. 🇳🇴🤍

08/05/2026

We are sending our love to Lutes, their families, and communities across Washington state that are impacted by these devastating wildfires. Our offices are connecting with Lutes that may be impacted, and we continue to send prayers and support to impacted communities across the state. You can find resources and information about these wildfires at app.watchduty.org and naturaldisaster.tools/wildfire-resources.

07/15/2026

Last call for Rainiers tickets for our Lutes in the Stands game this Sunday! Grab your family and friends and come watch the game in style from our reserved PLU section! Tickets are less than $20 after fees (and includes a hot dog!), so come show your Lute pride as we cheer on the Tacoma Rainiers! Get your tickets at https://www.plu.edu/alumni-student-connections/lutes-in-the-stands/

07/14/2026

Choir of the West is celebrating 100 years of outstanding choral music! If you have ever been in the Choir of the West, you are invited to come celebrate with us during our Centennial Celebration and Reunion. October 23-25, reconnect with conductors and enjoy social gatherings, shared singing, a celebratory banquet, and the opportunity to perform together once again in the Centennial Celebration Concert. Register and find the full schedule at https://createsend.com/t/y-10B4652742F94CB52540EF23F30FEDED

07/09/2026

Huge shoutout to Dr. Colleen Hacker for being recognized as one of 26 women featured in the exhibit! The exhibit, which debuted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Dallas, celebrates women whose work demonstrates how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are transforming sports.

PLU kinesiology professor Colleen Hacker has been recognized as one of 26 women featured in the new – The Exhibit: Game Changers , an international exhibition celebrating women whose work demonstrates how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are transforming sport...

06/22/2026

Huge shoutout to PLU Alumni turned Tacoma Community College teacher, Amy Van Mechelen '08, for reviving TCC's theatre program and directing their first performance in over 30 years!

TCC Music Presents The Broadway MusicalCome to our Spring Quarter ...

06/15/2026

As Lutes travel for summer vacations, conferences, and research opportunities, we are thankful for Alaska Airlines and their support of PLU and the Independent Colleges of Washington. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean)

06/12/2026

Did you know that PLU's Professor of Music Svend Rønning also serves as Second City Chamber Series' Artistic Director? An alum of the Class of 1989, Rønning has been teaching at PLU for over 25 years, and is entering his 20th year as artistic director right as Second City Chamber Series launches its 50th anniversary celebration.

The violinist, educator, and longtime chamber music champion's musical journey began as soon as he could hold an instrument.

06/09/2026

“What is meant for us really does find its way to us, even if it has to move mountains. So, take that first step. Chase the thing that keeps calling you and let yourself be surprised. The rest has a remarkable way of falling into place.”
–Naufal Alavi ‘26, College of Natural Sciences graduate