anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” which is credited with sparking the environmental movement in which PLU has been such a dedicated player. As much as Carson’s call to environmental action warned of danger, she also inspired us to care for the beauty of the earth, not merely its utility, when she noted that: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” To meet the environmental challenges we all face, we need more places to model sustainable practices, to study and to try out new ways of living responsibly and being faithful stewards of God’s creation. In this way, too, the world needs more PLU.
A Global University
They know what you are sure to discover: college education makes it more possible to lead a well-lived life, a life of purpose and meaning, a life of achievement and satisfaction.
For PLU, care for the earth and its people is intertwined in our robust commitment to international education – underscored by our firm partnerships with our Gateway Countries of Trinidad and Tobago, Norway, Namibia, Mexico, and China. These partnerships, coupled with our happy location in a major port city in the Pacific Northwest, in a key spot on the Pacific Rim – help make international education at PLU so distinctive. Robust engagement with the world means much more than mere touring. Study and preparation before studying abroad, together with reflection and analysis afterward, are characteristic of the way PLU approaches international education. And we also highly value the rich diversity of nationalities and cultures we attract to PLU from across our own country and from others – and we embrace and celebrate the cultures and ethnicities in our own Puget Sound region. I’ve heard eloquent testimonials from students about how much they have learned about the world from their international classmates. So, you see, global engagement at PLU means much more than studying abroad. PLU has inspired countless alumni to work and travel and engage with people around the globe in positive and uplifting ways. Not only does PLU cherish our diverse world – the world needs more PLU.
Wild Hope The reflections we have shared and the ceremonies we have witnessed on this combined inauguration and convocation day have given all of you – but especially our new students – a glimpse into our institutional history; our mission, our purpose and our values; our more recent accomplishments and some of our aspirations for the future. But in the end, PLU is all about you, our students. PLU’s strong commitment is to help you realize your Wild Hope – your vocation, your calling, your purpose in life. PLU’s Wild Hope Center for Vocation takes inspiration for its name from Mary Oliver’s question in her poem The Summer’s Day: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” she asks. We at PLU start the process of helping you discover your Wild Hope right at the start. You have already been engaged in a lively and stimulating orientation program for the past several days. You have already begun asking yourselves what we call the Big Enough Questions: “What skills do I have?” “How can I best matter to other people?” “What legacy do I want to leave behind?” Our professional staff and faculty members have been prodding you to take full advantage of the smorgasbord of opportunities we offer at PLU. We do so with the goal of helping you figure out what you’re good at and how you might use your abilities to make a difference in the world. I know I’ve learned a lot about my own Wild Hope, and have found it here at PLU. In fact, PLU is full of people for whom the life of the mind and the teaching of students like you is their Wild Hope – and we all can help you find yours. We will present you with opportunities to meet and hear about the many distinguished Lutes who’ve made a difference in the world – many of whom are here in this hall with us today.
12 PLU SCENE WINTER 2012 > FEATURES