Pacific Lutheran University Careers in Tacoma, WA

Pacific Lutheran University was founded in 1890 by a group of mostly Norwegian Lutherans from the Puget Sound region. They were led by the Reverend Bjug Harstad, who became PLU's first president. These pioneers recognized the important role that a Lutheran educational institution on the Western frontier of America could play in the emerging future of the region. They wanted the institution to help immigrants adjust to their new land and find jobs, but they also wanted it to produce graduates who would serve church and community. Education-and educating for service-was a venerated part of the Scandinavian traditions from which these pioneers came. Although founded as a university, the institution functioned primarily as an academy until 1918. It closed in 1918 and reopened in 1920 as Pacific Lutheran College. In 1920 PLC merged with Columbia College, which had been located in Everett. Pacific Lutheran College offered a two-year degree. Spokane College merged with PLC in 1929. Four-year