1.  Pomp & Circumstance

On Sunday, May 5, at 2 p.m., members of the graduating Class of 2024 will walk across the stage in Puget Sound’s 132nd Commencement Ceremony.

2.  Beyond Color Theory

Students in Prof. Elise Richman and Prof. Dan Burgard's team-taught Connections class, The Art & Science of Color, explore color through an interdisciplinary lens.

3.  Old King Coal

Two of Prof. Dan Sherman’s Energy Resources students, Rose Pereira ’26 and Zoe Ellis ’24, were interviewed about the closure of Washington's last coal-fired power plant.

Put Me In, Coach

When Jeff Halstead ’00, MAT’03 hung up his bat at the end of his senior year playing for the Loggers, he had no idea that he’d be back in the dugout. After a year playing minor league baseball, he returned to Puget Sound to pursue a master’s degree in teaching. That same year, he became assistant coach and recalls how strange it was to be on the sidelines. Over time, he came to embrace his role as a teacher and mentor. After 14 years as an assistant coach for both baseball and football, Halstead became head baseball coach in 2015. In 2022, he celebrated his 100th career win with the Loggers and in 2023, he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

“I had such an incredible experience here at Puget Sound and love for the program that I really want to create an environment like that for our players. I rely a lot on my teaching background to help them learn from their mistakes and improve,” says Halstead.

When not coaching, he spends time with his wife, former Logger lacrosse coach Liana Halstead MAT’06, and their two daughters.

Capitalism For Good

Earlier this month, alumnus Brad Hiranaga ’98 was highlighted in Forbes’ Entrepreneurial CMO 50 list for his role as chief brand officer for outdoor goods company Cotopaxi. Forbes writes that “Hiranaga is driving Cotopaxi's growth from ‘start-up to scale-up’ while maintaining a focus not just on this adventure apparel maker's business but also on inspiring other businesses to ‘embrace capitalism for good.’”

Hacks & Chops

Professor of Music Gwynne Brown will appear at Lakewold Gardens’ Sound of the Homeland concert on May 4 at 3 p.m. in Lakewood, Washington. The concert features music by contemporary Black composers in the United States set against the backdrop of the historic garden.

Follow the Evidence

Join the School of Occupational Therapy for the annual Dr. George Tomlinson Evidence Symposium on May 2 from 6–8 p.m. in Harned Hall. The event will feature more than 20 poster presentations on a diverse set of topics, including group interventions for transitioning transgender veterans and the role of OT professionals in rural island communities.

Match. Set. Win.

Logger Men's Tennis player Jason Rowe ’27 was named the Northwest Conference's Rookie of the Year, winning all but one singles match during his first season on the team. Rowe also earned a spot on the 2nd Team All-Northwest Conference.

Pops in the Hall

The School of Music's annual Pops on the Lawn concert moved into Schneebeck Hall due to rain, but a little drizzle couldn't put a damper on the fun. Student conductors led the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble through a range of popular music from Mama Mia! to The Lord of the Rings.

Stay in touch! Send us your alumni news.

pugetsound.edu

VISIT  |  APPLY  |  GIVE