1.  Words of Wisdom

Graduates Kevoni Neely ’25 and Avi Matan Whinkin DPT’25 spoke at Commencement, reflecting on their journeys and sharing their hopes for the Class of 2025.

2.  Champion for Democracy

Senior Iliana Barnes Diaz ’25 is passionate about civic engagement and encouraging students to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

3.  Finding His Calling

For occupational therapy student Conner Kankelborg OTD’25, addressing longstanding disparities in healthcare for Indigenous people is deeply personal. 

Be & Be Not Afraid

Washington State House of Representatives Speaker Laurie Jinkins J.D.’90 delivered  this year's Commencement address and received an honorary degree. She reflected on the education she received at Puget Sound, about the value of civil discourse and volunteerism, and about how she found success by following her passions—and the advice of the singer Tracy Chapman.

"As you leave the world of the University of Puget Sound today, life might seem uncertain," Jinkins said. "I hope you enter these uncertain spaces not with fear, but with a sense of adventure and openness."

Seeing Through Microbial Eyes

Assoc. Prof. of Biology Mark Martin gave a seminar and hosted a LuxArt workshop session at the University of Texas-Austin on April 28, hosted by the American Society for Microbiology. Martin shared his passion for novel teaching strategies and mixing art with science, showcasing his artistic creations using bioluminescent bacteria.

Field of Dreams

For the first time in the NCAA Division III era, the Logger Baseball team made it to the postseason. And they didn't just make an appearance—they made history. With a program-best 24 wins this season and the fifth-highest fielding percentage of any team in the country, the Loggers entered last week's Northwest Conference tournament as the No. 3 seed. On May 8, the Loggers opened with a thrilling 7–6, 11-inning victory over second-seeded Whitworth University. On May 9, back-to-back losses against Pacific University and Whitworth put an end to Puget Sound's postseason momentum. The Loggers finished third overall in the conference.

Welcome Back to Campus

There's still time to register for Summer Reunion Weekend! Join us June 6–8 to celebrate class years ending in 0 and 5, with special recognition for the Class of 1975 and the Class of 2000. We'll also be honoring our alumni award winners and celebrating academic and affinity groups including athletics, Greek Life, occupational therapy, physical therapy, theatre arts, and the Women's League. We hope to see you there!

By the Numbers

A total of 436 students participated in this year’s Commencement Ceremony, including 331 undergraduates and 105 graduate students, with an impressive median GPA of 3.61. Of those students, 16% are the first in their family to attend college and 33.3% identify as students of color. They are deeply involved in all aspects of campus life, with 31% participating in varsity athletics, 25% involved in Greek Life, and nearly 37% participating in a study abroad experience. See highlights from this weekend's festivities on Instagram.

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