Sam Kaufman

What is your favorite Puget Sound tradition and why? 

My favorite Puget Sound tradition has to be the Pops on the Lawn event. This happens towards the end of our spring semester, where on a sunny Friday afternoon the university’s Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra dress up in silly costumes and play popular songs from movies, the 80s, and all other types of popular music. Many students and local families sit outside on picnic blankets and hear the wonderful sounds of pop music from our incredibly talented student musicians. The best part is seeing students from so many different communities come together to share a wonderful musical experience!

What is your favorite Student Union Building meal/hack? 

We have a special salad that rotates weekly, and my favorite thing to do is dump it all into one bowl, add the special weekly dressing, and then go over to our grill and order a chicken breast and then add it to the salad, so I can get all my major food groups in. Either that or the special spreads from the sandwich bar, which are always delicious.

What is something that Puget Sound has taught you that you did not expect to learn? 

I have learned that it is important to try new things out, even when it may seem risky or challenging. I feel I have become my most authentic self at Puget Sound, and I have been able to meet so many life-changing individuals through my clubs, classes, and activities. You will never know where life can take you if you don’t go out and try new things and meet new people, and Puget Sound has given me the support to systems to do just that.

What is one college moment/achievement you are the most proud of?

I was able to play trombone shoulder to shoulder with jazz legend Delfeayo Marsalis. Music before college was just a hobby of mine. Now I consider myself majorly passionate about pursuing trombone and jazz music, and I have grown to love and explore the meaning of music in multiple different contexts, and with multiple world-renowned artists. 

If you woke up one morning with a super power, what would it be and what would be the first thing you would do with this new power?

I would have the power to fix any minor inconvenience! Let’s say I wake up in the morning and I’m making pancakes, but I burn them all. No I didn’t! I’ll just snap my finger and I’ve got perfectly golden brown pancakes.