The connection comes through the Phonathon (now known as the Student Philanthropy Center, or SPC), where students reach out by phone to alumni to discuss the latest happenings on campus and ask for support for the Puget Sound Fund.

A year after retiring from her position as an English professor at the University of Puget Sound, Julie Christoph was browsing job and volunteer opportunities online. During her search, she discovered a posting for a Peace Corps Virtual Service program working with faculty in Ukraine. Intrigued, she applied, interviewed, and was ultimately accepted.  

“I’d been looking for ways to use my skills,” Christoph said. “This program is great for people like me who have some time, but maybe not enough time to pick up and move for two years.”  

The University of Puget Sound's commitment to global engagement extends far beyond its campus, reaching across continents and cultures. This year, two Puget Sound alumnae, Kyra Lee ’24 and Khysa Gustafson ’24, are making their mark as Fulbright scholars, pursuing research in Australia and teaching in Germany. Their experiences highlight the university's dedication to preparing students for impactful careers at home and abroad.

From May 12–23, 2025, Professor of Biology Andreas Madlung will lead a unique and in-depth alumni trip to Berlin, Germany. Over the span of 12 days, participants will learn about the city's history and urban ecology. This tour strengthens and promotes the ideals of lifelong learning and the importance of staying curious. This journey offers a personalized experience with an expert guide who will share their local insights and take you off the beaten paths of Berlin.

As a lifelong learner, W. Houston Dougharty ’83 considers himself lucky to have figured out how to “never have to leave college,” a feat he’s achieved by spending 40 years working in higher education.

Dougharty, now finishing his career as vice president for student affairs at Hofstra University on Long Island, N.Y., is this year’s recipient of the Puget Sound Professional Achievement Award. He and the other award winners (see opposite page) are slated to be honored during Summer Reunion Weekend, June 9–11.

In 2006, 13 years after I graduated from University of Puget Sound, I was invited to speak to the university’s Business Leadership Program. The moment I received Professor Jeffrey J. Matthews’ invitation, I considered what my presentation might look like. At the time, I co-owned Sonic Boom Records, a chain of stores in Seattle; I ran my own record label, The Control Group; I toured the world playing drums in my band, The Long Winters; and I worked as an A&R scout for Epic Records.

In a cozy room on the main floor of Collins Memorial Library stocked with snacks and books on professional development, and furnished with indoor plants and comfortable couches, a group of professors is gathered to learn and share strategies for navigating the emotional impact of supporting students in crisis. This isn’t just a run-of-the-mill professional development course.

Ted Parker ’22 fully intended to finish his bachelor’s degree when he first enrolled at University of Puget Sound in the fall of 1974. But after four years—and three majors—he had a wife, he had a job, and he was ready to begin the next chapter of his life. The only thing he didn’t have was a bachelor’s degree.

“I simply ran out of time,” Parker says. “By 1978, life was moving on.”