It all started with a work-study job during Iliana Barnes Diaz’s first semester at the University of Puget Sound. She was tasked with raising voter engagement on campus—a daunting challenge for a first-year student who had only just become eligible to vote. Over the course of her four years at Puget Sound, Barnes Diaz has become passionate about civic engagement and showing up at the ballot box to demand change at the local, state, and national level.

Josh Cunningham ’25 sees the world differently. A Lillis Scholar with a double major in biochemistry and studio art, he finds overlap between the realms of science and of art in everything. So, when he decided to pursue a summer research project heading into his senior year at the University of Puget Sound, he knew it needed to involve bringing his two disciplines together.

University of Puget Sound mourns the passing of W. Houston Dougharty ’83, a long-time staff member and devoted alumnus, who died late last week in his hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 63 years old.

Celebration of Life Information: 

This spring, the University of Puget Sound campus will get moving for a meaningful cause—public health awareness and workforce development. Hosted by the Public Health Student Association (PHSA), the Walk, Run, & Roll 5K and Data Walk invites students, faculty, and staff to take part in an event that blends physical activity, community building, and public health education.

Ryan Payton’s career path is a lot like the acclaimed video games he’s spent the last 20 years developing. It’s been a long and winding journey with plenty of obstacles, but Payton has never been one to play on easy mode. Through it all, he’s demonstrated grit, adaptability, and perseverance to get where he wants to go.

Long before he stood onstage at The Game Awards, Payton found his voice as a storyteller in a high school Honors English class. 

Kevoni Neely ’25, outgoing president of the Associated Students of the University of Puget Sound (ASUPS), is wrapping up her final semester after serving as a key student leader on campus. Neely, who is graduating with a major in African American Studies and a minor in Crime, Law, & Justice Studies, reflects on her time advocating for her fellow students and the university.

For graduating senior Andrew Benoit ’25, the college experience has extended far beyond lectures and late-night study sessions. A sociology and anthropology major with a minor in history—and a member of the Honors Program—Benoit has juggled the demands of university life while also dedicating countless hours to leading The Trail, the University of Puget Sound’s student-run newspaper. He credits a dedicated team of student journalists for consistently delivering the monthly edition, which features university news, events, advice, and even satire.

Washington state Speaker Laurie Jinkins JD’90 will deliver the keynote address for the 133rd Commencement Ceremony at the University of Puget Sound on Sunday, May 11, 2025, and receive an honorary degree alongside long-serving and groundbreaking Tacoma education leader Willie C. Stewart Sr.

The University of Puget Sound will launch an Interdisciplinary Data Analytics minor in Fall 2025, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate the growing world of big data, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making.

The traditional college experience is often seen as a four-year journey of self-discovery and academic exploration. But for some, there is an opportunity and a drive to obtain the degree in just three years.