A Letter From the Campaign Co-Chairs

Dear Loggers,

Welcome to this special issue of Arches. As you flip through these pages, you’ll find a vibrant celebration of the traditions, people, and places that make the University of Puget Sound so deeply special to all of us. Whether it’s the crisp autumn air under the giant sequoia, the hum of collaboration in Collins Memorial Library, or the lifelong bonds formed in our residence halls, we all have our own unique list of what we love about this remarkable place.

As co-chairs of Puget Sound’s Greater, We Ascend fundraising campaign, we have spent the last few years looking closely at the heart of this institution. Today, we are thrilled to officially announce the launch of the public phase of our campaign. This is a historic moment for our community, and we are incredibly proud to invite you to join us.

When we look at Puget Sound, we are inspired by both our history and our future. For me (Kathleen), what I love most is Puget Sound’s fierce commitment to experiential learning. Seeing students bridge the gap between theory and reality — whether through intensive undergraduate research, studying abroad, or taking on transformative local internships — is awe-inspiring. This campaign ensures that all Loggers, regardless of their majors, have access to these hands-on, boundary-pushing opportunities.

For me (Erin), my deepest passion belongs to Logger Athletics. There is an incredible grit, pride, and joy that comes from competing at the Division III level. I am constantly inspired by our scholar-athletes, who balance rigorous academics with the fierce dedication required to represent Puget Sound on the court, field, track, pool, and water. This campaign supports the whole scholar-athlete, empowering Loggers to excel in their sports, in their studies and cocurricular activities, and in their lives after Puget Sound, so that they may become leaders, innovators, and inspirations within their communities.

This campaign isn’t just about building a stronger university; it’s about investing in the very soul of the Puget Sound experience. Together, we are empowering our students to confront the urgent societal needs of our time and cultivating the critical, big-picture problem solving required to lead in our world. Seeing the direct impact of these initiatives is exactly why we were inspired to make our own leadership gifts to this campaign. We believe deeply in the trajectory of Puget Sound, and we know the world needs Logger graduates now more than ever.

Now, we want to turn the question to you: What is on your Puget Sound list? Is it the professor who changed your worldview? The team that taught you resilience? The financial aid package that made your education possible? Or perhaps the iconic sound of the campus trees rustling in the Pacific Northwest breeze?

Whatever it is that you love most about Puget Sound, this campaign is your opportunity to protect, strengthen, and grow it for the next generation. Every gift, no matter the size, is a vote of confidence in our students and a direct investment in the unique magic of a Puget Sound education.

As you read through the inspiring stories in this issue of Arches, we invite you to reflect on your own journey and consider how you can support the things you love. Together, as an alumni community, we can ensure that the Puget Sound we cherish continues to thrive for decades to come.

Thank you for your enduring pride, your passion, and your generosity.