University of Puget Sound to Host First DataFest

Student points at the laptop screen

The University of Puget Sound will host its first DataFest, a weekend-long data analysis competition, from March 27–29, 2026, in Trimble Hall. Students are invited to solve a real-world puzzle using a secret dataset that will be revealed at the kickoff event.

DataFest is a nationwide event organized by the American Statistical Association, bringing together undergraduate students to analyze a curated, real-world dataset. Students compete in teams of two to five and use the tools they know best to uncover insights and present their findings.

Building Futures in Healthcare: Health Professions Advising Reaches New Heights

Cecilia Turetzky ’26 takes blood pressure at the Neighborhood Clinic.

The University of Puget Sound's Health Professions Advising program is experiencing unprecedented growth, now supporting 523 students and alumni as they pursue careers in healthcare. This year, 442 undergraduate students — 28% of the student body — identify as pre-health, while 81 alumni are actively preparing applications for professional health graduate programs. The numbers reflect a program built on relationships and sustained commitment. 

Celebrating Alumni Excellence

Brick archways

Six Loggers who have made a meaningful impact in their professions, in their communities, and at the university will be honored with Puget Sound’s most prestigious alumni awards during Summer Reunion Weekend June 5 to 7, 2026. Learn more about the celebration at pugetsound.edu/srw.

Celebrating a Friendship of Seven Decades

Doris Zoebel Fraser ’59 (left) and Richard (Dick) Shorten ’57 (right) with Doris' husband, Don Fraser (center) at their wedding in 1964.

Doris Zoebel Fraser: Some friendships begin with a spark, others with a surprise. Ours began with a kiss. It was 1955, and several of us new Alpha Phi pledges gathered in excited anticipation. Representing our brother fraternity, Sigma Chi, was junior class president, Dick Shorten — confident, charming, and full of Puget Sound spirit. After welcoming us, he came to each of us, shook our hands, and gave us each a kiss on the lips. It was certainly memorable.

The Bear Necessities

Grizz on maroon background

Fans at this fall’s Homecoming football game witnessed a piece of Puget Sound history unfold. Twenty years after the original mascot’s debut, the university unveiled a new look for Grizz, the Loggers’ No. 1 fan.

Seven Tips for Making the Most of Watching the World Cup

World Cup soccer balls arranged near the a corner on the field.

FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the first time in 32 years that the world’s biggest sporting event will be played on U.S. soil. Seattle will play host for the first time, with six of the tournament’s 26 matches to be played at Lumen Field. Loggers who love soccer say even if you’re new to the sport, you won’t want to miss the experience of a beautiful game played by the world’s top athletes. Here’s some advice on how to make the most of it, wherever you are watching.

The JOYFUL Game

Soccer balls used in previous World Cups

There’s a lot to love about soccer — starting with the heroic saves, the graceful footwork, and the incredible athleticism players exhibit in a game that seldom stops.

 

But for Maya Mendoza-Exstrom ’03, there are even more reasons to love the sport often described as the beautiful game.

'The Greatest Thing to Ever Happen'

1976 NCAA Division II men's basketball champions. Illustration by Jonathan Carlson.

Matt McCully ’78 was an end-of-the-bench guard who took the court only for the final minute or so of the University of Puget Sound Loggers’ 1976 NCAA Division II men’s basketball national championship game victory over the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Yet, it was McCully who found himself on the shoulders of his teammates after the buzzer sounded on an 83–74 triumph that long-ago March evening at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, Indiana. “They didn’t have ladders back in those days, apparently,” McCully recalled with a laugh.