Beneath city streets, a stream of data flows, revealing the health, habits, and challenges of entire communities. Scientists from around the world will gather at the University of Puget Sound to tap into that hidden current at the Testing the Waters 8 conference, from June 1–4, 2025. This will be the first time the U.S. will host the international conference, welcoming global experts in wastewater testing—a growing field that turns sewage into public health data.

She volunteered at a local zoo in her hometown of San Jose, Calif., thinking she was interested in being a veterinarian, but later shifted her focus to human health. As a second-year Matelich Scholar at Puget Sound, Jiang was accepted to a prestigious medical school through an accelerated pathway with support from staff in Puget Sound’s Health Professions Advising program. But it was an internship with the Neighborhood Clinic in Tacoma that solidified her passion for helping patients navigate the complex world of healthcare. 

The University of Puget Sound Business Insights event brought together students, faculty, alumni experts, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in March for an engaging conversation about leading in an AI-powered world. The Arches team asked President Isiaah Crawford to share his thoughts on the event and discuss some of the opportunities and challenges of AI. Here’s what he had to say:

It’s summer in Tacoma and school may be out of session, but for the middle and high school students enrolled in the University of Puget Sound’s Summer Academic Challenge, it’s the perfect time to gain new skills and stave off summer learning loss. A group of students are gathered around computers, learning how to code by building a website from scratch.

The University of Puget Sound has earned a STARS Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), recognizing the university’s progress in sustainability across academics, operations, engagement, and planning.

University of Puget Sound will honor its graduates on Sunday, May 11, at 2 p.m. as part of its 133rd Commencement. The ceremony at Baker Stadium will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, including both undergraduates and students completing one of Puget Sound’s five graduate programs.

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.

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.