"One of the greatest joys of my presidency has been the opportunity to work alongside you — our incredible alumni. Whether meeting you at events, welcoming you back to our beautiful campus for Homecoming, or seeing the way you mentor our students, I am constantly inspired by the way you carry the ‘To the Heights’ spirit into the world. You are the living legacy of this university, and your passion for this institution has been a primary source of energy for me throughout my tenure.

Christina Baker ’06

At the University of Puget Sound, the classroom has always been more than a place where faculty deliver information to students. It is where conversations unfold as students test ideas and begin the challenging and rewarding work of thinking itself.

For more than 700 Loggers, that work does not end at graduation. Today, they stand at the front of classrooms and labs around the world, continuing a lifelong relationship with learning, teaching, and discovery. 

The education of Ramona Bennett Bill MEd’81, Hon.’00 did not start auspiciously.

It was the evening of April 29, 1997, and something remarkable was about to take place. Students crowded into Schneebeck Concert Hall, buzzing with excitement and nerves. As they navigated to their seats, they whispered to each other, eager to witness the inaugural spring showcase of the Repertory Dance Group (RDG). Chatter filled the room until 8 o’clock struck and the lights dimmed.

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.

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.

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.

The single most important piece of equipment in the world’s most popular game is less than nine inches wide and weighs just under a pound, yet its flight has brought euphoria to entire nations while plunging others into anguish. Such a crucial ingredient in soccer had better fly true. I am a physicist whose main research domain is sports, and investigating the aerodynamics of soccer balls, particularly those used in the World Cup, has been a true delight.

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.