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.

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. 

For some students, a passion project begins with a single moment of clarity. For Abi Longbottom ’26, a senior at the University of Puget Sound majoring in politics and government with a crime, law, and justice studies minor, that moment came during a middle school book drive.

Faculty at the University of Puget Sound have published a paper in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, one of the field’s top journals, showcasing a novel climate model designed not for advanced researchers, but for undergraduate students. The paper, published on Jan. 1, 2026, identifies a major gap in climate education, and presents "Cambio," a simplified yet robust climate model that fills that gap.

Looking for a smoother transition from high school to college? The University of Puget Sound’s First Year Inside (FYI) program helps incoming students begin their college journey with confidence, connection, and support. 

Dr. Hajung Lee, associate professor of religion, spirituality, and society and bioethics and director of FYI, has worked closely with the program and witnessed its impact firsthand. 

For four weeks, University of Puget Sound students received a unique glimpse into the future of neuroscience when scientists from the Allen Institute brought cutting-edge, hands-on training to Professor of Biology Siddharth Ramakrishnan's advanced neuroscience class.

In the spring and summer of 1986, Tacoma was rocked by the shocking rape and murder of two young girls, Michella Welch and Jennifer Bastian. Despite the killings occurring five months apart, the similarities between the victims, including their age, appearance, and the circumstances surrounding their disappearances, were hard to ignore. Locals worried that a serial killer might be lurking in Tacoma’s North End. Despite pressure from the community to bring the killer to justice and continued efforts by the Tacoma Police Department, there simply wasn’t enough evidence to build a case.

Looking back, it seems almost inevitable that second-year student Sophia Irigoyen ’28 would choose the University of Puget Sound. Less predictable: a decision by her mom Jennifer Irigoyen MPH’27 to join her this year as a Puget Sound student.

Sophia applied to 22 colleges — including Stanford and Princeton — and was accepted to many of them.

It’s been yet another incredible year at the University of Puget Sound. From launching innovative new programs to celebrating the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, there are so many Logger stories that highlight the power of a liberal arts education to transform lives. Here are 10 stories from 2025 that you may have missed.

Sophie Billadeau ’29, a first-year student from Minnetonka, Minnesota, is quickly building a memorable college experience at the University of Puget Sound. A graduate of a small charter school where she was involved in theater and served as president of the National Honor Society, she’s wasted no time in immersing herself in campus life as a member of the university's Honors Program in Consciousness, Creativity, and Meaning.