It all started with a work-study job during Iliana Barnes Diaz’s first semester at the University of Puget Sound. She was tasked with raising voter engagement on campus—a daunting challenge for a first-year student who had only just become eligible to vote. Over the course of her four years at Puget Sound, Barnes Diaz has become passionate about civic engagement and showing up at the ballot box to demand change at the local, state, and national level.

Josh Cunningham ’25 sees the world differently. A Lillis Scholar with a double major in biochemistry and studio art, he finds overlap between the realms of science and of art in everything. So, when he decided to pursue a summer research project heading into his senior year at the University of Puget Sound, he knew it needed to involve bringing his two disciplines together.

Kevoni Neely ’25, outgoing president of the Associated Students of the University of Puget Sound (ASUPS), is wrapping up her final semester after serving as a key student leader on campus. Neely, who is graduating with a major in African American Studies and a minor in Crime, Law, & Justice Studies, reflects on her time advocating for her fellow students and the university.

For graduating senior Andrew Benoit ’25, the college experience has extended far beyond lectures and late-night study sessions. A sociology and anthropology major with a minor in history—and a member of the Honors Program—Benoit has juggled the demands of university life while also dedicating countless hours to leading The Trail, the University of Puget Sound’s student-run newspaper. He credits a dedicated team of student journalists for consistently delivering the monthly edition, which features university news, events, advice, and even satire.

The traditional college experience is often seen as a four-year journey of self-discovery and academic exploration. But for some, there is an opportunity and a drive to obtain the degree in just three years.

University of Puget Sound’s Iliana Barnes Diaz ’25 has been awarded the Governor’s Student Civic Leadership Award from the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good for her work with voter registration. Originally from Eugene, Oregon, she will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on March 28, 2025, at Seattle University, where she will receive a $1,000 stipend.

For Reggie Westgate ’27, an email from Environmental Studies & Sciences Professor Kena Fox-Dobbs changed everything. It was an invitation to apply for the university's Georneys (pronounced "journeys") trip to the Galápagos Islands, an opportunity he immediately jumped on.

Admitted undergraduate students and their families are invited to attend Puget Sound Bound, a special event that elevates the traditional campus visit. The event allows future Loggers to truly envision themselves at Puget Sound, and for many, it will be their first time setting foot on the campus they’ll call home for the next four years—an exciting moment in any prospective student’s college search process. 

Aspiring lawyers in the South Sound will have greater access to immersive legal education and opportunities thanks to a new partnership between the University of Puget Sound and Seattle University School of Law. 

An event to inaugurate the partnership will be held on Puget Sound’s campus in Tacoma on Wednesday, March 26. More details to be announced soon.

The University of Puget Sound's commitment to global engagement extends far beyond its campus, reaching across continents and cultures. This year, two Puget Sound alumnae, Kyra Lee ’24 and Khysa Gustafson ’24, are making their mark as Fulbright scholars, pursuing research in Australia and teaching in Germany. Their experiences highlight the university's dedication to preparing students for impactful careers at home and abroad.