University of Puget Sound Students Experience Costa Rica’s Geologic Wonders

Arenal, an active volcano in Costa Rica visited by the Puget Sound Georneys trip in 2023.

Once every two years, a small group of Puget Sound students studying geology spend one to two weeks immersed in rigorous experiential learning on trips known as Georneys—pronounced “journeys” with a nod to the geological sciences. On these trips, students get to do hands-on science, learn from experts, and experience some of the most stunning geology on the planet. Since 2007, students have visited Ecuador, Hawai`i, Iceland, New Zealand, and Tanzania.

Landmark Gift Creates an Endowment to Support the Legacies Project at University of Puget Sound

Aerial view of the College of Puget Sound, 1954.

Since its founding in 1888, University of Puget Sound has played a pivotal role in the unfolding history of Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest. Today, the university announced it will launch the Legacies Project, an initiative to examine and reckon with its long and complex past, understand how those legacies continue to resonate in the present, and take steps to create a more welcoming and inclusive future.

University of Puget Sound Celebrates Major Fundraising Milestones in 2022-23

Athletics and Aquatics Center at night.

University of Puget Sound’s motto—"To the heights!”—has rarely felt so apt. In July, the university closed the books on another successful year as it celebrated raising $26.16 million, a 43% increase from the previous fiscal year. The gifts will help Puget Sound continue to work toward the ambitious goals set forth in its Leadership for a Changing World strategic plan. Puget Sound’s endowment sits at $448.6 million.

University of Puget Sound Announces New Director for Natural History Museum

Interior of the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History.

TACOMA, Wash. — University of Puget Sound announced that it has selected a new director for the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History. Professor of Environmental Policy & Decision Making and chair of the Department of Geology Kena Fox-Dobbs will assume leadership duties from Professor Emeritus Peter Wimberger. Wimberger has served as director of the museum since 2005, during which time he greatly expanded the museum’s outreach programs, including a pivot to online programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Money.com Recognizes University of Puget Sound as One of the Best Colleges in America

Campus seen from the air, with the giant sequoia in the foreground and Mount Rainier in the distance.

University of Puget Sound earned a top spot in Money’s newest rankings of colleges across the United States. Puget Sound received 4 out of 5 stars, placing it among the top universities in 2023 for education quality, affordability, and graduate outcomes.

“I’m pleased to see publications like Money continue to recognize the exceptional value of a Puget Sound education,” said President Isiaah Crawford. “Puget Sound is committed to preparing graduates with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world—and excel in their chosen fields.”

University of Puget Sound Alumni Gather for Summer Reunion Weekend 2023

Summer Reunion Weekend banner hangs on the front of Jones Hall in 2023.

Alumni from 11 graduating classes gathered at University of Puget Sound’s campus in Tacoma’s beautiful North End June 9–11, 2023 for Summer Reunion Weekend. The weekend’s festivities included campus tours, a BBQ and happy hour, lectures from faculty, an open house hosted by Archives and Special Collections, special receptions for the Class of 1973 and the Class of 1998, alumni awards, a volunteer reception, and more. Check out highlights from Summer Reunion Weekend below and be sure to join us next year—all alumni are welcome!

Repertory Dance Group Gives University of Puget Sound Students a Turn in the Spotlight

Students in RDG, or Repertory Dance Group, perform in 2023.

For nearly 30 years, Repertory Dance Group (RDG) has provided students at University of Puget Sound the opportunity to express themselves through dance. Unlike other college dance programs, RDG is noncompetitive—any student can audition and everyone is offered a chance to perform regardless of skill level. RDG is also the largest student group on campus, drawing participants from across the campus community. Each year’s programming culminates in a show during the spring semester that features all 140 student dancers.