Nancy Powell Supports PLU’s Work in Holocaust and Genocide Studies

Nancy Powell

While not a PLU graduate herself, Nancy Powell has many friends and family members who are Pacific Lutheran alumni. Her primary connection to the university is through its community involvement and its important work in Holocaust education. Nancy is a member of PLU’s governing board, the Board of Regents, and supports the school annually as well as with a gift through her estate plan.

Nancy supports the annual Powell-Heller Conference in Holocaust Studies, which brings educators from around the nation and the world to campus to learn about Holocaust education. Each year three to four PLU students engage in scholarly research on issues related to genocide. Most attend or are graduates of the country’s best graduate schools and are lawyers and educators working in fields related to social justice, peace, and reconciliation.

“I want PLU’s Holocaust program to continue to grow in scope and reputation,” says Nancy. “I hope PLU and this unique program will continue to get support from the greater Tacoma and South Puget Sound community. I am proud that the Holocaust education program has helped open the doors of PLU to the Jewish community in Washington State.”

A former physical therapist, Nancy also supports PLU’s outstanding School of Nursing, acknowledging her passion as a former health care provider.

“Given what’s happening in the U.S. and the world today,” Nancy concludes, “a PLU education, with the many unique opportunities for education and growth—including Holocaust and Genocide Studies—is more important than ever!”