Leilani Luu BFA’26 has one unforgettable college experience across two campuses

Leilani Luu’s BFA’26 college experience has been defined by two cities, two campuses, two sports, and two majors.

As the first student to pursue majors from both Willamette College in Salem and the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) in Portland, Leilani is breaking barriers. She’s taken full advantage of the interdisciplinary opportunities offered by the merger of both institutions.

Her academic journey led her to a major in Business, where she learned from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management’s stellar faculty members.

She’s also been able to major in Graphic Design at PNCA, where she mastered the principles of visual communication and branding.

That powerful combination of majors has put Leilani at the intersection of art and business.

Her busy days have often consisted of drives back and forth along Interstate 5, taking classes at PNCA’s campus in Portland and arriving in Salem just in time to hit the track for practice — where she competes in both Track & Field and Cross-Country.

Grit and determination

Leilani knew that accomplishing her dreams would take grit and determination, and her Willamette experience has shown her that anything is possible.

“My time at Willamette and PNCA has transformed me as a person to be ready for anything, take on hard challenges, and be willing to push the boundaries of what is possible and what isn’t,” Leilani says.

But she hasn’t had to take on this journey alone. She credits Contributing Professor Christopher Susen MBA’13 — himself a Willamette alum whose professional experience spans companies like Google and Nike — with teaching her real-world business presentation skills. At PNCA, Assistant Professor Salvador Orara has served as an important mentor for her graphic design work.

She also has great appreciation for Head Coach of track & field and cross country Matt McGuirk for helping her balance academic and athletic success.

“Matt has not only been a great coach but has also supported me in going to both campuses,” Leilani says. “Even when it means missing practice, he makes sure I still have the workout and get it done.”

Leilani has brought both majors together for her graphic design thesis. For the project, she created Eco Echo, a sustainability brand that focuses on how nature and design come together. Her eye-catching eco-friendly designs will be turned into t-shirts and other collateral.

After graduation, Leilani will still be chasing her dreams — in one case, up a literal mountain. Her love of running will continue as she competes in the Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon, a grueling race with over a 7,800 foot vertical climb. Then, she plans to move to Arizona, where she’s confident she’ll be well-positioned to follow her passions for business and graphic design.

“After my time here at Willamette, I know that I will be able to have great opportunities wherever I look,” Leilani says.