Bjug Harstad Memorial Lecture

In the interests of preserving the memory and mission of Rev. Bjug A. Harstad, his grandchildren Isabel Watness and Duff Harstad, along with many others, created an endowment fund at Pacific Lutheran University. The Bjug Harstad Memorial Fund was established in 1994 to carry out Bjug’s heartfelt plea to Scandinavian Americans that “they not lose touch with their ancestral culture and traditions.” In our moment in history, given the urgency and importance of the issues of immigration and identity, Bjug Harstad’s legacy continues to be timely and relevant. As a 12-year-old immigrant, Bjug had the foundation in the customs of the old country that provided him the security to explore the ways of the new country. It is still true for so many of us—being proud of our heritage helps us to be pleased with what we give to our communities now.