PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY Today is the 29th spring Commencement since Portland State became a degree-granting institution in 1955. Seventy-two degrees were awarded during the first Commencement exercises; more than 40,000 degrees have been awarded since. The growth of Portland State has been remarkable. From its beginnings as an extension center in the 1940s, Portland State became a college and then, in 1969, a university. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available from the University's college and professional schools. Specialist certificate and preprofessional programs supplement the major fields of study. Several centers and institutes conduct research and provide special services to the community. The faculty, with more than 500 full-time and several hundred part-time members, is distinguished by its commitment to PSU and community affairs. When Portland State formally opened in 1955, fewer than 3,000 students were enrolled. Today the University serves 14,500 students, 4,100 of them enrolled in graduate studies. Most PSU students are Oregonians, but students from 40 other states and 60 foreign countries bring a variety of cultures and viewpoints to campus. The student population also reflects the enrollment of many older students. The average age of PSU students is 27 years, and more than 10 percent are over 35 years old. Many students combine jobs with their education, a combination supported by the University's flexibility in programs, scheduling, and credit options. Portland State University has eight academic units: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, William W. Paudler, Dean; School of Business Administration, Vergil V. Miller, Dean; School of Education, Donald J. Leu, Dean; School of Engineering and Applied Science, H. Erzurumlu, Dean; School of Health and Physical Education, Jack S. Schendel, Dean; School of Performing Arts, S. John Trudeau, Dean; School of Social Work, Bernard Ross, Dean; and School of Urban and Public Affairs, Nohad Toulan, Dean. COMMENCEMENT BACKDROP Some of the notable people, moments, and landmarks of Portland State University are depicted in the backdrop for this Commencement ceremony. Portrayed are the first president of Portland State, John F. Cramer (top center); a film strip of Michael J. Smith and the champion College Bowl team of 1965; "Farewell to Orpheus," the bronze sculpture by Frederic Littman (lower left); the first master's graduating class, 1964 (right middle); and many PSU buildings, landscapes, and students. The Commencement backdrop was designed by William G. Garnett and painted by Flatland Scene Co. 3 ACADEMIC COSTUME One of the most colorful features of the academic procession is the appearance of graduates, faculty, members of Oregon State System of Higher Education, and guests of the University in full academic costume. The design of the gown, the color of the tassel on the cap, and the pattern, length, and colors of the hood all have long histories and special significance. American universities, unlike those of England and Europe, have adopted a standard code of academic costume. According to the code, the bachelor's gown worn by Portland State University graduating seniors has straight sleeves and is worn closed. The master's gown has long, pointed sleeves with the forearm being seen through a slit at the elbow of the sleeves. The doctor's gown is faced with velvet and has bell-shaped sleeves. Each sleeve carries three bars of velvet, or chevrons. The doctoral hood carries the colors of the college or university conferring the degree. Portland State University doctoral hoods are green and white. One legend, which deals with the origin of the cap and gown, reveals that a venerable teacher in ancient Greece promised wealthy parents that their sons would be "appropriately dressed" when presented at a banquet honoring the completion of their academic studies. However, when the young men entered the banquet hall dressed in simple sackcloth robes and carrying mortar boards, the mark of common workmen, a startled cry arose from the audience. ''Let me explain,'' said the teacher as he raised his hands for silence. ''Your sons are dressed in clothing of the mason, for their destiny is to build. Some will build cities, some will build lives-perhaps one of them may even build an empire. But all will be builders on the solid foundation of knowledge.''
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