77 COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES David and Christine Vernier DAVID AND CHRISTINE VERNIER met at Ohio State University, lived in Cleveland, and then moved to Oregon in 1973. At the time, David was a high school physics teacher and Christine was a social worker. They founded Vernier Software (now Vernier Science Education) in 1981, producing software, sensors, books, and lab equipment for science teachers. The company continues today and now employs more than 100 people and has customers in 140 countries. Both are still active in the company. Christine served as a member of the Portland State University Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2021. David and Christine have served on many other local non-profit boards, including Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Oregon Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, OMSI, The Library Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and the All Hands Raised Advisory Council. David and Christine were honored to receive the Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy from PSU in 2014. In 2015, the Verniers established endowed scholarships for first generation STEM and social work students attending PSU. Christine and David are especially pleased to be lead sponsors of the new Vernier Science Center at Portland State, which will provide new lab and classroom space and special features to encourage more students of color and indigenous students to pursue science careers. HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS
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