PSU Magazine Fall 1987

as its student body, Webb makes it clear that her own more traditional student experience will not determine the course of alumni activities. She does, however, hope for a mix. Next month's Homecoming 1987 is a case in point. "Homecoming is a very traditional event that can be handled non-traditionally," said Webb. Historically a student-driven phenome– non, the concept of homecoming is not familiar to most PSU students today, which leaves the planning largely to alumni. And since alumni tend to be busy, family-oriented people, the homecoming schedule is a relatively modest one focused on small reunions and family-style gath– erings (see story this page.) F or the 1967 Homecoming Queen who married her escort, Carter Webb ('70), there is no need to relive those Portland State College days. They are safely preserved in scrapbooks, and it is embarrassing at times for Webb to discuss them. Not because she is not proud, but because times have changed and so has she. Webb's first student experience at Portland State was the traditional post– high school, four-year college career. While she was earning her social science degree and teaching certifi– cate, Webb also thrived on campus life outside the classroom. "Being involved in activities was as much a part of the college experience as the academics," said Webb in a soft, Texas accent that has not disappeared after 26 years of living in Oregon. But Portland State, as a commuter school , offered a twist. 'I was very social but I liked going to the privacy of my own home." Rally squad may have the reputa– tion of attracting if not creating "air– heads," admits Webb, but it taught her leadership skills that couldn't be learned in the classroom. "We were motivated," she said, "and that has taken us a long way, through raising families and pursuing careers." Webb taught at Parkrose High School after graduation, had her first child, and then came back to Portland State to finish her master's. As a parent and a career person, Webb gained a whole different view of PSU. "Some of my fondest memories are of that period. I had more confidence and my interest in learning was more focused." With her counseling degree, Webb went off in a new direction that prepared her for her present job at PSU. As a private human resources consultant for the last 14 years, Webb has helped colleges and corporations market their programs and develop better internal and external commun– ications. Her regular clients included Portland and Mt. Hood community colleges, the State of Oregon, Good Samaritan Hospital, Tektronix and Intel. These contacts in the business and education communities, Webb believes, will serve her well as Director of Alumni Affairs at Portland State. A strong advocate of the notion that "the city is our campus," Webb sees Have ideas? Want to get back in touch? Call Mary Lou Webb at 464-4948. limitless possibilities for cooperative ventures between the community and the University. Alumni are the bridge. As her son enters the school in which she taught, her daughter con– templates cheerleading, and she her– self starts a new career at PSU, Webb has a sense of life coming full circle. She looks forward to making contact with other PSU alumni who are ready to become reacquainted with Portland State. "We are a diverse group," Webb said of PSU grads. "But many of us have a need to belong. We tend to look at those times of our Jives that were significant emotional events. And Portland State was one of them. "It was a training time, a significant time that influenced the rest of our lives." It is on the basis of this experience that PSU alumni feel "an immediate camaraderie," believes Webb. And it is to continue this experience that Webb invites other alumni to "stay close to the University." rsu PSU MAGAZINE PAGE 11 Homecoming 1987 "Homecoming is a time of reunion, of coming back to the University. I want to personally invite you back." This invitation comes from Mary Lou Webb, PSU's new Director of Alumni Affairs. She and other alumni, as well as faculty, staff and students around campus, are finalizing plans for Homecoming 1987, set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17. Beginning with a bonfire Friday evening and culminating with the Vikings vs. Sacramento State football game Saturday afternoon, the two days will feature informal alumni reunions and family-style gatherings. The schedule of events for Homecoming is as follows : Bonfire, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16 join the "new improved" PSU Pep .Band and the rally squad for the conflagration behind the library. Get warmed up for the game the next day. Post-Bonfire Gathering, 8 p.m. While the students go off to a dance, alumni will gather at Hot Lips Pizza at 1915 S.W. Sixth for food, drink and socializing. Alum owner Eric Stromquist ('81) will donate a percentage of the profits to the Alumni Affairs office. Barbecue, 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17 Hamburgers and hot dogs outdoors in the Park Blocks. An alumni pep band organized by former PSU Pep .Band leader Darrel Meisenheimer ('72) will entertain you and your family while you visit with old friends and professors. Parade of Convertibles, 12:30 p.m. KATU-lV weathem1an Jim Bosley will return after 20 years to once again preside over this procession of collectible cars from the Park Blocks to Civic Stadium. Transportation to the game will be provided for those not parading. Vikings vs. Sacramento State, 1 p.m. PSU will challenge Western Football Conference champions Sacramento State at Civic Stadium. Individual reserved tickets are $5, family tickets $15. Look for banners naming your school, department or club, and join your classmates for stadium reunions. Watch the "new improved" PSU pep band battle the newly reconstituted alumni pep band. For more details or to help with a reunion, call 464-4948. For game tickets, call 464-4000.