PSU Magazine Fall 1992

University through lobbying efforts; constituency groups such as Friends of Biology, Accounting Alumni, the PSU Business Association, the Graduate School of Social Work Alumni Association, and the Friends of History; PSU Salutes, an award luncheon honoring outstanding alumni and friends; and the Black Alumni Luncheon, held on campus in February. Selby stresses that all activities and events are publicized in PSU Magazine. "With over 58,000 alumni," she says, "it's costly to do mailings. That's why PSU Magazine is our major source for spreading the word." To get involved with the Alumni Association, call 725-4948, or stop by the Alumni Office at 506 S.W. Mill Street, room 239. A different kind of homecoming: Seminar day highlights weekend Seminar Day, a new event designed to appeal to a wide variety of alumni and friends of the University, was the highlight of last fall's Alumni Weekend. The audience, which included alumni from other universities and colleges, was delighted by the 31 lectures offered by PSU professors, alumni, and community mem– bers. Nationally syndicated columnist Calvin Trillin was the guest speaker at a luncheon during the Nov. 2 event. His intelligent, wry humor was a big hit with the audience. The weekend also included dedication of the new addition to PSU's Branford Price Millar Library, a jazz evening, and a pre-football game party. The Oregonian liked Alumni Weekend too, calling it "PSU's Living Legacy." In a lead editorial on Friday, Nov. 1, the paper's editors said, "Homecoming weekends at col– leges traditionally are times for alumni to revisit their cam– pus years. The party Portland State University will throw this weekend will be much more-and appropriately so." The editorial went on to talk about the weekend as a time for taking note of PSU's strengths. "This legacy and direction give 'Homecoming' at PSU special meaning communitywide." That's the idea. Look for PSU Weekend this fall on Nov. 13-14. Measure 5 cuts bring out alumni More than 200 alumni and friends have signed up to be PSU Advocates, according to Advocates Chair Pete Grundfossen '58, '66. Grundfossen and his committee have worked throughout the year to study the implications of Measure 5 and its effects on higher education and Portland State. Advocates keep informed about PSU and higher educa– tion issues through mailings and may be asked to contact legislators or other public officials. Several mailings during the spring served to recruit volunteers to the advocacy group, according to Miriam Selby, immediate past president of the PSU Alumni Association. "In just eight years," said a letter co-signed by Selby and Grundfossen, "Oregon will have 25 percent more high school graduates than it has today. Deep budget cuts will limit both the quality and accessibility of higher education for these Oregon students." They outlined several ways alumni could help Portland State and higher education, including contacting state legislators (or legisla– tive candidates), urging immediate attention to tax reform, writing letters to editors of local newspapers, and explain– ing the importance of investing in higher education. "Our plans will include regular mailings to keep advocates informed and a training session this fall, " Grundfossen said. "We also encourage attendance at the Oct. 1 candidate's fair on the campus, sponsored by a newly formed student group called the PSU Defense League." Alumni interested in advocating for PSU should contact the Alumni Office at 725-4948. Alumni Office offers VISA card, benefits card, alumni directory All graduates of Portland State (including PSC) are automatically members of the Alumni Association. Mem– bers receive, free of charge, PSU Magazine, the quarterly publication for alumni and friends of the University. Alums are also eligible for the PSU Alumni VISA card and the Alumni Benefit Card (ABC). The Alumni VISA card has a low annual percentage rate, no fee for the first year, and provides special financial benefits to the Alumni Association. According to Pat Squire, executive director of the Alumni Association, the VISA program provides a royalty to the association each time alums use the card. "It's our primary source of revenue," says Squire. The Alumni Benefit Card, also available to alumni and their spouses, provides access to a number of University facilities and events. For a small fee, graduates can use University parking structures, HPE recreation facilities, the library, and microcomputer labs. Also available are placement services, bookstore membership, and discounts on a number of performing arts events. Another service for alumni will be the first-ever PSU Alumni Directory, to be published in February 1993 by the Harris Publishing Company, a well-respected alumni direc– tory company in White Plains, N.Y. Squire said the directory will be a great networking resource for alumni: "The back of the directory will have cross-references to alums by occupation. According to the recent alumni survey, our alums are interested in network– ing with other grads in the same field. This will be an ex– cellent tool for that purpo e." Directory questionnaires are being sent to alumni this fall. Squire urges alums to return the directory questionnaires as soon as possible for a complete listing in the directory. For information or applications for the PSU Alumni VISA card or an ABC card, or to make a change of address, call or visit the Alumni Office at 506 S.W. Mill Street, room 239. Phone 725-4948.