PSU Magazine Fall 1992

erry Blake struggles with words now: sometimes producing a word only a few syllable off from the one he wants, some– times drawing pictures on his yellow note pad to illustrate the concept he wants to convey. It is a humbling experience, the Portland State University professor of urban studies says, for "a guy from Boston who was always extremely articulate." Recovering from the effects of a can– cerous brain tumor that struck suddenly one morning in the fall of 1989, Blake has nonetheless remained active in projects that brought him national acclaim: innovative youth employment approaches and, more recently, multi– family recycling systems in community apartment complexes. "Our projects never missed a beat during the year I was absent for treat– ment," Blake ays. Other Portland State faculty and students filled in, temporarily taking over leadership roles-no small task, as the Recycling Education Project alone set up systems in 200 Portland-area multi-family build– ings during that first year of operation. In retrospect, the fact that his projects succeeded in his absence wa typical Jerry Blake style, says urban studie graduate student Barry Messer. Blake's career has been built on the concept of empowerment. And empowerment is playing a key role in Blake's struggle to heal, as well as in his 4 PSU s e The same force of will that has kept Professor Jerry Blake fighting for kids is now turned to a fight for his own life. By Eva Hunter Professor Jerry Blake