PSU Magazine Fall 1996

In I942 I graduated from high school in Salt Lake City. Since our family didn't have much money, leaving home to attend college was too costly. The University of Utah was just a bus ride away. I wished to study medicine, but the cost of all that education was simply out of the question. My mother– and everyb dy else-encouraged me to study business. That seemed like practical advice, but unfortunately I detested busine s classes. My economics class was a disas– ter, all that reading about supply and demand. But busi– ness was the only avenue open to Japanese women. After three years of college, I married Ted Tsuboi, an optometrist, who had been relocated to Utah. With World War II over, he was anxious to return home, and we moved to Portland. While raising three children I got a job, in spite of resistance, as a medical technologist. I enjoyed that work, but I wanted to complete a degree in science and teach, so I enrolled at Portland State. All my high school counselors and college professors in Utah said women (especially Japanese women) had no place in science. Erwin Lange, a PSU professor of the history of science, was unique. His encouragement and guidance helped me achieve my goal. 1 took courses at lunch and in the evening. After graduat– ing in 1962, I immediately got a job at Marshall High School "We are very impressed with PSU President Judith Ramaley. Like the athletes the Viking Club supports, Judith is a competitor. And like a good coach, she sees the whole PSU playing field. " where I taught for nine years. Sadly, Ted passed away in 1967. I went on and received a National Sciences Foundation scholarship to study for a master's degree, and then I taught for seven years at Mt. Hood Community College. In 1976 I remarried long-time family friend George Azumano, whose spouse had also passed away. With all the travel George does for his company, I eventually resigned my teaching post at Mt. Hood. George and I became good friends with President Joe Blume! and his wife Priscilla and got involved in the Viking Club. It is clear to me as a Club member that PSU athletics are crucial for building an interest in our campus. Athletics add incentives for students to enroll, study hard, and complete their degrees. George and I were delighted to help future PSU student-athletes succeed by arranging for a bequest to the PSU Foundation. We are honored to be recognized for our commit– ment as charter members of the Portland State University Centennial Society. ~buko lA"zumano '62 GrnTS •:• 503-725-8307 FALL 1996 PSU MAGAZINE 17