PSU Magazine Fall 1999

Reflections on 10 years Celebrating a 10th anniversary can be a nostalgic (and traumatic) time, but refl ecting back on my 10 years at PSU- 1 have to say they've all been fascinating. Lots of transitions, the University's 50th anniversary, exciting new programs, nearly 30,000 new alumni (for a total of nearly 80,000!), and the ever-changing student body are just part of the ingredients that make Portland State a dynamic place to learn and work. The Alumni Board of Directors, the guiding arm of the University's non– dues paying Alumni Association, has played a critical role in these past 10 years. Following are some of the accomplishments of this outstanding volunteer board of which we should all be especially proud: •The Jane Wiener Memorial Alumni Scholarship Started with seed money from a board member, this scholarship account has grown and now claims three graduates, with a fourth scholar now entering her junior year. Awarded by the Alumni Board to children of PSU graduates, the scholarship pays full tuition and fees and has a community service component. Your tax-deductible donations to this account help give something back to our alumni and their children . • PSU Weekend The Association's yearly community-wide event has attracted regional and national attention over the years; Sunset Magazine has called it an "intellec– tual version of homecoming." The event has grown to include a five– day array of educational presenta– tions and tours, a major keynote speaker, departmental events, and a football game with traditional pre– game party. The Weekend really exemplifies the PSU motto, "Let Knowledge Serve the C ity. " Thanks to all the committee volunteers, to the faculty and community speakers who donate their time, and to our thousands of attendees who come to 18 PSU MAGAZINE FALL 1999 Marci Brinks, recipient of the Jane Wiener Memorial Alumni Scholarship, completed her degree in Child and Family Studies in December. She and her daughter, Kira, now live in Eugene. learn and enj oy. Come by this year for the 10th anniversary of this truly special event ! • PSU Advocates Alumni became avid advocates fo r PSU when the Governor's Commission on Higher Education heard a report back in 1989 suggesting that PSU become part of OSU and UO. While this was not a new idea, the Alumni Board galvanized alums to speak out on the issue. The advocacy network has grown since that time, and volunteers lobby the Legislature for funds for higher education , advo– cated to ensure that PSU 's Engineering School stayed at PSU , and work with elected officials at the city, county, state and federal levels to expand opportunities and funding for higher education and specifically Portland State. Kudos and thanks to all of our more than 600 advocates ! • PSU Salutes The outstanding alumni, faculty, and supporters honored at this yearly recognition event are the pride and foundation of Portland State. Every year we are enriched by the unique stories of the recipients of these awards. While the stories are different, the theme is similar: extraordinary service to the University and the community. If you haven't attended this event, drop by next May for a dose of inspi– ration and energy. • Simon Benson House The Alumni Association has a wonderful oppor– tunity for a new home. With the construction of the Urban Center, the Alumni Office was temporarily moved to the basement of C ramer Hall. Now the historic Portland home, built for lumber baron and philanthropist Simon Benson at the tum of the last century, is being given to PSU. The Friends of Simon Benson House, a nonprofit board, is raising private funds and spearhead– ing the project. The Queen Anne style house is scheduled to be moved this fall to the Park Blocks, where it will be renovated and will serve as a visitor center, meeting place, and home to the Alumni Association and the Retired and Emeriti Professors of PSU . While the University is not funding this project, the Alumni Association is actively engaged in raising money for the move and renovation . This beautiful home will be a centerpiece on the campus, a place for alumni to gather, visit, and learn what's going on at PSU. You can mark your spot in PSU's history by purchasing an engraved brick that will be placed in the garden behind the house. So a special thanks to the more than 100 alumni board members and the thousands of volunteers and supporters I've met over the past 10 years. You make our work easier (and more fun) , and help us advance the unique mission of our University. Pat Squire MPA '95 Executive Director, PSUAA Room 1 C ramer Hall (503 ) 725-5072, fax (503 ) 725-5074 PSUAlum@pdx.edu