PSU Magazine Fall 2013

Jane and I met at Portland State and developed close ties to the University during our undergraduate days. We became active in campus life: intramurals, fraternity activities, and Viking athletic events. In retrospect, all this made our bond to the University more significant. Over the years we have remained connected to Portland State's growth and development. Between the two of us we have been active on the PSU Foundation and Viking C lub boards, the ethnically based scholar– ship committee, PSU Weekend, the Graduate School of Education, Friends of History and Friends of the Library, the Athletic Hall of Fame selection committee, and the search committee for an athletics director. We have found that the more we involve ourselves at Portland State, the more we want to know about other aspects of the University and its activities. We are better advocates in the community if we are well-informed. Each of us has had a career predicated on the degrees we earned at Portland State. For me, PSU was the only practical option for college, and it provided me with an opportunity that shaped my future. My business degree assisted me in my careers in both banking and later as a bankruptcy trustee. Jane earned two degrees in education and taught public school for 33 years in Portland. These degrees in tum pro– vided our financial ability to give back to the University. I suppose you cou ld say that what we are doing at this point with our giving is "paying it forward" based on our gratitude for what PSU has done for us. It is important to us to support the current students and therefore future alumni with our time as well as our financial contributions. If we were not so impressed with Portland State students and their diversity, respect for others, academic commitment, community involvement and volunteerism, we probably would be less involved. The students and the student athletes in particular have a great attitude. These young men and women are genuine and focused with high GPAs. Jane and I have high hopes for our University. We want PSU to be not only the biggest in the state, which it now is, but the best and most renowned in the region. We want it all for PSU. The more PSU is recognized, the more it accomp lishes, the more it is known, reflects on all past and future graduates. Hopefully, a special pride comes forth when we say, "I went to PSU." That's what we wish for every alum. That's why we contribute. 'Bob c.Morrow Bob and Jane Morrow have sponsored the Academic Center for Athletics (right photo), which opened in 1999, and the Athletics Meeting Room, which is expected to open in early 2002. Both are located in the Peter Stott Center. FALL 2001 PSU MAGAZINE 19