PSU Magazine Fall 2013

-& 0 U N D T H E PARK PSU receives largest gift ever-$3 million The University recently received the largest private gift in its history: a $3 million pledge from James F. Miller in support of construction of a new engineering facility. Plans for the new engineering building, to be located at 1900 SW Fourth Avenue, call for 100,000 square feet of laboratories, classrooms, and faculty office space. The new facil ity will create a regional center to house the growing number of collaborative programs involving PSU, Oregon Health & Science University, and other institutions. Miller, a private investor and phil– anthropist, has been a generous donor to PSU. Prior to his $3 million gift he contributed to Portland State's new Millar Library Research Center, opera and orchestral programs within the School of Fine and Performing Arts, and the general scholarship fund. He also supports many local organizations, including Lewis & Clark College, University of Oregon, Linfield College, Marylhurst Univer– sity, Portland Art Museum, Portland Opera, and Oregon Ballet Theater. Miller, who is 96, started his career in Portland at Blyth & Company in 1921 and worked his way up to presi– dent, a promotion that placed him in New York for more than 40 years before his return to Portland in 1998. The proposed engineering project has also received a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, and the Oregon Legislature approved $26.5 million in Article XI-G bonds. This is the largest commitment of state bonds, and the single largest project in the history of the Oregon University System. The bond funds will be matched dollar-for– dollar with local, federal, and private funds. Bemstine joins local United Way board President Dan Bemstine recently joined the board of directors of the United Way of the Columbia– Willamette. He was sought as a member of the board for his commitment to diversity. In 1999, Bernstine initiated the Commission on Campus C limate and Life to increase diversity among PSU students, fac– ulty, and staff. The commission also fosters research on issues related to diversity and equity, 2 PSU MAGAZINE FALL 2001 and works to create a welcoming and safe campus env ironment for students of color. Bernstine also serves as chair of the board of the Urban League of Portland. Joining the PSU president as a new member of the United Way board is Sho Dozono MST '69, president and chief executive offi– cer of Azumano Travel, president of the Portland Metro– politan Chamber of Commerce, and a PSU Foundation board member. B L 0 C K S University responds to country's tragedy Tolerance, understanding, and giving have been Portland State's responses to the tragic events of Sept. 11. University leaders issued a letter calling for openness and tolerance just days after the acts of terrorism that killed thousands in New York City and hundreds in Washington, D.C. "As a University that embraces diversity we have an obligation to treat one another with respect and dignity, even during this painful time," wrote President Dan Bemstine, along with the presidents of the Faculty Senate and student body. During the weeks that followed the media called on various PSU facu lty to bring understanding to the entire coun– try. Gary Perlstein shared his expertise on terrorism, while Ronald Tammen discussed U.S. defense and foreign pol– icy. Insight into the Middle East was provided by experts John Damis, Grant Farr, and Jon Mandaville. Even Portland State football got involved in helping the yictims ofter– rorism. American Red Cross volunteers were invited to the Vanport Classic, a game between PSU and Grambling State, to solicit money and blood dona– tion appointments from the crowd. Choirs win in Europe The acclaimed PSU Chamber Choir and Men's Ensemble conquered Europe in June by winning five major awards, including a first place, at two 'international choral competitions. Directed by Bruce Browne, the PSU Men's Ensemble won first prize (male choirs) and the Chamber Choir took second (mixed choirs) at the Caecilia Choir Days Competition in Lindenholzhausen, Germany. The choirs went on to earn a second, a third, and a special award at the world's most prestigious chamber choir competition, the Marktoberdorf in Bavaria.