PSU Magazine Spring 1996

Property benefits PSU A substantial gift of real estate to P U has been sold for more than $400,000, and the money will be used to create an endowment fund to grant scholar– ships to P U students, according to the PSU Foundation. The real e rate was left to the Foundation by Annie 0 . Spencer. In accordance with the terms of Spencer's will, two annual scholarships are being established, one for disabled or handi– capped students and the other for students who qualify solely on the basis of financial need. The fund is expected to generate $25,000 in annu– ally interest for the scholarships, according to the Foundation. "A gift of property like this is extremely beneficial to Portland State," says Lee Theisen, executive director for the Foundation. "Real estate isn't the kind of donation people usually think of, but we want to encourage it. When it's directed toward scholarships for students in need like this endowment is, it is a wonderful legacy for someone who cares about education." pencer, a Corbett resident for many years who farmed and raised flowers, moved to Portland from North Dakota after World War I. She died at the age of 99. Welcome to campus The University is putting on a friendly new face-well, actually 14 of them. P U's new Student Ambas adors are introducing the campus to parents, prospective tudents, visiting profes– sor , guest lecturers, and any guests of the Univer ity who would like a personal, first-hand tour. The 14 Portland State students are part of a newly launched program that's putting a more definable face on the University as it seeks closer ties to its surrounding communities and better communication from within. Since January, members of the Student Amba sadors Program have represented the University at a variety of functions, serving as hosts and host– esses at official events, conducting campus tours for special guests or prospective students, and acting as liaisons among current students, faculty, and administrators. Similar ambassador programs already exist at a number of larger colleges and universities nationwide, including Baylor and Stanford univer– sities. For Sahra Vanderkin, a senior majoring in biology at P U, the Ambassadors program provides leader– hip skills that she believe will come in handy as she prepares to enter medical school. "It's all about learning to deal with a variety of people and situations," Vanderkin says. "The best part of the program is interacting with people– meeting new people in new settings." Practical community service i mainly what drew Brian Sun EagleHeart, a freshman majoring On Feb. 24, Chevys from 1946-1996 paraded through downtown Portland for the University's 50th anniversary celebration. A party, complete with cake, was held after the vintage car parade, and that night four bands entertained campus revelers. (Photo by Phil Kindschuh.) in bu ine s administration, to the Ambassadors. "This program can give me hands– on experience in working with non– profits and other community groups," EagleHeart says. "This i one of the things I want to bring into my school– ing: to get out in the community and interact with people, both in an acade– mic and non-academic environment." For more information, contact the PSU Student Ambassadors Office at 725-8240. SPRING 1996 PSU MAGAZINE 17