PSU Magazine Spring 1996

EDITOR Kathryn Kirkland CONTRIBUTORS Myrna Ouray, C larence Hein '65, Janis Nichols, Pat Scott, Pat Squire '95, Douglas Swanson, Jean Tuomi, Brian White DESIGN Terry Dali ne EDITORIAL OFFICE 325 Cramer Hall P.O. Box 75 1 Portland, OR 97207-075 1 (503) 725-445 l, FAX: (503) 725-4465, E-MAIL: psumag@po.pdx.edu ADVERTISING SALES (503) 725-4451 ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE Pat Squire '95, Director Jennifer Wheeler, A si tant Director 239 Mill treet Building P.O. Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 (503) 725-4948 ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jo Ann Smith '90, President Jim Aalberg '72 Steve Amen '86 G len Beckley '68 Brian Black '69 Vicki Chase '78 Gary Dominick '73, MSW '77 Nancy Fargo '82 Dan Gemma '64 Michael Glanville '65 Joe Gonzales '91 Wally Harding '59 Terry Hunt '65 Mary Mertens James '78 Lee Jenkins '79 Joan Johnson '78 Bill Lemman, Vanport Leo Macleod '90 Linda Macpherson MPA '80 Stan Payne '73 Susan Purpura '77 Don Rickel '65 Charles Stoudamire '72 Bill Walker '73, MPA '80 Ellen Wax '82, MURP '92 Merrie Ziady '80, MST '82 Cover: Adolescence is a volat ile and pivotal time in children's li ves. Educators are helping them to make the right choices (see story on page 4). Cover illustration by Larry Milam. FEATURES Life in the Middle Halfway between infancy and adulthood lie life's most confusing years-adolescence. Mister History Tackles PSU Professor Gordon Dodds tells an American tale of rebirth and second chances. I Remember When Alumni share their memories of Portland State in celebration of the University's 50th anniversary. Shaking Up the Ivory Tower The new Center for Academic Excellence dismantles tradition in order to boost teaching skills. The Genetics of Alcoholism A PSU prof is finding new links between gene and addiction. It's an Honor PSU salute friends, faculty, and alumni who have made a difference to the University and the community. DEPARTMENTS Around the Park Blocks From the President Philanthropy in Action A lumni Association News A lum Notes Calendar Sports 4 7 10 12 14 18 2 2 16 20 21 28 29 PSU Magazine is publi hed for alumni and friends of Portland State University. Contents may be reprinted only by permission of the editor. Please send addre s changes to the Office of Alumni Relation, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751. The magazine is printed on recycled paper. PSU i an affi rmative action/equal opportunity institution. SPRING 1996 PSU MAGAZINE I