PSU Magazine Spring 2000

A salute to Portland State's own The success of the following outstanding alumni, faculty, and friends of Portland State was celebrated at PSU Salutes May 4. The event was sponsored by the Alumni Association, Viking Club, PSU Foundation, and the Office of University Relations. Stephen Amen '86, best known for his role as the host of Oregon Public Broadcasting's award-winning Oregon Field Guide, is this year's Outstanding Alumnus. As director of productions at OPB and a strong advocate of education and community involve– ment, Amen is committed to produc– ing programs that serve the needs of the metropolitan region. In addition to Oregon Field Guide, he has produced shows such as "Putting Education to the Test," "Financial Aid for College," "Kids Who Kill," and "The Oregon Story." Amen has long been a supporter of PSU, actively participating in PSU Weekend and serving on the Alumni Board and a marketing advisory committee. In the community he is active with the Little Angels Center, the Citizens Crime Commission Effective Incarceration Project, and the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Oregon and Washington. PSU students. Why does he support athletics? Playing sports, he says, "teaches you things about life and about winning and losing, that are just as important as academics." Julie Strasser Dixon received the President's Award for University Advancement. Dixon, co-author of Swoosh: The Story of Nike and the Men Who Played There, is committed to supporting other aspiring writers. She's the founder and major benefac– tor of PSU's newly launched Center for Excellence in Writing. In addition, she serves on the PSU Foundation Board and on the advisory board for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dixon sees herself as an ambassador for the entire University. "Julie's passion, connec– tions, vision, and generosity make her one of the most delightful volunteers I have ever been privileged to work with," says Paul Golding, director of Development for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. returning women students. All three share a deep belief in the importance of access to higher education for women. Diane was a returning woman student herself, and Barbara was one of the rare women who attended college in the 1920s, earning a teach– ing certificate. Tom Mackenzie's involvement with the University dates back to the early 1960s. The founder of the structural engineering firm Group Mackenzie, he has served as an instructor, committee chair, board member, and benefactor to the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Diane Mackenzie remains an active member of the PSU Foundation's Diversity Scholarship Committee. Darrell Millner, professor of black studies, received the Alumni Association's 2000 Distinguished Faculty Service Award. Millner has a distinguished career in black history and culture that he shares, not only with his students and Harry Carsh '65, Outstanding Friend colleagues, but also of Athletics, has been a major contribu- Tom, Diane '82, and Barbara with the community through lectures, tor to the program's projects since 1990. Mackenzie earned the President's articles, books, and his collection of The retired Nike executive has helped Award for visible symbols of American racism. A to build scholarship resources for Outstanding student put it best when he said, "Dr. student athletes and has provided lead- Philanthropy. In Millner has demonstrated a boundless ership as a donor and volunteer in the 1997 Tom, his passion to teach the truth about creation of PSU's Community wife, Diane, and Africans and African involvement in Recreation Field. Even though he and Tom's mother, American history." A faculty member his wife, Gwen, now live in Scottsdale, Barbara, estab- for more than 25 years, Millner served Ariz., he continues to serve on the lished the as chair of the Black Studies Depart- Campaign for Athletics cabinet where Mackenzie ment from 1983 to 1994. He is also he actively encourages others to join Family actively involved in community orga- l~~~~~_:_·m_P_~n_U_~_,:_a_;_:_:_l:_e_'w_S_:_:_~N-o_:_:_:_:_i-es_~_o_r~- -~~~~~~~~-S_c_h_o_l_a_rs_h_i_p-fo-r~~~n-i-za-t-io_n_s~in_c_l-ud-1-·n_g_S-elfEnhancement