PSU Magazine Spring 2000

EDITOR Kathryn Kirkland CONTRIBUTORS Myrna Duray, Clarence Hein '65, Pat Squire MPA '95, Douglas Swanson, Jean Tuomi, Martha Wagner, Jennifer Wheeler DESIGN Terry Daline EDITORIAL OFFICE 325 Cramer Hall P.O. Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 (503) 725-4451, FAX: (503) 725-4465 E-MAIL: psumag@pdx.edu ADVERTISING SALES (503) 725-4451 ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE Pat Squire MPA '95, Director Myrna Duray, Administrative Assistant 1 Cramer Hall P.O. Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 (503) 725-4948 E-MAIL: psualum@pdx.edu ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dan Gemma '64, President Gerry Craig '66 David Fitzpatrick '75, MS '77 Ann Gardner '77 Craig Gilbert '89 Ken Hart '90 Susan Hauser '70 Laila Hirr MS '94 Tamara Kelley '69 Eva Kripalani '83 Bill Lemman, Vanport Carolyn Leonard '77, MS '79 Brad Lynott '72 Pamela Gesme Miller '84 Jack Ohman '99 Brian Ray '85 Don Riggs '83 Gary Salyers '57 Rosanna Schewerda '91, MT '93 Eric Stromquist '81 Cathy Williams '56 ALUMNI AMBASSADORS Jon Jalali '67, MBA '71, Medford Mary Mertens James '78, Salem Dennis Olson '68, MS '80, Pendleton Cathy Williams '56, Bend Cover: Anna-Louise Reysenbach gathers samples-which come to life under an electron microscope-from a steaming spring in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Louis Mazzatenta for National Geographic. Photo of hyperthermophiles by Sherry Cady. FEATURES Going to Extremes The hottest and coldest places on earth reveal a vast array of microbial life to three PSU scientists. Putting Schools to the Test How seriously should Oregonians take the state's new rating of public K-12 schools? The Science of Swat A mechanical engineering prof is helping perfect the swat in softball play. New Life for An Old House Alumnus Dave Kemper was on site restoring this old Simon Benson House to former glory, and then some. Along Came Jones June Jones, Viking football legend from the 1970s, is a miracle coach for the University of Hawaii. DEPARTMENTS Off the Shelf Around the Park Blocks Alumni Association News Alum Notes Philanthropy in Action Sports 6 10 12 14 18 2 4 16 20 28 29 PSU Magazine is published three times a year during fall, winter, and spring terms for alumni and friends of Portland State University. Contents may be reprinted only by permission of the editor. Please send address changes to the Office of Alumni Relations, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751. The magazine is printed on recycled paper. PSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. SPRING 2000 PSU MAGAZINE 1