Sicuro, PSU's fifth president, prepares for Sept. 15 transition by Cynthia O. Stowell Calling his new pOsition "the most desirable university presidency in the country," Natale A. Sicura is preparing to come to campus Sept. 15 as Portland State University's fifth presIdent. Sicuro, 51, the president of Southern Oregon State College since 1979, was appointed to the PSU post luly 18 by the State Board of Higher Education after a 31h·monlh national search. Current PSU President Joseph C. Blumel announced in January his intention to leave the presidency by the end of 1986. Blumel, who has been president since 1974 and on the faculty since 1957, will be appointed President Emeritus Sep!. 15 and then will go on leave Jan. 1, returning to the University (aculty later in 1987. Natale Sicura (pronounced Nat-a-lee Sick-a-row), who has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Kent State University, feels PSU is "right in the middle of the challenges faCing higher education." Certain advantages, such as its location in "one of the most dynamic cities in the world," make Portland Siale "a grecH place with a great future," he says. PSU's position on the Pacific Rim also holds great potential, believes Slcuro. "1 think our mternational business posture is among the very best in terms of where we can be strategically positioned to help not letter Thanks, Ben I was deeply saddened to read about the passing of Ben Padrow (Sprmg 1986 Perspective). It seems only yesterday that he led the PSU Team, and therefore the College as well. to national distinction on the C. E. College Bowl. Thai Singular distincllon did more to raise the public consciousness about the academic excellence of the College than anything. in my opinion, before or since. Never again was I the butt of comments about attending a "real" school like Oregon State University or University of Oregon. Thanks. Ben. Kenneth F. Sample 1'67 BS) ZIon, Illinois Correction The photograph on page one of the Sprmg 1986 Perspective was credited to the wrong person. The photographer who captured a sunny day in the Park Blocks in 1958 was Herb Perkins ('57). While on campus, Perkins was a staff photographer for the Viking. the Vanguard, and the University's Information Office. PfJ8e 2 / PSU Perspective, Summer 1986 only Oregon and Portland, but the entire world." Sicura speaks of the UniverSIty becoming a national demonstration center for research in urban education, "putting the University and the public school system In a dose working relationship." He also wants to "strengthen ties with community colleges and private institutions" in the area, he says. Community relations was one of Sicuro's strengths at Southern Oregon, said State Board President James S. Petersen. "His success ... was based on a lot of communication with faculty, staff and the public at large," he said. The new president says he plans to set up a 40-45 member University advisory board of community members "from all walks of life" to be involved "integrally in the affairs of the University." Not just a "sounding board," this group would bring PSU faculty and administrators togelher with the community on a regular basis to work on specific projects. Legislative affairs would be one area of focus. In fact, one of Sicuro's first steps this fall will be to meet with the local legislative delegation 10 "discuss the agenda for PSU and the slate system as a whole." High on Sicuro's priority list for the 1987 seSsion will be faculty salaries, capital construction projects ~ i n c l u d i n g expansion of the USE PSU LIBRARY AlumnI 8('n('tll\ Cud n q - ~ q ~ 8 "Portland State is too young to be covered with the ancient ivy of educational complacency. But already the university has established a tradition of service to the community, of responsiveness to business and industry, of recognizing the need for an educated citizenry if we are 10 be a strong, vital, energetic, visionary, aware people. "The campus has the verve and vigor of the proletariat without losing sighl of Ihe integrity and intellectual excellence of a great university." -Pauline Anderson, in accepting a PSU Distinguished Service Award at spring commencemenl. library and renovation of Smith Center at PSUI, and the state system's "centers for excellence." Sicuro also plans to begin work on a "Plan for the '90s" based on the state system's strategic plan and PSU's mission statement, and to "talk extensively" with Ihe Foundation Board and development staff about fundraising goals and methods. While Sicuro was president, the sase Foundation raised $5 million in five years. Sicuro would like to see PSU fundraisers "reach out a lillie farther and a little longer" with specific funding goals and expenditures in mind. A drive to raise $10 million in five years would be reasonable al PSU, he feels. Alumni are "extremely important" in these efforts to reach out 10 the community, says Slcuro. "They are the University," he believes. As examples of the institution's "products," alumni are the "best recruiters of proo;pE!Clive students and the best fundraisers and d e v e l o p e r ~ . " He points to urban universities in Seattle, Miami and Houston thai have strong, spirited alumni participation in campus affairs. "They have to be involved," he says. not only in financial but in academic mailers. Continued on IMge 8 Who was your favorite prof? When you think back to your days at Portland Slate or Vanpon. does one professor's face leap to mind? Out of all the ideas and information that came your way, do the words of one professor stay With you? Spend a few moments thinking about the Portland State prof who influenced you the most. What made him or her stand out? Inspiring leclures? An intriguing outlook on life? Exceptional expertise? A personal interest in your work? Some sage advice at a critical time? years of great teaching Now share your memories of this favorite professor with your classmates in a special salute to "40 Years of Great Teaching" scheduled for the fall issue of Perspective. Send your thoughts (up to about 250 words) to: PSU Perspective, Portland Stale University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207. Please include the professor's name and department, your name and address, and your year of graduation. Help us celebrate 40 years of great leaching al PSU! JFmJ ~ r s p e c t i v e P 5 U ~ l w : l s p u b i i s h e o d q u a r t f l l y d o f i n 8 t h e yNr by News MId Inforrmlion Services fOI' ~ I u m n l , f.cully MId ~ f f Jf'Id frier'1d5 01 P o n l ~ n d St;ile UnMnity. &litor C } n l h l ~ 0 SIoweIl Contributors C ~ r e n c e Heln ·(,S OIIi.k;)hA§On ~ E d i ' o r P " I 5 c o t l a . . . . . r o l ~ S e n d I x l d l _ M . d < N d .td1tiJlH 10 P5U PwnpKthoe, P.O. b 751, P o n I . I n d ~ . u ~ , PortL.rd, Orep-o, 91207. htmb; Iflhlslnue i s ~ 10 your son or diushaer who no Ioniet m.lIinblim ~ perm;lnent .tdle5lillyouthorne,pIe_nocifylheP5U Aknnni QfRc,. (50),229-4948) of the _ IMIIIni ....... PSU 5UpI)CIfb eqlYl e<b:atlon.l opfIOfII.Inity wichouI: rq.lIrd 10 Ib, JKe, Iwndicap• •, Ntil:NI on,.n, INIIQI status, or ~ ; I i M .
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz