Letters 2 PSU: In the city and of the city It is no accident that major cities also are centers of higher education. Cities, with their concentrated and diversified populations, possess a breadth and depth of human resources and needs which both foster and demand higher education. PSU, as Portland's largest post·secondary educational institution and Oregon's only urban university, has defined for itself a unique mission: it is a university existing not only In a city but of the city, giving it the twin identities of urban organization and educational institution. In these uncertain economic times, when major shifts are taking place in society and industry, the interdependence of communities and their educational resources becomes even more acute. If there is community disinterest in the .health of educational institutions, both the institutions and the community ultimately will suffer. not just economally, as today, but also in many other ways which together determine the quality of life in civilized societies. Portland Staters have been sensitive to the importance of this interaction since the institution's beginnings. It was a vocal community demand which brought Vanport Extension Center Into being, it was the public which kept it alive as Vanport College and fought for the programs to bring it College and finally University status, and it is the public which today is pointing to the need for strengthening educational and research capabilities to keep the Portland metropolitan area economically competitive. Since its founding as a four·year institution in 1955, PSU has awarded more than 40,000 graduate and undergraduate degrees, with bener than three-fourths of those graduates remaining as creative and contributing mem~rs of the ~ortlanp community. In additkm to this growing pool of educated and talented alumni, the university itself is a continuing resource for advanced learning, specialized educational opportunities, and expertise. This is in keeping with the three main purposes of the university - teaching, research and public service. In its capacity as urban institution, Portland State has responded directly to the needs of the surrounding population. Helping place·bound people meet their needs for upgrading job skills is nothing new to PSU; that has been one of its basic missions since its beginnings, and today more than 40 percent of our students are part·time. The metropolitan area has always been both a place of regular employment for most full-time and part·1ime students, and a giant laboratory in which to hone their classroom knowledge. Community and campus offerings in music, theater, and dance have been complementary. A significant number of the faculty always has been part·time, drawn from the community. and adding richness and diversity to the University's educational programming in the arts, sciences, and various professional fields. PSU's partnership with the community has been most evident recently in the area of "high tech" development. Enhancement of PSU's engineering programs, with the help of government and private gifts, will have a direct impact on the local economic picture as the state follows the rest of the nation in shifting from traditional, resource-based Industry to high technology. The university·community connections are both obvious and subtle. When you visit our campus on the South Park Blocks, it sometimes is difficult to tell exactly where the city stops and the university begins. The same Is true of the University and its place in the community. We are pleased and proud that this relationship always has existed here, and we are gratif~ that more and more people are coming to recognize its importance. _c......... _ - ..... ........" Best alum paper I am a graduate of three fine institutions - Washington State University, Purdue University, and University of California at Davis. I receive the alumni newspaper from each of these places, and because of my continuing Interest in these institutions, I read the publications carefully. to receive such a generous spread in the bulletin, and I wanted you to know how pleased I was. Perspective about my work with the colored pencil medium. Laura Jacobson did a fine job of interpreting our interview. As a PSU faculty member I also receive PSU Perspective. I must say that the Fall 1982 issue is the finest alumni newspaper I have seen. Congratulations on a great job. Biology Clyde L. Calvin Great style Thanks for such nice publicity in the alumni letter! I loved the way you entwined all three of our stories together-great style! And from me personally, that's the nicest article I've read about myself, Pam Roylance ('76) Hol~ood. CA. Generous spread A tardy note of appreciation for the nicety written article about Pamela, Terry and me. It was most gratifying t also happened to notice that your position as editor is a new one, and I wanted to express my wish that your tenure with the paper is a successful one for you. The quality of that particular article. and the anractive, informative layout of the bulletin in general, only predict that such will be the case. Doug Seesbe (76) Universal City, CA. (Editor's Note: Credit for the design and layout of the last Perspective should be generously shared with past editor Laura Jacobson.) Owes it to coach Thanks for the interview. I always enjoy talking about myself. Seriously, though, all credit must go to Jack Featheringill - coach, teacher, friend - who gave me a break and a chance. Terry Knox Los Angeles. CA. Fine Interpreting I just want to express my appreciation for the article in Bet Borgeson ('78) Portland, OR. Iffi(lJ R!rspective PSU,,-apeettv.i8publishedquarterfyduring "'yeltbyNewsandlnlotmationserv;c.es1ot UJmnI, laculty and staff and friends of Pat1Iand State lIniv.rsity. EdItof CyntIja o. SbNeI contrtbuton Clarence Hein '65 ""'Johno>n Elizabeth Coonrod ~ of .....: Send bolh new and old addteaeellio PSU PenpKtJve. P.O. Bc»I751, Portland Stala Univeraity. Portland, Oregon, 97207. """"':IfIhIsJs.sueisatidreSsedloyQUtMWI Ot daughtet who no longer maintains a permanent adcIress at yout home. please notify the PSU Alumni 0IIIce !503-~948) of !he new mailloq -.... 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