Portland State University Magazine Fall 1991

A glimpse of the cosmos Questioning humanity's relation to the cosmos-both physical and sp iritual-is the ambitious goal of the 1991-92 Science, Technology and Society Lectures. The Institute for Science, Engineering and Public Policy is once again bringing six leading scientists and engineers, each somewhat con– troversial, to Portland's Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. John Barrow, an astronomer from University of Sussex, will offer a new perspective on humanity's efforts "· to understand the universe. His lecture, "Theories of Everything: The Search for Ultimate Explanation," is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Barrow will trace how sc ientific discovery has changed our beliefs about the nature of the universe. On Nov. 1, Henry Petroski, an engineer from Duke University, discusses "To En– gineer is Human: The Role of Failure in Success– ful Design." Also a historian and philosopher, Petroski draws on sources as diverse as Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Joyce, and even nursery rhymes, to explore the essential logic behind engineering design. The Science, Technology and Society Lectures continue with Paul Davies, "The Cosmic Blueprint: New Discove ries in Nature's C reative Ability to Order the Universe, Dec. 5; Ilya Prigogine, "The Time Paradox," March 6; John Polkinghome , "The S PSU Friendship of Science and Religion," April 10; and Lynn Margulis, "The Gaia Theory: The Earth As Living Organism," May 1. The lecture series is co-sponsored by Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland State University, CH2M Hill, Waggener Edstrom, and Oregon Episcopal School. For season ticket information call 228-3999. Individual tickets are available from FASTIXX outlets, 224-8499, and from Portland Center fo r the Performing Arts, 248-4496. Designs on downtown A group of advanced architecture students is enhancing the dialogue between students and Portland 's profess ional community. During spring term four students from the School of Fine and Perform– ing Arts presented their des ign projects to transportation planners from Tri-Met, C ity of Portland, and the Regional Rail Project. The project, directed by Assistant Profes– sor Rudy Barton, proposed building a 180,000 square-foot office building or a 100-unit housing structure above the downtown Max tum-around at SW Morrison and 11th streets. The students worked on the premise that once light rail is extended westward, the site could be redeveloped. According to Barton, the student's projects will initiate discuss ion for development options and changes to the city's development regulations. Institute addressing metro area concerns The Oregon State Board of Higher Education has authorized PSU, in cooperation with Oregon Health Sciences University, to establish the Institute of Portl and Metropolitan Stud ies. The new institute, to be located in the School of Urban and Public Affairs at PSU, reflects the state board's intention to implement recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Higher Education in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Its purpose is to coordinate the information, research, and public ser– vice efforts at PSU, OHSU, and other higher education institutions in order to address urban issues identified by a governing board of civic and govern– ment leaders. Nohad Toulan, dean of PSU's School of Urban and Public Affairs and an original proponent of the institute, has suggested a 15-mem– ber board cons isting of area civic leaders to d irect the organization. The institute is expected to add ress such issues as urban growth, reg ional infrastructure, crime rates, and public health. Local government representatives have expressed inter– est in hav ing the institute study government service consolidation. Metropolitan-area governments have endorsed and co-sponsored the institute and the C ity of Portland has contributed $100,000 to help estab– lish it. The institute will operate with a minimal staff. Support will come from fac ulty and students conducting sponsored activities. Funding for success The University recently received two new grants and. renewed funding for programs that will benefit low– income and minority students in Portland, many of whom will be the first in their fam ilies to attend college. Projects PLUS, a three-year U .S. Department of Education grant ($477,000), will enable the Univer– sity to work directly with 650 middle and high school students and their fami lies in Portland's C leveland High area this fa ll. An additional 450 students and their families in Hillsboro will be served in 1993. Project PLUS will provide direct educational and career counseling for the students and ensure that fami lies are informed about and have access to existing social and educational services in the area.