Portland State Magazine Fall 2008

For the past four years, Wiewel served as chief academic officer at University of Baltimore. His years in Baltimore were jam-packed with the creation of an entirely new freshman and sophomore program and assistance with a planned 50 percent growth of the institution, including development of a joint MBA and an undergraduate real estate program. IN PERSON, Wiewel displays a talent for explaining com– plex concepts effortles ly with his masterful command of the English language enlivened by a slight Dutch accent. Wiewel came ro the U .S. as a teenage exchange student 40 years ago. His eloquence before groups may be some– thing of a genetic gift. "My grandfather in Amsterdam was a very good public speaker, although I only saw him speak at family events," says Wiewel. "He made the roast, whatever envision taking chis on without her as a partner. And we're thrilled that her children-my stepchildren-are here as well." This pasc summer, che Wiewels and teenagers Kelly and Sam considered driving from Baltimore ro Portland. "We thought there wa some nice, symbolic, even spiritual meaning ro transporting our minds simultaneously with our bodies," he says. "1l1en we rook a 185-mile car trip as a family, and decided we're going ro fly instead." The Wiewels are eager ro cake on the Northwest lifestyle. Both are enthusiastic hikers, tennis players, readers (at the moment, Wiewel is enjoying Richard Russo's bittersweet academic comedy, Straight Man) and, not surprisingly given the city in which he grew up, cyclists. "Portland is very similar to Amsterdam, to me," says Wiewel. "There's just some– thing about the lifestyle, the atmosphere-it's tolerant, the occasion. I always wa impressed by how he would stand up and verbalize what ochers were chinking and feeling-make people laugh and feel good. I could see Alice Wiewel, wife of new president Wim Wiewel, is an architect and involved in capital planning for the Oregon University System. a liccle funky, progressive, laid back, and culturally and artistically creative with a lot ro do. Then there are things like the rain and che bikes." chat I liked chat role, going back ro when I was just a boy." Wiewel had other important influences as well. "At my American high school, 12th-grade social studies was team-taught by cwo of the best teachers I've ever had ," remembers Wiewel. "It was a conversion experience. Ic's one of the reasons I believe in the power of good teaching. These guys were totally committed, totally into it, and were able to enthuse a very diverse group of student about sociology." The late Rob Mier at University of Illinois Chicago was a mentor and major influencer ofWiewel's career. Mier, a professor of urban planning and economic development, was a renowned social activist who in 1979 hired Wiewel as a research associate. "Rob was very good at analyzing a situation and present– ing that analysis ro people in a compelling manner, thereby shaping the logical next steps for an organization to take," says Wiewel. "He was a great entrepreneur, strongly valued equity and social justice, and knew how ro steer the university's resources ro promote chose values." Wiewel has brought this wealth of experience ro Portland. His wife, Alice, is working for the Oregon University System as well. Previously director of facilities planning and associate university architect at Georgetown University, Alice Wiewel is involved in capital planning for che entire university system. "Alice and I are incredibly excited ro be here," Wiewel says. "We talk about this as our great adventure. We see it very much as a team and partnership effort between us. I couldn't 10 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE FALL 2008 WIEWEL'$ OVERALL vision for the University will place it squarely at the juncture of academia and the real world. "Portland Scace has a tremendous opportunity ro play a major role in shaping the future of Portland-applying its knowledge to real, current problems," Wiewel says. "That's why Portland and Portland State a.re such a perfect march for rne." Wiewel ays he learned a number of important lessons dur– ing his tenure ar UIC and ac University of Baltimore. "It's been said chat vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare," he says. 'Tm a big-picture guy in chat I'm able ro come up with the vision, but it's not somecl1ing I do by myself. I do it by talking with and listening ro people." To chat end, Wiewel and Mayor-elect Sam Adams plan to hold a conference in the spring chat will include area commu– nity leaders. The focus is Porcland Scace's role as a civic partner, buc the meeting will also serve as Wiewel's formal inaugura– tion. Ultimately, university presidents are remembered for the changes chat occurred during cheir term ac the helm. What does Wiewel see for PSU? "I wane us to be known as a national and international leader in sustainability," says Wiewel, "and an exemplar of what it means to be a civic partner in a major urban area." ■ JeffKuechle, a Portlandfreelance writer, is a frequent contribu– tor to Portland Scace Magazine.