Portland State Magazine Fall 2009

Reflections on connections W ITH ON E FOOT firmly in the boomer camp and a some– what "millennial" spirit, I never imagined I would be in one place as long as 20 years. But here I am, reflecting on my years directing Alumni Relations at Portland Scace. To say that things have changed is an understatement. In 1989, we served 16,000 students and 48,000 alumni. Today our numbers are 27,000 students and 120,000 alumni living around the world. And our staff has grown from two co six. However, some things remain the same, such as finding the time co keep up with all of our alumni and friends. But we've managed, and through the years have held alumni gatherings in such places as Kuwait Ciry, Tokyo, Washington, D.C., and Bend. I've found that alumni share many of the same PSU experiences no matter where they live now. I want co remember some colleagues and alumni who left us coo early with unfinished agendas and lives. Jane Wiener '69, a depury district attorney who attended PSU as a quadriplegic, was a wonderful alumni board member and advocate for children. She passed away in 1997. Debbie Murdock, assistant co the president for government relations at PSU, worked closely with the PSU Advocates and JUST CLICK AND SALUTE BON VOYAGE CRUISE Graduating international students and guests gather for a group photo just before boarding the Spirit of Portland June 12 for the annual Bon Voyage Cruise. was a mentor to many of our students and a huge contributor to chis campus through her lobbying efforcs. She died in 2007. David Fitzpatrick '75, MA '77, senior vice president at The Standard, was PSU Alumni Association president and an enthusiastic Viking supporter who made a difference in many lives. He died suddenly this past spring. And finally, professor John Damis, an outstanding professor, scholar, athlete, and most recently director of the Middle East Studies Center, who was a friend and guide to my learning about the Middle East and our many alumni there. John died in June. There is a scholarship named for each one of these individu– als-scholarships that will certainly make a difference to our students right now. For information, visit www.pdx.edu/alumni and click on scholarships. I always look forward co meeting alumni and hearing your PSU stories, so keep in touch (squirep@pdx.edu) . Pat Squire, MPA '95 Assistant Vice President, International Alumni Relations Executive Director, PSU Alumni Association BRING A LIFETIME of recognition to a Portland State alumnus, student, or faculty member by nominating them for a PSU Alumni Association 2010 award to be presented at PSU Salutes in February. reflect the impact and contributions of our alumni. They are: Award criteria, past recipients, and a short nomination form can be found at www. pdx.edu/alumni. Nominations must be received by November 1. For more informa– tion or a hard copy of the form, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 503-725-4948 or e-mail psua /um@pdx.edu. In addition to the annual Distinguished Faculty Achievement and Outstanding Alumni Service awards, four new categor– ies were added this past year to better • Outstanding International Alumnus Award • Distinguished Alumni Service Award • Outstanding Young Alumnus Award • John Hakanson Student Advancement Award FALL 2009 PORTLA ND STATE MAGAZI NE 25