Portland State Magazine Fall 2017

28 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE FALL 2017 Project renderings by Hacker architects ALUMNUS Fariborz Maseeh, a pioneer in micro-electro- mechanical systems, and Jordan Schnitzer, a local businessman and philanthropist, have each made a $5 million gift to the University that will anchor the renovation of Neuberger Hall. The two investments will augment $60 million in public bond funds approved by the Oregon Legislature to renovate Neuberger Hall, which is expected to take two years to complete at a total cost of $70 million. Maseeh’s contribution—through the Massiah Foundation— will re-imagine the 56-year-old building into a vibrant learning center for arts and sciences, including the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics + Statistics. Refurbished classrooms will support programs in design, theater, English, business analytics and biomedical engineering, among others. The renovated facility will also house vital student services such as admissions, financial aid and career services. Born in Iran, Maseeh’s relationship with PSU spans four decades—as a student, alumnus and advocate. He has supported scholarships, fellowships, endowed professorships and other funds and awards at PSU, and made a transformative gift resulting in the creation of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science. THE GIFT from Jordan Schnitzer—made through the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation—will create the first art museum on campus. The museum will occupy 7,500 square feet over two floors in Neuberger Hall. It will include state-of- the-art galleries offering free and accessible art experiences to students and the public, and feature the work of Portland and Northwest artists, faculty and students, and exhibitions by national and international artists. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will bring creative, educational and research opportunities to campus as well as new occasions for cross-campus collaboration in the arts and sciences. With this commitment, Schnitzer builds upon the legacy of his parents, Harold and Arlene Schnitzer, who have previously funded projects on campus in excess of $4.5 million.  Donor investments transform Neuberger Hall Giving