Portland State Magazine Fall 2021

FALL 2021 // 1 contents FALL 2021 // 1 Fall 2021 // The magazine for alumni and friends of Portland State University ON THE COVER // Illustration by Hyesu Lee 5 FACULTY VOICES Three experts in conflict resolution, political science and history look at the roots of political polarization in the U.S. 6 PARK BLOCKS How COVID-19 changed campus; PSU reinvests in the School of Gender, Race and Nations; new home on the horizon for the School of Art + Design and more. 12 RESEARCH Portland State researchers spearhead efforts to protect the Pacific Northwest from cyber threats. 14 ARTS Comics break stereotypes by bringing stories of student homelessness to life. 16 ATHLETICS Former Viking Ime Udoka becomes head coach of the Boston Celtics. 34 ALUMNI LIFE Writer Mitchell S. Jackson talks about his Pulitzer win; the alum behind Leodis V. McDaniel High School’s new name. IN EVERY ISSUE: FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 20 CAN KNOWLEDGE SAVE THE CITY? How the PSU community is leading Portland’s comeback from COVID-19. 26 ONCE A WARRIOR Portraits of Portland State veterans from across the decades. From the President Inbox Bookshelf Looking Back 2 3 39 40 26 PAUL DE MUNIZ, PSU VETERAN