Portland State Magazine Spring 2007

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF GIFTS TO PSU . Visit www.pdx.edu/giving. Jane and Robert Morrow (top photo) and Sharon and Robert Miller were honored for their generosity at the University's Simon Benson Awards Dinner. Giving . .... . .... .. ...................... ..... ... .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "What we're doing here is shaping lives," said guest speaker Magic Johnson at the annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner, held at the Oregon Convention Center. Magic Johnson scores support for PSU MARCH 19 WAS an all-star night for Portland State. Nearly 850 alumni, faculty, stu– dents, and friends of the University joined PSU President Dan Bernscine and guest speaker Magic Johnson for the eighth annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner. The event honors outstanding citizens whose generosity and leadership have profoundly affected the Jives of Oregonians– often for generations to come. Bern– seine presented the 2007 awards co Jane '65, MS '77 and Robert Morrow '63, and Sharon and Robert Miller. The Morrows met as University studenrs, and their close engagement wirh PSU only deepened after gradua– tion. They are legendary on can1pus as quintessential Viking fans, supporting student athletes in every sport as well as founding the Morrow Academic Center, the Morrow Team Room, and the Jane Morrow Scholarship for women athletes. Their commitment extends far beyond the gym with signuicant support for the Graduate School of Education, Helen Gordon Child Development Center, and Northwest Center for Engineering, Science and Technology. The Morrows also support the Oregon Humane Society, and the Fellowship of Chris– tian Athletes and Young Life. As ilieir three sons testified in the event's video presentation, the Mill– ers' successful careers as business and community leaders rest on four deeply rooted values: "work hard, always tell the truth, treat people right, and give back." The Millers are founding donors and volunteers of the Food Industry Leadership Center in the School of Business Administration. They created the Robert G. Miller Endowed Scholarship for chat program in I998. In addition, they support a host of community organizations, including United Way; Metropolitan Family Services; Self-Enhancement, Inc.; Providence Child Center; and the American Diabetes Association. Magic Johnson entertained the dinner audience while highlighting how education creates opportunity for urban youili. He concluded witl, a spontaneous fundraising appeal chat inspired additional gifts to Portland State programs. The evening raised more than $265,000 for the Fund for PSU and for programs and scholarships throughout campus. Lead support for the event was provided by presenting sponsors Wells Fargo, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund and Jim Pattison, and associate sponsor Rice-Aid Corporation. SPRING 2007 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE 19