Portland State Magazine Spring 2008

John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth and longtime Ohio senator, shares his thoughts on the importance of education and research at the 2008 Simon Benson Awards Dinner. Top photo: Gwen Burns, her sons Bruce and Scott, and her daughter, Heather Burns Eagon, are honored for their multigenera– tion commitment to community service and philanthropy. Bottom photo: Sam Wheeler, president of the Wheeler Foundation, receives recogni– tion for his many contributions in support of children and youth, education, social services, and arts and culture throughout Oregon. 20 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE SPRING 2008 Honoring new pioneers of philanthropy ASTRONAUT AND STATESMAN John Glenn was the keynote speaker at the ninth annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner April 1. The Portland State event hon– ors outstanding citizens whose generosity and leadership affect the lives of genera– tions of Oregonians. Michael Reardon, interim PSU president, presented the 2008 awards ro Sam Wheeler and to Gwen Burns and family. Jeff G ianola and Kelley Day ofKOIN News 6 served as emcees. The evening raised more than $200,000 for the Fund for PSU, which supporrs scholarships, faculty, and programs throughout campus. Wells Fargo provided lead support for the event, and rhe Frederick D. and Gail Y. Jubirz Foundation was an associate sponsor. To see the full list of sponsors, visit www.pdx.edu/giving. The event is named for Simon Benson (1851-1942), an innovator in the Pacific Northwest timber industry and a generous public benefactor of Oregon causes. ■