Portland State Magazine Spring 2010

Affording higher education PSU STUDENTS graduating this spring paid 30 percent more in tuition costs than they did as freshmen in 2005. Could they have anticipated and planned for that level of increase when they began their quest for a college degree? It was not too long ago when college costs were not only reason– able, but also predictable. So, why the drastic increase in tuition? fu the campus expands to meet the needs of a growing student body and the Universiry strives to continue offering outstanding programs, courses, instruction, and services for our students, it does not appear that the state has the resources to make the necessary changes and provide for continued growth. It may be time to rethink the way we do business. There are many models for governing and funding public universities. Can tuition costs be based on ability to pay or on earning potential? Is it fair if one college student receives an education at a greater cost than another? Should a PS U student in the field of social work pay the same for a degree as a student who graduates in engineeri ng? Outstanding universities must provide their students with opportun ities to receive the best possible education. Today's Scholarship for children of alumni THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION isseekingapplicationsfor the fal l 2010 Jane Wiener Memorial Alumni Scholarship from children of alumni who are interested in communiry service. 20 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE SPRING 2010 The scholarship provides full, in-state tuition and fees for one, legally depen– dent child of a PSU alumnus. Molly Conroy, the program's current and fifrh scho lar, is major– ing in general science with a chemistry college students must be willing to pay for the outstanding education they receive. But, we as alumni , need to be cogni– zant of the difficulties many students are facing as they strive to reach their goals. A college education should be a goal that all can achieve. Write us with your thoughts, opinions, and experiences at psualum@pdx.edu . - T.J. Newby '90 and AJ Fitzpatrick MA '93 80% ~ ~ ~ "' ::, 60% Ir ~ ~ 0 40% "I, ~ t: 8. 20% 0. ~ ~ ,:;; 1989-90 State Funding Has Fallen from 48 % to 16 % of PSU's Total Revenue 1994-95 1999-00 2004-05 2009-10 minor, while serving as a student ambassador and a resident assistant. She also finds time to work as a certified nursing assistant in acute care at Oregon Heald, & Science Universiry. Now a senior, Conroy plans to become a physician's assistant. Previous scholar, Saral1 Whitney-Hayden '03, MEd '04 teaches at Han1mond Elementary School in Salem. In 2008, she was honored with a Cry cal Apple Award from the Salem-Keizer School District. For more information, to receive an application, or to make a tax-deductible donation to the scholarship, call 503-725-4948, e-mail psualum@pdx.edu or visit www.alumm.pdx.edu/ scholarsh!p. Applications are due in the Alumni Office by July 30.