Portland State Magazine Spring 2013

SPRING 2013 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE 1 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT Measuring a Portland State degree LETTERS Old cameras, fond memories Working pro teaching film students Cafeteria social strata Low rent and store credit PARK BLOCKS Relating the history of Russia’s Jews A big, big barometer Children and violence Fueling Oregon’s economy Phoning a cookstove in Kenya Stories of women leaders Sandbox for college students Departments C O N T E N T S 14 17 Features 28 29 10 Page 18 Page 21 ON THE COVER Student Eva Andrews was one of the stars in The Servant of Two Masters , produced in March by the newly renamed School of Theatre & Film. Photo by Dan Carver. See story on page 10. PORTLAND STATE M A G A Z I N E SPRING 2013 VOL. 27 | NO. 3 FANFARE Saving Havana Helping new authors Screenplay success Voices of immigration New Works GIVING A place of honor Virtuoso remembered ALUMNI Portland State of Mind Table manners matter On the road again Connect and benefit Socialize! ATHLETICS Newcomer scores and rebounds Catching football fever LOOKING BACK Help solve campus history mysteries 3 25 26 8 18 21 22 THE NEW COLLEGE OF THE ARTS Name change reflects an evolution of the arts on campus. HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH Radon gas poses a real risk in Oregon homes. RETHINKING PORTLAND STATE New ideas from faculty and staff could transform the classroom. HERE IN AMERICA Women students from Saudi Arabia find a different but welcoming culture at PSU. A BIGGER, BETTER BUSINESS SCHOOL An $8 million gift fuels plans for more space, more collaboration, and more success. AGING WITH PURPOSE Alumni couple want us to be valued by others and ourselves as we grow old. 4