Portland State Magazine Spring 2017

SPRING 2017 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE 3 Portland State Magazine wants to hear from you. Email your comments to psumag@pdx.edu or send them to Portland State Magazine , Office of University Communications, PO Box 751, Portland OR 97207-0751. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity. Here’s to successful women I appreciate very much you writing about Betty Roberts [“Passing the Torch,” winter 2017]. I worked on her 1973-74 campaign for Oregon governor. Betty went on to be appointed to the Oregon Court of Appeals in 1977 by Gov. Bob Straub. And in 1982 (not 1972 as reported in the article), Gov. Vic Atiyeh appointed her to the Oregon Supreme Court, because she was going to run against him for governor, and she would have won. Keep writing about women succeeding—both past and present. Amy Duncan Yoga Instructor, PSU College of the Arts Memories of Karl Miller What a pleasant surprise! Karl Miller, the grandfather of donor Rick Miller, was my commanding officer in the Oregon Air National Guard. Page 20 of the Portland State Magazine , winter 2017, carries the wonderful story of the new Karl Miller Center groundbreaking. I was an enlisted member of his 142nd Installation Squadron. He was a great commanding officer. Big, burly, kind and competent, with a cigar stub in his mouth as his trademark. You were glad to work hard for him because he was right there with you working. I was just one of the many working full-time parents, grinding my way thorough Portland State. Captain Miller was always supportive. “What are you taking this term?” and then “Hang in there, you will be a good teacher.” We would talk; he was my cheerleader. I am old now, but with age comes the wisdom that we do not succeed on our own, but need the counseling and support of mentors along the way. I am so thankful and proud to have had Captain Karl Miller as my mentor. Arnie Leppert ’63 Editor’s note: Below is a representation of the many letters Portland State Magazine received regarding President WimWiewel’s message, “The University as Sanctuary” in the winter 2017 issue. Moral Courage I always enjoy Portland State Magazine and read with interest and pride the article about current programs and events at PSU. However, I have never been prouder of my alma mater than when I read WimWiewel’s message declaring Portland State University a “sanctuary campus.” I heartily applaud that decision and hope that many other universities have the courage to stand by their morals and support basic human rights for everyone, regardless of race, ancestry, or religion. It would be easy to say a great deal more on this topic, but actions matter far more than words, and President Wiewel’s action in the face of these dark times provide a ray of hope. Thank you for supporting all of your current students! Lauren Nichols-Kinas ’89, MS ’92 (formerly Lorrie Riat) Lessons of history Thank you, Dr. Wiewel and the leadership team at PSU for your staunch commitment to your 80 undocumented students and our community. I am struck, as is Dr. Wiewel, at how an awful time in our history seems to be rearing its ugly head in our world today—even on our campuses. I appreciate that the lessons from his home country so passionately inform his leadership and outspokenness. I am proud to be an alum. Maureen Fallt MS ’09 Preaching to the choir From the perspective of totally agreeing with his views, I do, however take umbrage with WimWiewel, president of PSU, using the winter 2017 issue of the alumni magazine to very eloquently present his thoughts about “The university as sanctuary.” Consider me an old fogy if you will, but I think about the magazine as being a kind of sanctuary in itself that should be devoid of the extraordinary tensions that prevail in this modern world. Further, one should assume that those of us who are recipient of degrees from PSC/PSU are as much cognizant of the political machinations that permeate the international air as the good president. Therefore, one might say his missive is akin to the old colloquialism, “Preaching to the choir.” Ron Pedersen ’59, ’69 Vancouver, Washington Letters