Portland State Magazine Spring 2019

1 Features p. 14 Imperial shift p. 26 Driven p. 16 A way forward p. 10 Work smarter, take a vacation On the Cover Breaks from work—vacations, weekends, even coffee breaks—can influence employee well-being and productivity. See story on page 10. CONTENTS With a history-making abdication and a new emperor on the throne, professor Ken Ruoff explains this new era for Japan. Veterans are getting internships on public lands through a program founded by alumnus Brendan Norman. Engineering student Shepol Meman is on the highway to success. Research-backed advice on how to keep employees happy, healthy and engaged. p. 22 Reimagining the Burnside Bridge Architecture students redesign the bridge in preparation for the Big One. p. 19 Lifeline Hardship funds can make the difference between staying in school or dropping out. p. 2 Guest Column p. 3 Letters p. 4 Park Blocks p. 8 Fanfare p. 28 Giving p. 29 Athletics p. 30 Alumni p. 32 Looking Back Departments