Portland State Magazine Winter 2016

winter 2016 pORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE 1 2 from the president Making college affordable shared vision New strategic plan focuses on student success PARK BLOCKS Shoring up for climate change Better late than never Carving out a tradition Where are the voters? Former president passes away Departments C O N T E N T S 14 16 Features 3 10 On the Cover Alumni Michelle and Ben Medler started the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra 15 years ago. Read about them and other alumni starting on page 10. Photo by Edis Jurcys. PORTLAND STATE M A G A Z I N E WINTER 2016 VOL. 30 | NO. 2 Vaping study expands Business School transformation The ultimate in ‘bike friendly’ FANFARE Singing a Strauss classic Winning a carnatic music competition Professor’s life as art Mini art curators New Works giving Paying it forward alumni The woman behind the Nike swoosh Alumni in the news looking back Groovin’ to the beat 26 29 25 18 20 22 LOCAL TALENT Seven alumni who are making a difference in their communities. WHERE WE WORK LinkedIn list of top employers of alumni and students in Oregon. MADE IN THE SHADE Looking at the link between urban trees and health. HER TRIBE, HER FUTURE Gates scholar is committed to improving the lives of her people. ONE-PILL SOLUTION Researchers discover a potential knockout punch against malaria. THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP Bruce Barnum makes winners out of a struggling PSU football program. 8 Page 14 Page 4 Page 22 4