Upcoming programs —2— President’s Message The 2007 year started out with a bang in the form of inclement weather. I hope that it has gotten it out of its system. On Jan. 18 we had planned a tour of PSU’s new engineering complex. Although the roads were clear, there were patches of slippery stuff on the sidewalks around campus and neither Bob Tufts nor I wanted to risk someone slipping and getting hurt. So the tour was postponed. We’ll keep you informed of the details. I want to thank many of you for contributing to the State of Oregon Charitable Fund drive. According to Amy Ross, the University collected more than $45,000, which will be distributed to many area charities. Proudly, we were able to help. Additional thanks are offered to those of you who donated to the fund that supports the PSU pictorial history book. RAPS, as an organization, is also providing some financial support and will be rewarded with a share of the profits. This project is progressing well through the efforts of many dedicated people. If you have yet to contribute to this fund or want more information please call the RAPS office. The new year brings out optimism in many. We hear about better prospects in state budgets and school funding, the stock market, political harmony, and dedication to new year’s resolutions. It doesn’t hurt to be optimistic because what we tell ourselves has an influence on how we feel and what we do. As Norman Cousins said, “Optimism doesn’t wait on facts. It deals with prospects. Pessimism is a waste of time.” So, go forth with good thoughts, a happy face, optimism, and the pursuit of good deeds. Sincerely, Bruce Stern Feb. 15: Economist Thomas Potiowsky Our first speaker in 2007 will be Thomas Potiowsky, professor of economics at Portland State. He will provide a talk on state economics. He was chairman of PSU’s Economics Department and co-director of the Applied Economics Research Group, 1983-99; state economist from 1999 to 2006; and consultant on projects with EcoNorthwest. Please mark Thursday, Feb. 15, 1:00 p.m. We will meet in 236 Smith Memorial Student Union. March 15: District Attorney Michael Schrunk For March our speaker will be Michael D. Schrunk, district attorney of Multnomah County since 1981. A graduate of Portland State and the University of Oregon law school, he has extensive experience in criminal cases, private practice, and professional associations, and served as consultant on national and international matters. This is our Lunch Potluck, so mark Thursday, March 15. Reservations are anticipated. April 12: President’s Luncheon April is our annual President’s Luncheon and awards event. Please mark Thursday, April 12, at noon. Note: This is the second Thursday of the month. May 17: Psychologist Leif Terdal Our May speaker will be Leif Terdal, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and professor emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University. He will provide a talk and slideshow entitled “Escape from Nazi-Occupied Norway: A Mother and Three Boys.” Please mark Thursday, May 17, at 1:00 p.m. This meeting is also our ice cream social event. January program: Snowed out The snowstorm on Jan. 16 prompted the cancellation of our Jan. 18 tour of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science. We will reschedule the tour at a later date that offers more clement weather. (Visions of real-life bumper cars on SW Salmon Street still dance in my head.) — Bob Tufts
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