In memoriam: Asher B. Wilson, 1920-2006 Asher B. Wilson, professor emeritus of theater arts, born July 7, 1920, in Long Beach, California, and reared in Twin Falls, Idaho, died in Portland on Dec. 7, 2006. At Stanford University, he earned B.A. (1942), M.A. (1951) and Ph.D. (1962) degrees in dramatic arts. Following wartime combat naval service (1943-1945), he began graduate studies in 1946 in preparation for an academic career in dramatic arts and literature. After serving at the College of Idaho (1950-1953) and the University of Nevada (1955-1959), Professor Wilson came to Portland State in 1959 to found the Theater Arts Department. Only four years earlier, the fledgling college had been designated as a degreegranting institution to meet the metropolitan area’s burgeoning higher education needs. Professor Wilson immediately assumed a challenging leadership role, developing performing arts instruction and generating campus theatrical productions in consonance with the objectives of a comprehensive university. During the ensuing years up to retirement in 1989, as professor and department head, Asher—as he was known throughout the campus—oversaw curricular growth and recruited faculty to support an appropriate theater arts educational program embracing both theory and practice. During his tenure the department launched at least 50 campus productions, including opera, lyric theater, Greek drama, Shakespearean plays, and legitimate theater performances. To further the University’s community outreach, he founded the American Theater Company, Oregon’s first equity theater company (1968-70), and for 20 years he produced PSU summer stock programs at the Cannon Beach Coaster Theater. Campus colleagues universally respected Professor Wilson as a gifted artist, educator, and productive academician. He served on many significant faculty governance committees and assisted in reviewing numerous graduate theses and dissertations. Architectural firms engaged him to furnish expert briefings for feasibility and planning studies required for theater construction at the University of Nevada, and for conversion of PSU’s Lincoln Hall auditorium into a performing arts center. Through his efforts, PSU’s Theater Arts Department emerged as a high-quality artistic resource that has afforded excellent opportunities for academic training. Hundreds of students enrolled in its classes, preparing for dramatic arts careers. Professor Wilson’s enduring legacy leaves an indelible influence throughout the Portland metropolitan area’s educational systems and extends to the local community of professional theater companies. Everyone who knew him enjoyed his wit and generous nature. On a personal note, I met Asher soon after we came to PSU in 1959 and, whenever possible, I was one of many who sought him out at coffee breaks, Ferdinand Society events, and—after retirement— at RAPS functions. We shared an affinity for and commiserated over our cranky, elderly, but still serviceable, Fiat roadsters. Asher fully understood his car’s mechanical functions and, if compelled, could make necessary adjustments. At a memorial service held at Portland’s First Baptist Church on Jan. 21, former students paid tribute to him as their mentor for pursuing successful dramatic arts careers. Indeed, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Asher for many contributions that have brought distinction to the University. Professor Wilson married Marcia Shaughnessy in 1943; she died in 1995 after a lengthy illness. Four sons, Asher B. III, Clark S., Dr. James E., and Mark L., four grandchildren, and Professor Asher’s sister, Patricia, survive them. We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy. Remembrances should be sent to the Asher B. Wilson Endowed Scholarship Fund, School of Fine and Performing Arts, Portland State University. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History —4—
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