THE RAPSSHEET MAY2007 Retirement Association of Portland State Portland State University Post Office Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 Simon Benson House 1803 SW Park Avenue Campus mail: RAPS Web: www.raps.pdx.edu Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Officers Bruce Stern President Robert Tufts President-elect Mary Brannan Past President Robert Lockerby Treasurer Larry Sawyer Secretary Doug Swanson Editor Robert Pearson Webmaster Board Members-at-Large Robert Pearson(2007) Roger Moseley(2007) Gwen Newborg(2007) Committees Alumni Association Pat Squire Awards Richard Brinkman Elections Mary Brannan History Preservation/Celebration Steve Brannan Membership Mary Brannan Regional Retirement Association Bob Vogelsang Social/Friendship Beryl and Vic Dahl Office Manager Darshana Patel 503-725-3447 continued on page 5 April program: President’s Luncheon Bernstine: Help us restore higher ed cuts By Doug Swanson / Editor Jack Cooper Outstanding Retired Faculty Award Judah Bierman Outstanding Retired Faculty Award Larry Sawyer Outstanding Retired Staff Award Three RAPS members—Jack Cooper, Judah Bierman, and Larry Sawyer—were honored during the President’s Annual Luncheon for Retired Faculty and Staff, while outgoing PSU president Dan Bernstine acknowledged during his talk that Portland State is facing tough sledding in the Oregon Legislature. The annual event, held April 24 at University Place, is an opportunity to hear from the president, meet other administrators, and honor the contributions of retired faculty and staff. Bernstine, who came to Portland State 10 years ago after serving as dean of the University of Wisconsin law school, is leaving June 30 to become president and CEO of the Law School Admission Council in Newtown, Penn. Bernstine said his years as president have been rewarding, but it’s “time for someone to bring a fresh perspective to the initiatives that will take PSU to the next level.” The Legislature’s thumbs-down to the governor’s higher education budget has jeopardized a portion of Portland State’s operating budget as well as capital construction projects, notably Lincoln Hall and Science Building 2, Bernstine said. He encouraged the audience to ask their legislators to restore the governor’s budget. (See box on page 5.) Jack Cooper echoed Bernstine’s message in his remarks after he received an Outstanding Retired Faculty Award. “We gave a lot of time, a lot of effort, and, I think, a lot of love to our institution and to higher education in Oregon,” Cooper said. “Please, let’s all put effort into bringing the Legislature around and doing something to support higher education in Oregon.” The award reflects Cooper’s many volunteer and scholarly activities since he retired from the English Department in 1999. Robert Vogelsang, who presented the award, noted that Cooper recently completed a manuscript on 17th century poetry, was involved in the Challenge Program for
— 2 — President’s Message At the time I am writing this column most of us are trying to understand why the tragedy at Virginia Tech happened and how, if at all, it might have been prevented. In our time at PSU I’m sure we’ve all encountered students or employees who are in the midst of a downward spiral of frustration and failure. Why do some, such as Cho Seung-Hui, react violently, while others just internalize their cries? Hopefully the experts in the social sciences can continue to study these all-too-frequent school incidents and provide insights that will help educational institutions, such as PSU, provide a safer place to work and learn. What saddens me is that after every incident’s post-mortem it is clear that the perpetrators have left clear signs and warnings of their plight and possible dangers to themselves and/or others. This begs the question: what reconfigurations in our social systems are necessary to catch these problems before they blossom? Of equal sadness is the loss of the lives of promising youth and the pain that families must suffer over time. One rather ironic detail surrounds the heroism of Professor Liviu Librescu, a Holocaust survivor, who came to the aid of students by trying to help them flee. He, unfortunately, was killed—just one day after Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Remembrance Day. May his behavior, as a professor and human being, bring continued honor to our profession. On a brighter note, RAPS is made up of retirees who are interested in continuing their learning, socializing, and connections with the University. Many persons serve the organization well; however, there are a few persons who have served above and beyond the call of duty. The contributions of these special individuals are worthy of mention. Richard Brinkmanhas served RAPS in a number of capacities over the past few years, including as president, president-elect, and program chair, by-laws committee chair, and Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards chair—just to name a few. He has been one of RAPS’ most loyal members, and for all your efforts we thank you. Colin Dunkeldhas been an interested and active member of RAPS for several years. He has attended programs and events, provided valuable programming ideas, and chairs RAPS’ bridge group. His jovial manner is refreshing—even when he is my bridge partner and I perform one of my patented bonehead moves. Gordon Solie is a past RAPS board member and is presently very active in the history preservation project in the Music Department and the School of Fine and Performing Arts. Gordon has likely accomplished more over the past year in the area of history preservation than any other faculty member at PSU. I only wish that his accomplishments could motivate other faculty and deans to direct more of their attention to this endeavor. I’m looking forward to seeing you at future RAPS programs and events. Until then, I remain, sincerely, —Bruce Stern RAPS will host Fall Fest 2007, a conference that fosters friendship and collegiality among university retirement associations, September 23-25. The conference will focus on bringing together regional retirement associations to share ideas and best practices in revenue generation and coordinating organizational activities. Fall Fest 2007 will take place at University Place, PSU’s conference center at 310 SW Lincoln St., which is offering a conference rate of $89 per night. The special rate is available for two days pre- and postconference, as well as during the conference itself. The conference includes sessions on revenue generation and activities, local tours, wine tasting, a banquet, and entertainment. Registration deadline is August 23. To learn more, contact RAPS at 503-725-3447 or at raps@pdx.edu. Fall Fest 2007 coming to Portland State next September
— 3 — In memoriam: Joseph C. Blumel, 1928-2007 Joseph Carlton Blumel, Portland State University’s fourth president, died in Portland April 2, 2007, due to pneumonia and heart failure. His remarkable legacy of institutional service began as an economics instructor in 1957 and culminated as president from 1974 to 1986. Born in Kansas City, Mo., March 3, 1928, President Blumel grew to maturity in Nebraska. At the University of Nebraska, he studied economics, earning a B.S. degree in 1950 and—after three years of Korean War Army service—an M.A. in 1956. He completed a Ph.D. degree in economics at the University of Oregon in 1965. In 1976 the University of Hokkaido awarded him an honorary doctorate (LL.D.) in recognition of his role in promoting international educational exchange. President Blumel came to Portland State only two years after it had been designated as a degree-granting institution. While advancing through the academic ranks, he taught huge classes and performed other duties, notably student advising and program scheduling, and committee service to design curricular programs. For President Blumel and his contemporaries, working under burdensome conditions afforded special insights into the metropolitan area’s higher educational needs. Through long, hard hours of work, he earned his colleagues’ respect, and—in the words of a PSC president—“Joe always does his homework and comes prepared.” Above all, he earned a reputation as a highly gifted and popular classroom teacher. In every respect, his experience well qualified him for a leadership role in PSU’s emergence as a comprehensive research university. When he assumed the presidency in May 1974, Professor Blumel had already served with distinction as acting Economics Department head (1965-67), dean of Undergraduate Studies and associate dean of Faculty (1968-70), and as the first vice president for Academic Affairs (1970-74). During the previous decade, PSU had undergone dramatic growth, but had been concurrently beset by a host of troubles stemming from fiscal crises as well as student—and faculty—unrest. His informed leadership and handson experience brought forth the continuity and stability needed to resolve problems and ensure measured continuation of academic growth and development. Today’s PSU—Oregon’s largest university—through its wide range of undergraduate and graduate offerings, professional programs, and outreach to the metropolitan region and the state as a whole, constitutes a lasting testimonial to President Blumel’s educational vision. In 1961 he married Priscilla Bryant, who devoted enormous amounts of time and energy in assisting him, especially with liaison to the metropolitan area’s wide-ranging cultural and charitable groups. Mrs. Blumel, along with daughters, Carolyn and Christina, and son-in-law Kelvin Wong, granddaughter, Lilia, and Joe’s brother, William, and sister, Jacqueline Shipley, survive him. To President Blumel’s family we extend our heartfelt condolences for their loss. All of us owe him a debt of gratitude for a lifetime of dedicated service that shaped the University that has played an enormous role in our lives. Extended obituaries appeared in The Oregonian on April 3 and April 4, 2007. The late Gordon Dodds, professor of history, set forth President Blumel’s contributions in The College That Would Not Die (Oregon Historical Society Press, 2000). A memorial celebration was held on April 28 at Hoffmann Hall on the campus. Remembrances should be sent to the PSU Foundation, P.O. Box 243, Portland OR 97207. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History Postscript: I met Joe Blumel on January 2, 1959, the first day of my 31-year PSU career. The History Department lacked office space for its newest appointee, and, therefore, assigned me to a carrel within the Economics Department’s offices, an arrangement that lasted until August 1961. Joe sensed that I needed some mentorship, which he selflessly provided during those early years. (Ironically, we were born in the same year!) Sometimes we debated the relevance of our separate disciplines, but his early-on encouragement and assistance were very helpful. During later years, we occasionally interacted while discharging our responsibilities. Joe recruited me for the Ferdinand Society and AAUP membership, and I enlisted him in RAPS. With pardonable pride, I recall that the faculty elected me to serve on his Advisory Council throughout his presidential years. —Vic Dahl
— 4 — In memoriam: Caroline P. Stoel, 1914-2007 In memoriam: Marian Mowry Ford, 1924-2007 Caroline Mary (Phillips) Stoel, born September 27, 1914, in Lexington, N.C., died March 29, 2007, in Portland after a long illness. From 1974 to 2000 she served as adjunct associate professor of history and was advanced to emerita status. Professor Stoel’s academic career and achievements were remarkable. At Duke University, she received a baccalaureate degree cum laude in 1935, followed by a doctorate of jurisprudence in 1937. Professor Stoel served on the Law Review and finished fourth in her law school class, ranking ahead of classmate Richard M. Nixon, who later acknowledged his dismay for being “beaten by a woman.” After practicing law in her father’s firm, she journeyed to Portland in 1938 to marry law school classmate Thomas B. Stoel. Although she had passed the North Carolina and Oregon bar examinations, Professor Stoel encountered the long-standing barrier against husbands and wives practicing in the same jurisdiction, so she immersed herself in familial and community activities. Caroline and Tom were married for 69 years, and— while they reared four children—she energetically carried out a public service career. Legal training and secretarial skills supported her leadership services in organizations such as—but not limited to—the Oregon Council for the Humanities, World Affairs Council, Oregon Historical Society, Planned Parenthood, League of Women Voters, and the Democratic Party. In 1970 she began graduate studies at Portland State leading to an M.A. degree in history in 1973. From 1974 to 2000 she held an appointment as an adjunct associate professor of history, teaching legal and constitutional history courses. Concurrently, Professor Stoel published several articles and co-authored two books dealing with judicial history. Professor Stoel leaves a strong imprint on the University and its History Department. She was a founding member of a community support group, The Friends of History, which has sponsored annual lectures and generated financial aid for faculty and students. In 1996 the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association transferred its editorial office for The Pacific Historical Reviewto PSU’s History Department. To reinforce this prestigious undertaking, in 2001 the Stoel family and friends endowed The Caroline P. Stoel Editorial Fellowship, supporting the engagement of exceptional graduate students in scholarly editing of this significant journal. In addition to husband, Thomas, and sister, Enid Ledbetter, Burlington, N.C., Caroline is survived by four children: Tom Stoel, Jr., Washington, D.C.; Peter F. Stoel, Portland; Carol Stoel Gammon, Portland; Polly L. Stoel, Sao Paulo, Brazil; and seven grandchildren. To all of them, we send our heartfelt condolences. All of us in the University community have been enriched by her selfless contributions. Remembrances may be made to: RESULTS Educational Fund; the PSU Foundation; or Planned Parenthood of the Columbia-Willamette. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History Marian Ford, spouse of the late Philip Ford, professor of English, was born in Hamburg, Iowa, on May 25, 1924, and died of congestive heart failure at Meridian Park Hospital, Tualatin, on March 23, 2007. Marian attended the University of Oklahoma, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and in 1946 earned a bachelor’s degree in English. In 1947 she married Philip Ford, and they pursued graduate studies in English at the University of Iowa, where she earned a master’s degree in 1950. The Fords came to Portland in 1956 after Philip completed his doctorate. After Professor Ford died in 1980, Marian occasionally taught PSU English courses. She participated in community services, notably as a poll watcher, wrote for the Lake Oswego Review, and edited the Portland Tri-County New Politics Newsletter. Together the Fords participated in the institution’s formative years, and for their able support of this emerging university, they have earned our gratitude. Their children, Hannah Goodale, Gloucester, Mass.; Susan Ford, Lake Oswego; and Jason Ford, San Diego, Calif., survive them. We extend our condolences to them. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be hosted from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 24, at the Ford home, 1190 Oak Terrace, Lake Oswego. Remembrances may be made to Amnesty International, 5 Penn Plaza, 14th Floor, New York, N.Y., 10001. —Victor C. Dahl, Emeritus Professor of History
— 5 — Three honored at President’s Luncheon . . . continued from page 1 gifted students at Milwaukie and Benson high schools, and is an active supporter of the Oregon Food Bank. In introducing Judah Bierman, who also received an Outstanding Retired Faculty Award, Stanley Johnson recalled that Bierman was his officemate when he arrived on campus in 1950 after completing graduate studies at USC. “I didn’t have any idea of what I was supposed to do in the classroom—this was my first job,” Johnson explained. “I learned from Judah and my other colleagues.” A professor of English, Bierman published articles on utopian thought, was involved in many Portland civic affairs, and was chairman of the Portland chapter of the ACLU. Now 90, Bierman said, “What I’ve found in life is that if you treat people fairly honestly, you come out better.” Then he added, “And in general, the world is going to hell. And if you have any questions, this would be the time,” he said to laugher. RAPS president Bruce Stern introduced Larry Sawyer, who received the Outstanding Retired Staff Award. Stern described Sawyer’s long involvement with the Dahlia Society, the First United Methodist Church, and his volunteer work providing audiovisual services to Portland State, Oregon University System, and the popular PSU Weekend event. Sawyer is on the RAPS board and chairs the hiking group. Sawyer encouraged the audience to get involved in RAPS, noting that it is an organization for staff as well as faculty. The event also included comments from the new Viking head football coach, Jerry Glanville, and the offensive coordinator, Mouse Davis. As PSU head coach from 1975 to 1980, Davis’s home record was 31-6. He also produced two All-America quarterbacks, June Jones and Neil Lomax, both of whom played in the NFL. This article was written with the assistance of Bob Tufts. How to aid PSU’s cause in Salem RAPS members can help Portland State achieve its goals during this session of the Oregon Legislature. The PSU priorities include restoring the budget to Governor Kulongoski’s recommended level for enrollment, faculty salaries, and engineering programs. In addition, funding for capital construction was cut drastically and jeopardizes the renovation of Lincoln Hall and Science Building 2. What can you do? Write your legislators. Go to Salem to meet with your legislators. Debbie Murdock, assistant to the president for government relations, is scheduling visits. Contact her at murdockd@pdx.edu. Sign on (and contribute) to a half-page ad in The Oregonianurging legislators to restore the funding. The goal is to have 500 names on the ad. The Alumni Association is coordinating the ad, which will be sponsored by many organizations. Contact Pat Squire at squirep@pdx.edu. Write letters to the editor of your local news- papers. Retirees crowded University Place to hear President Bernstine and celebrate the recipients of outstanding retired faculty and staff awards. Photo by Larry Sawyer
RAPS club reports Upcoming programs Book Club chooses Le Guin novel We will meet at 1:30 p.m. on May 15 in a historic home in Portland Heights, 1125 SW St. Clair Ave., (corner of St. Clair & Kings Court), where Felicia Wirtz will host us. Call Felicia at 503-628-2252 for directions and to RSVP. We will discuss Always Coming Home by Ursula K. Le Guin, a prolific Portland writer with Portland State connections. She is the winner of the National Book Award and the Nebula and Hugo awards for science fiction. The book is described on the back cover: Ursula K. Le Guin’s Always Coming Homeis a major work of the imagination from one of America’s most respected writers. More than five years in creation, it is a novel unlike any other. A rich and complex interweaving of story and fable, poem, artwork and music, it totally immerses the reader in the culture of the Kesh, a peaceful people of the far future who inhabit a place called the Valley on the Northern Pacific Coast. Ursula K. Le Guin makes the inhabitants of the Valley as familiar, as immediate, as wholly human as our own friends or family. Looking ahead, the selection for June is a nonfiction book, Blue Latitudes, written by Tony Horowitz. Come join us! —Mary Brannan Hikers go to the Gorge The Friday, May 25, hike will take us into the Columbia Gorge. It is Hike 17 in Hiking the Columbia River Gorge (second edition) by Russ Schneider and complements our 2006 paved-trail hike from Toothrock Trailhead to Cascade Locks by following the next western portion of Gorge Trail #400, from Toothrock/Bonneville (exit 40) to John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor Trailhead (exit 37). The hike is rated as easy with a moderate elevation gain to Elowah Falls. We will car pool from the Gateway Transit Center with two cars. Meet at the transit center at 9 a.m. We will car shuttle between exits 40 and 37. Lunch will be at the Multnomah Falls Restaurant. —Larry Sawyer Bridge Group meets May 8 The next meeting of the RAPS Bridge Group will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8; deadline for reserving a chair for the May 8 meeting was May 4. If you have questions about the group, please give me a call or send an email. My phone number is 503292-0838. Please note my new email address: colinkeld@gmail.com. —Colin Dunkeld May 17: ‘Escape from Nazi-Occupied Norway’ Our annual Ice Cream Social is Thursday, May 17, at 1:00 pm, in the Willamette Room at University Place, 310 SW Lincoln St. Our 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.” Escape involved a wintertime crossing of the North Sea to Scotland’s Shetland Islands in a small wooden boat. Leif will also talk about the Norwegian resistance. Leif is the husband of Marjorie Terdal, professor emerita of linguistics and RAPS president-elect. June 8: Willamette River cruise Mark your calendar for a special evening aboard Sternwheeler Rose with friends in RAPS, and meet new friends from the Friends of the Library. We sail from OMSI at 6:30 p.m. for two and a half hours on the Willamette. Boarding begins at 6:00 p.m. There is a barbecue chuck wagon buffet and a no-host bar. The Portland Rose Festival will be celebrating its centennial; the fleet will be in, as will several tall ships. Visit sternwheelerrose.comfor pictures and information about this vessel. RSVP is required. Costs are $42 per person or $80 per couple. Parking is at OMSI. Please complete the RSVP on the flyer. The boards of RAPS and FOL are interested in exploring shared ventures with other volunteer groups that support Portland State University. PSU organizations have varying missions and goals, but there are mutual interests as well—and being there for PSU is common to us all. August 10: Summer picnic Please hold August 10 for our annual RAPS Picnic, which will be in Portland’s Willamette Park. —Bob Tufts
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