THE RAPSSHEET SEPTEMBER 2007 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 Robert Tufts President Marjorie Terdal President-elect / Program Chair Bruce Stern Past President / Membership Chair Robert Vogelsang Treasurer / Regional Retirement Associates Ad Hoc Committee Chair Larry Sawyer Secretary Doug Swanson Editor Robert Pearson Webmaster Board Members-at-Large Roger Moseley Jan DeCarrico Charlene Levesque Committees Alumni Association Pat Squire Awards Committee Chair / Pictorial History Book Committee Chair Mary Brannan History Preservation Committee Chair Steve Brannan Membership Mary Brannan Social/Friendship Committee Co-Chairs Beryl and Vic Dahl Office Manager AmyValdez 503-725-3447 / raps@pdx.edu President’s message Opportunities abound to get your fingers in the pie with RAPS Iwish to welcome all new and continuing members to the coming year of RAPS speaker programs, socials, and tours. Recent retirees receive a year’s complimentary membership, and I’m confident many of them will find RAPS’ special groups—hiking, bridge, book discussion—to be of interest. Please visit our Web site, www.raps.pdx.edu, and read about the upcoming programs in RAPS Sheet. The new officers and members of your board include Marjorie Terdal, president-elect and program chair; Robert Vogelsang, treasurer; and Jeannette DeCarrico and Charlene Levesque, members-at-large. Larry Sawyer was re-elected secretary and Bruce Stern is past president. Doug Swanson continues as editor. Our new office manager is Amy Valdez, a second-year graduate student in the Master of Public Administration program. Amy has served in the Peace Corps and public agencies, and brings experience in coordination and events management. She has had a busy summer with us already. Your RAPS Board and members have had an active summer as well. First, RAPS is hosting September’s Fall Fest ’07 through the efforts and coordination of Robert (“Vogie”) Vogelsang, Regional Retirement Associations Committee chair. He has secured both former Oregon governor Barbara Roberts and interim PSU president Michael Reardon as speakers. Vogie has also secured, through the governor’s office, a position on the PSU presidential search committee for RAPS; our representative is Charlie White, professor emeritus of history. Second, in early July Alumni Relations informed me of its need to expand. Since then we have been working together, including holding a special board meeting, with many parties and principals, to provide a smooth transition and suitable new location. Marge Terdal has begun the year’s program series, as you can see on page 6 of this RAPS Sheet. This issue also marks the introduction of Past Tense, a regular feature that will offer readers vignettes and anecdotes from PSU’s past. It’s part of the History Preservation Committee’s efforts to keep alive PSU’s rich history. Past Tense appears on page 5. On a personal note, the University recently lost a dedicated friend and strong advocate in Debbie Murdock, assistant to the president, at age 52. I remember her integrity, and her demeanor and stature created a “presence” in meetings and functions. I look forward to this coming year, working with the board and for our membership. My thanks to Bruce for his guidance. —Bob Tufts, President
— 2 — Clockwise, from top left: Terri Cummings and Bob Lockerby; Vic Dahl; Beryl Dahl and Linda Smeltzer; Bruce and Sheila Stern; Mary Brannan, Richard Brinkman, and Jean Jennings. Willamette River cruise starts summer with a splash An evening of sightseeing and socializing—and lovely weather—was enjoyed by 55 members and guests from both RAPS and Friends of the Library on our June 8 river cruise. The river was busy with kayaks, dragon boats, cruise ships, two tall sailing ships, “pirates,” pleasure craft, sheriff and police patrols, and a small, speeding Coast Guard intercept vessel that conspicuously sported machine guns. As we sailed north, we were surrounded by two ”pirate“ ships that fired their cannon upon us, scaring the bejeebers out of our stalwart members and sending a huge smoke ring wafting across our bow. The pirates were two tall ships out of Grays Harbor, Washington: Lady Washingtonand Hawaiian Chieftain. They had come to join the Portland Rose Festival’s Centennial celebration that was in full swing that weekend. New manager takes office reins Amy Valdez is RAPS’s new office manager. Valdez is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration and specializing in global leadership and management at Portland State. She received her undergraduate degree in social work from University of Portland in 1998. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, she accepted a youth development worker position with the Peace Corps in the Eastern Caribbean. She served on the island of St. Lucia from 1998 to 2000. Valdez has worked with Portland and Hillsboro’s homeless, youth, and survivors of domestic violence. Most recently, she gained four years’ experience working as a program coordinator for a disability agency in the area of vocational services. She also possesses two years’ experience serving as treasurer/secretary for the National Rehabilitation Association-Idaho Chapter and was responsible for planning and organizing several statewide conferences and fundraisers. Valdez is the daughter of a retired English professor at Boise State University. RAPS welcomes new members Eric Bonn, Data Network Team Leader in Telecommunications; Staff Joann Contini, Director of Oregon Center for Career Development; Staff Carol Franks, Senior Instructor, English; Faculty William Greenfield, Chair, Graduate School of Education/Teaching; Faculty Chris Hertel, Trade/Maintenance Supervisor in Facilities; Staff Rebecca Robinson, Manager, Independent Studies; Faculty Cathleen Smith, Professor of Psychology; Faculty Chris Sparks, Assistant Manager in Parking, Transportation and Parking , Auxiliary Services; Staff Joan Strause, Professor, Graduate School of Education; Faculty Susan Tollen, Program Representative 1, Facilities and Planning; Staff Lisa Vuksich, Executive Assistant to the Dean, Graduate School of Social Work; Staff Gerald Webster, Professor of Music; Faculty Robert Westover, Professor Emeritus, Library; Faculty
— 3 — In memoriam: Gerald (Jerry) Leigh Penk, 1932-2007 Gerald L. Penk, professor emeritus, born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jan. 24, 1932, died in Portland on June 13, 2007, after a dermatomyositis illness. Professor Penk attended St. Paul public schools and the University of Minnesota, where he earned B.A. (1953) and M.A. (1954) degrees specializing in journalism, English, and education. During overseas service in a U.S. Army psychological warfare component (1954-1956), the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge awarded him the George Washington Honor Medal. Upon returning to civilian life in his home state, he enrolled in a journalism doctoral program, and went on to gain academic experience as a high school teacher (19561961) and assistant professor of journalism at Mankato State College (1961-1964). In 1964, Professor Penk joined the PSU faculty, heading a small but thriving journalism program until 1982 when it was disbanded due to financial exigency. He was then appointed as a writing instructor in the English Department, and was assigned as faculty adviser to two student publications—the Vanguard and the Portland Review—with additional responsibilities as executive secretary to PSU’s Publications Board. Professor Penk held these advisory positions until 1988 and continued to teach writing classes in the English Department until retirement in 1990. Students and faculty alike highly regarded his exemplary performance, thoroughgoing professionalism, and devotion to freedom of expression. The Publications Board lauded Professor Penk’s contributions to fostering a “climate of creativity and attention to content” that had prompted the nation’s largest college newspaper evaluation service to accord its highest rating to the Vanguard. His guidance occurred at a crucial time in the University’s development and laid the groundwork for a student newspaper to function apart from a journalism program while serving the institution’s educational mission. Professor Penk actively participated in several nationwide journalism education organizations, held Newspaper Fund and Radio Free Europe fellowships, and was a Danforth Foundation Associate. He actively engaged in community organizations and served as a member of the Metro Council for Multnomah County. A master gardener, he avidly raised food and ornamental plants on the family farm while participating in local and on-line gardening clubs, and presided as Worthy Master of the Sauvie Island Grange. A person with deep convictions and a strong sense of social responsibility, Professor Penk held several Lutheran Church offices, including the congregation presidency for Ascension and St. John’s Lutheran Churches. Friends and family members filled St. John’s Lutheran Church for a memorial service on June 23. A military honor guard conducted interment at Willamette National Cemetery. In 1953 he married Helen Pfenning, who survives him along with daughters Deborah Boyles and Ruth McCabe-Walsh; son, David; and six grandchildren. To them, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. In retirement Jerry and Helen actively participated in our organization. We are grateful for his dedicated service as presiding officer and editing this newsletter. On a personal note, I am very grateful and proud to have been associated with him. You may share your thoughts honoring Jerry at www.mem.com. Contributions to his memory may be made to a charity of your choice or sent to Helen Penk for establishing a PSU memorial scholarship. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History Volunteers needed for Fall Fest ‘07 Your help is needed to make Fall Fest ‘07 a success. Fall Fest, scheduled for Sept. 23-25 at PSU’s University Place facility, is a conference that fosters friendship and collegiality among university retirement associations. RAPS is hosting this year’s edition. Volunteers are needed to register and greet conference participants on the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 23, and the morning of Monday, Sept. 24. At least two—and preferably three—RAPS volunteers are needed each day. In addition, two to three volunteers are needed to greet conference participants at receptions on Sunday and Monday evenings. To volunteer, contact the RAPS office at 503-7253447 or raps@pdx.edu. The conference includes local tours, wine tasting, and a banquet. Conference keynoter will be Gov. Barbara Roberts. PSU’s interim president, Michael Reardon, is also scheduled to speak. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Dorothy Sermol, an intercultural expert, will speak on the early development of intercultural programs at Portland State.
In memoriam: Gabriel Bernhard Fedde, 1909-2007 Gabriel Bernhard Fedde, adjunct professor emeritus of history, born to Norwegian immigrant parents March 7, 1909, in Brooklyn, N.Y., died July 17, 2007. His lifetime featured humanitarian service, scholarly dedication, and excellence in two careers: practicing attorney and historian. Professor Fedde attended New York City public schools and in 1930 earned a history B.A. at Williams College. After an exchange fellowship at the University of Munich (1930-31), he attended Columbia University law school and in 1936 earned an LL.B. at the University of Oregon law school. In 1964 he completed a history M.A. at Oregon State University and published his thesis: “The Norwegian-Swedish Crisis of 1905.” In 1936 he launched a longtime law practice that would include appearances extending from lower level courts to the United States Supreme Court. A dedicated pacifist and humanitarian, he willingly applied his exceptional talents to unpopular cases, defending asylum-seekers and conscientious objectors to military service. Fluency in foreign languages— including German, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish—enabled him to serve clients in domestic and international litigation. After being drafted as a conscientious objector, Professor Fedde worked for the U.S. Forest Service from 1943 to 1945. At war’s end, he volunteered to serve (1946-47) as chief relief administrator for the British and American Friends Service Committees in the British occupation zone of Germany. For superlative humanitarian endeavors in feeding a half-million starving children, these organizations received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1947. In 1949-50 he served the Lutheran World Federation in Palestine as legal counsel. While concurrently practicing law, from 1956 to 1990 Bernard taught PSU courses in international and constitutional law, western civilization, United States history, and Scandinavian history. He conducted ongoing historical research, attended conferences, and presented findings on an international scale. Likewise, he actively participated in local organizations— including the Sons of Norway and the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation—that promoted related language and cultural activities in the Pacific Northwest. In 1977 King Olav V of Norway bestowed upon him Saint Olav’s Medal, an exemplary award for disseminating information about the home country and strengthening bonds with overseas expatriates. At a memorial service at Central Lutheran Church on July 17, representatives of four Scandinavian community organizations, the honorary vice consuls of Norway and Sweden, and two PSU colleagues reviewed his distinguished career and accomplishments. In 1957 Bernhard married a Norwegian citizen, Johanna Borrevik, who had recently been an exchange teacher in a Seattle public school. Since then she has regularly taught Norwegian language classes at PSU. Together they collaborated on academic cultural pursuits benefiting the local Scandinavian community and the University. To Johanna, RAPS members and history colleagues extend heartfelt condolences. We hope that she will continue to participate in our organization’s activities. Donations may be sent to the Fedde Fund, Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, 8800 Oleson Road, Portland OR 97223; to GLSF Bernhard & Johanna Scholarship, 111 NE 11th, Portland OR 97232; or Central Lutheran Church, 1820 NE 21st, Portland OR 97212. —Victor C. Dahl, Professor Emeritus of History — 4 —
Book Club drinks in ‘Water for Elephants’ The RAPS Book Group met throughout the summer and discussed some good “reads.” We began in June with Blue Latitudes by Tony Horowitz, which is a nonfiction book that retraces Capt. James Cook’s journeys in the 18th century. In July, we discussed Going to Bend by Dianne Hammond, a fictional account of life in a small lumber town in Oregon. Finally, in July, we met to talk about Standing Tall: The Lifeway of Kathryn Jones Harrison, an inspiring biography of a great leader of the Grand Ronde Indian tribes, written by Kristine Olson. We will meet at 1:30 p.m. on September 18 at the home of LaRay Barna, 17560 SE Walta Vista, Oak Grove. Contact her at barnal@pdx.edu or at 503-7869630 to RSVP and for directions. We will talk about Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, which is currently on the best sellers list. The book is described on the dust cover: An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of starcrossed lovers, set in the circus world circa 1932, by the bestselling author of Riding Lessons. When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her. Beautifully written, Water for Elephants is illuminated by a wonderful sense of time and place. It tells a story of a love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford. In October, we will discuss The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai, winner of the 2006 Man Booker Prize, and the selection for November is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. —Mary Brannan — 5 — When Portland State Extension Center moved into the former Lincoln High in 1952, it was a big step up. The Vanport Extension Center opened in 1946 and was wiped out in the 1948 Memorial Day Flood. Then the Center was shuffled off to the Oregon Shipyards in St. Johns before the move to Old Main, as the high school was rechristened. (It was later named Lincoln Hall.) Enrollment in 1952 was 1,357. Last fall 24,284 students were enrolled at Portland State, whose campus now has 47 buildings spread over 49 acres. Past Tense, which will feature stories of Portland State’s past, will be a regular feature of RAPS Sheet. To submit a story (or an idea for one), email the RAPS History Preservation Committee at raps@pdx.edu. Word count should not exceed 100. PAST TENSE: Old Main is PSU’s first stake in downtown Portland RAPS club reports RAPS Bridge Group shuffles on Sept. 11 With its next meeting, the current revival of the RAPS Bridge Group begins its fourth year. We have 16 regular members and meet on the afternoon of the second Tuesday of each month in a member’s home. Our next meeting will be at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 11, at the home of Irene Place at Willamette View. We welcome new and returning members. If you have questions about the group, please let me know. If you would like to play, please call or email me as soon as possible and no later than Friday, September 7. Call me at 503-292-0838 or email colinkeld@gmail.com. —Colin Dunkeld Hikers: All aboard for the tram hike on Sept. 28 The tram hike is scheduled for Friday, September 28. The hike will include a ride on the Portland Aerial Tram between the South Waterfront and OHSU, a hike to Council Crest and the zoo, a short Max ride, and a Portland Streetcar ride. Meet at the bottom tram station at 9:00 a.m. We have arranged for tram tickets with OHSU. Persons needing tram tickets are requested to confirm with Larry Sawyer by September 20 so he can make arrangements with OHSU provost Lesley Hallick for continued on page 6 Lincoln Hall ca. 1955 / Courtesy PSU archives
Photo by Larry Sawyer the passes. We will eat at a restaurant near the lower tram station after the hike. Although the regular hikers were busy with other activities this summer, we were able to complete two hikes with a small number of participants. After the June tram hike was postponed because three of the regular hikers were in Europe and one had just returned from Russia, we got back in step in July when we hiked to the top of Neahkani Mountain. Some hikers stayed overnight at Leif and Marge Terdal’s beach cabin, and they hiked with another group the following day. In August, we hiked 3.3 miles up the Columbia Gorge Eagle Creek trail. On October 26 we will hike in Ape Caves on Mount St. Helens and enjoy a sack lunch at the Lava Cast Forest picnic area. More information on this hike will be in the October RAPS Sheet. For confirmations and more information, contact Larry Sawyer at 503-771-1616 or larry_sawyer@ comcast.net. —Larry Sawyer Club reports: Hikers . . . from page 5 Leif Terdal scans the coastline during the Neahkani hike in July. All RAPS members and guests are invited to join a guided tour of the Leach Botanical Garden on Thursday, September 20. The tour will begin at 10:30 a.m., but please arrive at the front gate by 10:15. This 16-acre garden is the city of Portland’s only publicly owned botanical garden. On the tour you will see one of the largest collections of native and non-native plants in the region, learn about the history of the garden, and observe how plants have adapted to climate variations. As you walk along the many trails that meander through the garden, you will see towering fir trees, lush shrubbery and beautiful wildflowers. To join this tour, call the RAPS office, 503-7253447, or email raps@pdx.edu, or mail in the form you received in mid-August. The garden needs to know the approximate number to schedule guides. If enough people sign up, we will have two guides. One guide can follow a slower pace along a more gentle trail with fewer steps for those who prefer that. Lunch at a local restaurant is possible, as is carpooling. Please call or email Marge Terdal, 503-2445714 or terdalm@pdx.edu, if you would like to join a group for lunch after the garden tour, and/or if you would like to carpool to the garden. It is located 20 minutes southeast of downtown Portland. Follow SE Powell Blvd or I-205 to Foster Road. Follow Foster east to 122nd Avenue and turn south. Continue 1/8mile to the garden entrance at Johnson Creek. Parking is just across the bridge. A donation of $2 per person is expected for group tours. The annual summer picnic at Willamette Park on August 16 once again proved a popular gathering for about 50 RAPS members and guests. At a brief meeting, President Bob Tufts introduced board members. Marge Terdal, president-elect, summarized activities planned for the coming months. Everyone expressed appreciation to Vic and Beryl Dahl, who organized the gathering and supplied the turkey. RAPS members were able to get two free tickets for the Vikings football game on Saturday, September 8, at PGE Park. This provided an opportunity to welcome the Vikings’ new coach, Jerry Glanville, and cheer on Vikings as they played UC Davis. Scott Herrin, assistant athletic director, provided the tickets. Leach Garden tour starts off RAPS fall activities calendar Mark your calendars Thursday, September 20, 10:30 a.m. Tour of Leach Botanical Garden Thursday, October 18, 1:00 p.m. Kilong Ung, “An American Journey: From the Khmer Rouge’s Killing Fields to the Royal Rosaria” Thursday, November 15, 1:00 p.m. Pah Chen, “Hydrogen Economy—Real or Hype?” Tuesday, December 18, evening Christmas dinner at Multnomah Athletic Club
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