— 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.
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