5 In memoriam: Harold Christen Jorgensen, 1928-2011 arold C. “Hal” Jorgensen, Emeritus Professor of Education, was born Aug. 23, 1928 in Malott, WA and died Nov. 7, 2011 in Spokane. After high school graduation Hal served in the United States Air Force until 1950. He enrolled in Eastern Washington University, earning bachelor’s (1954) and master’s (1956) degrees in education. He pursued graduate studies at Oregon State University, Hal Jorgensen completing MS and EdD degrees in 1961 and 1966, respectively. Professor Jorgensen launched his distinguished educator’s career with elementary classroom teaching (1954-56) at Fairchild Air Force Base, WN. Subsequent high school science instructional assignments at Medical Lake (1956-57) and Seattle (1957-59) broadened his experience. During graduate studies, he held year-long classroom appointments at a Corvallis public school and at OSU. From 1962 until 1967 Hal was an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, instructing science teacher candidates in the Faculty of Education. In 1967 he joined the PSU School of Education as an assistant professor with primary responsibility for developing its Elementary Science Education Program. He taught science methods courses along with improving the science education curriculum through employing current research to prepare competent teachers. Hal’s willing and innovative service coincided with the institution’s expansion of the metropolitan area’s graduate education opportunities. He played a significant role in developing the school’s master’s degree program, growing science education and allied components, and training large numbers of science teachers for Northwest classrooms. In the early 1970s, Professor Jorgensen directed the School’s Environmental Education Center, a first for Oregon higher education. During the next decade, he developed the School’s initial computer education course and spearheaded formation of the microcomputer laboratory. Later, he initiated and managed the Student Advisement Center. At various times Hal fulfilled important ad hoc departmental and school administrative roles. Colleagues came to rely heavily upon his professional expertise and through constitutional committee assignments he became well known across the university. Hal married Joan Fergen and this very active couple at various times operated a hazelnut orchard, a candy enterprise, and a bed-and-breakfast business. Hal and Joan enthusiastically participated in international travel, winemaking, salmon fishing and the American Field Service international high school student exchange program. Failing health prompted the Jorgensens to move to Spokane in 2008 to live near family members. Joan died Dec. 11, 2011 -- less than a month after Hal’s passing -- of Alzheimer’s disease. Their daughter Patricia and Hal’s sister, Genon, survive them. Our organization sends its heartfelt condolences to the family. For his exemplary service, the University owes Hal a deep debt of gratitude. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. --Victor C. Dahl, Emeritus Professor of History, and Steve Brannan, Emeritus Professor of Education Nominations sought for staff, faculty standouts he RAPS Awards Committee is seeking nominations for the Outstanding Retired Faculty and Staff Awards. The awards will be presented at the annual President’s Luncheon to be held Thursday, April 12, at University Place. Awards recipients are selected based on their achievements since retirement in at least three of the following categories: Service to the community Service to the University Professional/career achievements Service to RAPS Both members and non-members of RAPS are eligible. Nominations will also be accepted for special awards to persons who excel in a single category. Deadline for receipt of nominations is Thursday, March 15, 2012. Forms may be obtained by calling Maya Burton, RAPS Office Manager, at 503-725-3447 or emailing raps@pdx.edu. For questions, please email Larry Sawyer at larry_sawyer@comcast.net or call him at 503-771-6161. H T
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