6 In memoriam: Judah Bierman, 1917 - 2012 meritus Professor of English Judah “Jud” Bierman, born Feb. 4, 1917 in Brooklyn, NY, died March19 at the Jewish Home for the Aging in Reseda, CA. He attended the University of Washington (1935-42), earning a bachelor’s degree in English (1939). After wartime aircraft industry employment and merchant marine service, he began graduate studies in American and English literature at UCLA in 1945, completing a doctoral degree in 1951. Professor Bierman took an appointment in early 1950 at Portland’s Vanport Extension Center. With characteristic energy and enthusiasm, he thrust himself into the processes of initiating instructional programs and framing academic governance for the new but skimpily supported pioneering educational institution. In addition to fulfilling demanding teaching assignments in the Center’s formative years, Jud served variously as faculty adviser to the student newspaper and member of several committees. Throughout his tenure he regularly participated as an elected or appointed member of campus-wide academic governance committees, notably the Faculty Senate and the President’s Advisory Council. His academic career paralleled the institution’s growth and eventual relocation to the Park Blocks and its development into full-fledged collegiate status as Portland State College (1955), finally becoming Portland State University (1967). In 1967 Professor Bierman participated in the development of an experimental interdisciplinary undergraduate scholastic unit that eventually became the highly acclaimed University Scholars Honors Program. He taught popular literature classes that attracted large enrollments. His major research interest focused on utopia studies which he infused into his instructional undertakings. With departmental colleagues Stanley Johnson and James Hart, he co-authored three textbooks for undergraduate instruction in language and drama courses. Various granting agencies supported Professor Bierman’s scholarly undertakings, including the Folger Library Fellowship program, the E.C. Brown Trust, Weyerhauser Foundation, and the Fund for the Republic. In 1966 he was one of 30 recipients of the legislatively mandated Mosser Undergraduate Teaching Award. Professor Bierman’s lifelong devotion to defending self expression rights prompted his involvement in founding the Oregon chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union in 1956 and serving as its first president. He did not shrink from publicly opposing intrusions on personal freedom. Jud enjoyed a wide friendship circle among his university colleagues. Avocations featured gardening, long walks, and competitive tennis. For a half century, he regularly engaged in a monthly poker game, often accompanied by a good cigar. In 1948 he married Judah Bierman Marjorie Hain; their 25-year union produced son Michael (Susie) and daughter Judy (Chris Byrne) and four grandchildren. From 1973 to 1982, Jud was married to Irene Snyder. To these surviving family members and Judah’s sister, Bea Collins, our organization sends its heartfelt sympathy. Memorial remembrances may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon, PO Box 40585, Portland OR 97240-0586. For his lifetime of contributions to this institution, we owe Professor Bierman a heavy debt of gratitude. He left an indelible impression on every activity in which he was engaged. --Victor C. Dahl, Emeritus Professor of History RAPS club reports . . . cont. from page 4 Hiking Group heads to Silver Falls The RAPS Hikers take to the canyon trail in Silver Falls State Park for their Friday, May 11th hike. Thanks to abundant spring rains, we should see lots of water over the falls along the canyon trail. We will assemble at 9:00 am on the roof of PSU Parking Structure I (between SW Harrison and Hall Streets) to carpool. Drivers without faculty parking permits should expect to drive. We will take two cars as we intend to car shuttle on the hike. Both cars will need an Oregon State Parks permit which can be purchased at the park. Bring a sack lunch. RSVP to Larry Sawyer at 503-771-1616 or larry_sawyer@comcast.net Thursday, May 10. --Larry Sawyer E
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc4NTAz