Viking_Yearbook_52

T HE director of an institution such as Vanport must be a man of many capacities and untiring energy. Such a man is Dr. Epler. Since his discharge from the Navy late in 1945, Dr. Epler has played a guiding part in Vanport's establishment and growth. As veteran counselor in the General Extension Division of the State System of Higher Education shortly after his discharge, Dr. Epler vis­ ualized the use of the vacant Vanport City housing and community center facilities to alleviate the serious overcrowding of veterans in the other state colleges. Within a few short months his plan was in action and he was made director of the new Vanport Extension Center. Although threatened by extinction both from floods and indifferent legislatures, Dr. Epler has led Vanport to a position of guaranteed per­ manence. This guarantee has been both in the form of a legislative act and wide public acceptance. In spite of his heavy schedule as director of Vanport, Dr. Epler has found time to participate in many outside activities. He is chairman of the Portland Commission on Intergroup Relations. He is on the Portland Y.M.C.A. board, and is chairman of the National Six-Man Football Committee (a game which he originated). In his work at Vanport, Dr. Epler has worked closely with students and faculty to develop a smoothly-running organization and a strong feeling of unity. Next year, as director of the day program of Portland State College, Dr. Epler will find many dreams fulfilled; but for him it will be only the beginning of an even more adequate educational program for Portland and the State of Oregon.