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News - 2016

December

Susan Stillwell

University of Portland’s Susan Stillwell joins American Health Council Nursing Board

Nursing

December 13, 2016

University of Portland associate nursing dean Susan Stillwell has been selected to join the Nursing Board at the American Health Council.

Shiley School of Engineering develops engineering high school course

Engineering

December 13, 2016

Shiley School of Engineering professor Shazib Vijlee is working to develop a one-semester pre-engineering course for seniors from De La Salle North Catholic High School who are interested in pursing engineering careers.

pilots team

University of Portland Tops 2016 WCC Commissioner’s Cup Standings

Athletics

December 13, 2016

The University of Portland sits atop the West Coast Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings after a historic fall season on The Bluff.

Campus aerial photo from 2016

University of Portland students win undergraduate awards, study abroad scholarships

Environmental Studies

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

Study Abroad

College of Arts and Sciences

December 13, 2016

Four University of Portland College of Arts and Sciences students have won national and international awards recently.

School of Nursing announces creation of Alumni Steering Committee

Nursing

December 12, 2016

The School of Nursing is proud to announce the creation of the Alumni Steering Committee. The group, comprised of 10 members, aims to connect nursing alumni back to the University, support new nursing graduates, and give back to the local community.

Fr. Ronald Wasowski C.S.C.

Fr. Ronald Wasowski, C.S.C., beloved member of the University of Portland community since 1998, passes away on December 5 (story updated with Funeral Mass information)

Environmental Studies

December 9, 2016

The University of Portland lost a dear friend and colleague when Fr. Ronald Wasowski, C.S.C. passed away unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack or stroke on Monday evening, December 5.

Shiley School of Engineering students compete in local competitions

Engineering

December 6, 2016

The Shiley School of Engineering recently sent student teams to compete in the 2016 Pacific NW Regional Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Programming contest as well as the William C. Kloos Traffic Bowl this past month.

Alumni profile: Mark Pillers ’83, ’86

Engineering

December 5, 2016

Alumnus Mark Pillers ’83, ’86 never imagined he would spend the better part of his successful engineering career, going on 35 years, in the “frigid Midwest.” The University of Portland graduate (B.Sc. ME 1983, M.Sc.ME 1986) is the Vice President for Cab Sales and Marketing at Crenlo, Inc., in Rochester, Minnesota, a company best known for designing and manufacturing industrial and agricultural vehicle cabs for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) clients such as Caterpillar and John Deere.

November

Shiley School of Engineering students awarded local scholarships

Engineering

November 30, 2016

Senior civil engineering majors Antonia Molina and Jacob Whitfield each received a 2016 Douglas P. Daniels/Coral Sales Company Scholarship.

Shiley School of Engineering professor Mehmet Inan interviewed about Japan earthquake

Engineering

November 22, 2016

Civil engineering professor Mehmet Inan was interviewed by KOIN channel 6 about the earthquake in Fukushima, Japan on Monday, Nov. 21.

Rhodes Scholar finalist Parkes Kendrick '17

Scholar-athlete Parkes Kendrick '17 selected as finalist for Rhodes Scholarship

College of Arts and Sciences

Mathematics

Awards and Rankings

Athletics

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

November 18, 2016

University of Portland senior Parkes Kendrick has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. If successful, Kendrick will become the first University of Portland student to be named a Rhodes Scholar.

UP students win top honors at Sigma Xi Student Research Symposium

Environmental Studies

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

November 14, 2016

Two University of Portland science students brought home the top two awards in the Earth & Environmental Sciences category at the Sigma Xi Student Research Symposium Nov. 4.

School of Nursing to add new master's programs

Nursing

November 14, 2016

The School of Nursing will add two new master's programs: a master’s of science in innovation in health systems and a master’s of science in quality and safety in health systems. Both master’s programs, which will begin during the Fall 2017 semester, can be completed in five semesters, including one summer session, with online courses and several on-campus immersion sessions.

ROTC cadets at Veterans Day ceremony

University of Portland hosts Veterans Day 24-hour vigil and commemoration ceremony on Friday, November 11

November 8, 2016

The Praying Hands/Broken Wall Memorial on the University of Portland campus is the site of the 2016 Veterans Day ceremony, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.

UP alumna Monica Enand ’05, MBA receives Entrepreneurial Achievement Award

Alumni

Business

November 7, 2016

UP alumna Monica Enand ’05, MBA in finance, received the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award during the Oregon Entrepreneurial Network's 2016 Tom Holce Entrepreneurship Awards on October 26. Enand was one of 20 finalists chosen from 141 nominees.

Eric Daniel Arakawa '02 receives professional achievement award

Alumni

Engineering

November 7, 2016

Eric Daniel Arakawa '02 has been presented with the 2016 Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award for Professional Achievement.

Dan Wieden

University of Portland to host Bauccio Lecture Series speaker Dan Wieden, Wed., Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

Franz Center

November 4, 2016

The University of Portland and the Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation will welcome Dan Wieden, co-founder & chairman of Wieden+Kennedy, on Wednesday, November 16 at 7 p.m. in the Bauccio Commons on campus.

Stempel family

Alumnae profile: Mary '78 and Katie '15 Stempel

Nursing

November 1, 2016

For mother/daughter pair, Mary and Katie Stempel, the University of Portland is more than just a university; it’s where they both found their passion for helping others. Not only did Mary ’78 and Katie ’15 both graduate from UP’s School of Nursing, they happen to both work in women’s services and volunteer their time with the organization Faith in Practice.

October

Portland women win the team and individual WCC Championship titles, while men take second

Athletics

October 28, 2016

The eighth-ranked Portland women's team won the 2016 West Coast Conference Cross Country Championship on Friday, while junior Lauren LaRocco ran away from the field to win the individual title at Mission Bay Park. The No. 12 Portland men also had a solid showing at the WCC's, finishing second only to No. 4 BYU.

Fr. Richard Berg, CSC

Fr. Richard Berg, CSC's "Scars" adapted into stage play, premieres January 24

Development

October 27, 2016

After interviewing a group of nine active duty military veterans undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, Fr. Richard Berg, CSC wrote a fictional story incorporating the soldiers’ stories and his own research. The resulting novel, Scars, was published by Corby Books, Lakeville, Ind., in 2013. The book has converted to a stage play by scriptwriter Roccie Hill and producer John Beaulieu and will be premiered on January 24, 2017, at 7 p.m., during the Fertile Ground Festival, held January 19-29 at Lakewood Center for the Arts in Lake Oswego, Ore.

Dr. James Covert

Dr. James Covert, UP professor emeritus in history, passes away

College of Arts and Sciences

History

Alumni

October 18, 2016

James Thayne Covert, Ph.D., professor emeritus in history at the University of Portland, died at his home on Thursday, October 13, of complications from a stroke. He was 84 years old.

Michael Williamson '18

Michael Williamson '18 competes at University Start Up World Cup

Business

Franz Center

October 18, 2016

University of Portland senior finance major Michael Williamson was awarded runner up in his category for his business venture, Sentri Performance, at the finals of the University Start-Up World Cup, held Friday, October 7, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Shiley School of Engineering students

Shiley School of Engineering continues to surge in Northwest

Engineering

October 11, 2016

The University of Portland's Shiley School rises in prominence among schools of engineering as it builds a reputation for drawing women and underrepresented minorities.

2016 Service Plunge at Peninsula School

University of Portland listed on annual President's Service Honor Roll for 8th Year

Moreau Center

Awards and Rankings

October 11, 2016

The Corporation for National and Community Service has announced the 2015 award winners for the annual President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, and the University of Portland has been named once again.

Circle of four women cross country runners

Women’s cross country ranked no. 5 nationally

Athletics

October 5, 2016

The Pilot women's cross country team notches its highest national ranking in program history.

Taylor Zehren '16 awarded Fulbright to Argentina, brings student Fulbright total to seven for 2016

Awards and Rankings

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

October 3, 2016

Taylor Zehren '16 was awarded UP's first student Fulbright to Argentina. He is the seventh UP student to accept a Fulbright award for 2016-2017.

Shiley School of Engineering hosts Summer Project Showcase

Engineering

October 3, 2016

The Shiley School of Engineering held a Summer Project Showcase in September to highlight industry-based research projects completed by students.

Illustration of University of Portland athletic P logo.

Pilot Student Athletes Excel in the Classroom

Athletics

October 1, 2016

Pilot student athletes demonstrate academic excellence, with 39% of all Pilot athletes earning Dean's List recognition in the fall of 2016, with representatives from every UP athletic team.

September

Photo of engineering students presenting their research project.

Shiley School of Engineering research team completes innovative ecoroof project

Engineering

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

September 28, 2016

Cara Poor, civil engineering professor, and her team of two students recently finished their project “Sustainability of Ecoroofs: An Evaluation of Runoff Water Quality from Ecoroofs in the Portland Area.”

University of Portland ranked 7th in the West

University of Portland ranked 7th in the West by 2017 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings

Engineering

Education

Nursing

Business

Awards and Rankings

September 12, 2016

For the 22nd consecutive year, the University of Portland has received a top-ten ranking by U.S. News & World Report, which today released its 2017 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The University is 7th out of 124 institutions listed in the “Regional Universities – West” classification.

2016 Zahm Lecture features Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF on "Cosmology, Catholicity, and Consciousness: Why Wholeness Matters"

Garaventa Center

September 12, 2016

The 2016 Zahm Lecture in American Catholic Education will take place on Thursday, September 22, at 7:15 p.m., in Buckley Center Auditorium. Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, a Franciscan Sister and American theologian specializing in the area of science and religion, will present “Cosmology, Catholicity and Consciousness: Why Wholeness Matters” on Thursday, September 22, at 7:15 p.m., in Buckley Center Auditorium. The Zahm Lecture is free and open to all.

Kyle E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship receives new $1.5 million pledge

Development

Alumni

September 12, 2016

The family of the late Kyle E. Johnson ’05 has expanded their bequest to a memorial scholarship named in his honor. Keith Johnson and his wife informed the University of an additional gift of approximately $1.5 million to the Kyle E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship. The funds will be held in trust and will transfer to the University as part of Keith Johnson’s estate.

2 nursing students and a professor talking in Nursing Sim Lab

University of Portland School of Nursing ranked no. 4 in the West

Nursing

Awards and Rankings

September 8, 2016

UP nursing program ranked no. 4 in the West, no. 46 in US by NursingSchoolsAlmanac.

August

Students attending class at UP

University of Portland Welcomes Class of 2020: second-largest and among most diverse and academically gifted classes in school history

Admissions

September 12, 2016

University of Portland welcomed the Class of 2020 as freshmen moved into the dorms on Thursday, August 25. It is among the largest, most diverse and academically gifted classes in school history.

Donald T. Galarneau '49

University of Portland alumnus and longtime benefactor Donald T. Galarneau ’49 passes away

Alumni

Physics

Engineering

Development

August 29, 2016

University of Portland alumnus and longtime benefactor Donald T. Galarneau ’49 passed away on Saturday, August 20 after a sudden illness. A Portland native, Don generously gave the University $1.5 million during his lifetime, including matching gifts from General Electric (GE), for whom he worked his entire career.  

female student in hair net holding two bags of fruit

Over 150 University of Portland students volunteer at schools, parks and non-profits across the city as part of public service project, August 23-24

Moreau Center

August 23, 2016

More than 150 students volunteer at 11 local Portland service agencies as part of University of Portland Moreau Center's annual Service Plunge.

Jennifer Snow Mayo

University of Portland graduate Jennifer Snow Mayo named 2016-2017 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow

Education

August 15, 2016

Jennifer Snow Mayo, a 2016 graduate of the University of Portland’s School of Education doctorate program, was recently named a 2016-2017 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow. Mayo is one of 13 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers chosen from throughout the nation to receive the esteemed fellowship.

Robert W. Franz

Robert W. (Bob) Franz, member of the University of Portland’s Board of Regents and long-time donor to the University, passes away on August 9

Development

Alumni

August 12, 2016

Robert W. Franz, longtime regent, friend, and donor leaves his legacy as philanthropist for Franz Hall, Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Franz Chair in Entrepreneurship.

July

Matthew Rygg named associate vice president for student affairs

Student Affairs

July 27, 2016

Matthew Rygg joins UP as associate director for student affairs, overseeing residence life, student activities, the Moreau Center and Career Center.

Engineering student working with device and computer

University of Portland ranks no. 18 in “Top 21 STEM Colleges of 2016” by Forbes.com

Mathematics

Biology

Engineering

Physics

Awards and Rankings

Chemistry

July 26, 2016

UP ranks no. 18 in Forbes.com's list of top STEM schools.

Aerial view of campus

University of Portland named best Oregon college for value by MONEY Magazine's annual Best Colleges 2016-2017

Awards and Rankings

July 12, 2016

The University of Portland has been named the best college in Oregon for value in a ranking released today by MONEY Magazine, a Time Inc. publication. MONEY’s annual Best Colleges rankings and search tools are designed to help families find a great college at a great price.

June

University of Portland alumnus Riley Clark wins Northwest Emmy Award

Alumni

Athletics

June 24, 2016

Riley Clark ’16 won a Northwest Emmy Award for his video, “University of Portland Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Raises Money for St. Baldrick's Foundation.”

Earle M. Chiles

Businessman and philanthropist Earle M. Chiles, member of the University of Portland Board of Regents, passes away at age 83

Development

Athletics

June 24, 2016

Portland businessman and philanthropist Earle M. Chiles passed away on Thursday, June 23 after a long illness. He was 83. Chiles was a longtime supporter of the University of Portland and had been a member of the University’s Board of Regents since 1975.

Portland Pilots receive All-American honors at track & field national championship

Athletics

June 16, 2016

Reid Buchanan, Woody Kincaid and Lauren LaRocco win All-American honors at NCAA track & field championships.

Xan Arch named new dean of University of Portland’s Clark Library

Library

June 10, 2016

Xan Arch joins University of Portland as dean of the Clark Library, replacing Drew Harrington who retired after 10 years at UP.

Alumnus Mike Merzenich ’64 awarded prestigious neuroscience award by the Norwegian Academy of Science

Alumni

Education

June 10, 2016

University of Portland alumnus Mike Merzenich ’64 has been awarded the 2016 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience by the Norwegian Academy of Science for his work in documenting the fundamental plasticity of the human brain.

May

University of Portland alumni awarded teaching assistantships in France

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

Awards and Rankings

International Languages and Cultures

May 16, 2016

Kealey Johnson '16 and Douglas Blair '15 were awarded French Teaching Assistantships by the French Ministry of Education

Allen and Kathleen Lund honor family, faith and formation with a new gift to the University

Residence Life

Development

May 6, 2016

A new gift commitment from Allen and Kathleen Lund brings their lifetime commitment to the University of Portland to $10 million. In recognition, the new residence hall will be named Lund Family Hall.

University of Portland alumnus Dennis Hartmann '71 elected to U.S. National Academy of Sciences

Alumni

Engineering

May 4, 2016

Dennnis L. Hartmann, a 1971 graduate of the University of Portland's mechanical engineering program and a professor of atmospheric sciences at University of Washington, is one of 84 new members and 21 foreign associates elected as a fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

April

Over 1000 graduates to participate in 2016 University of Portland Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 1

Commencement

April 29, 2016

Tim Boyle and Fedele Bauccio will give Commencement addresses; Allen and Kathleen Lund will receive the Christus Magister medal; and honorary doctorates will be presented to Eleanor Blum,Rev. Robert S. Pelton, C.S.C., Cathy Rush, Steve Shepard, and Ron Thomas.

Political science professor Lauretta Frederking appointed associate provost of University of Portland

April 28, 2016

Lauretta Frederking has been named associate provost effective July 2, 2016. She will work in the areas of Title IX, faculty contracts and support, special projects, and summer school administration while serving on the Dean’s Council and the President’s Leadership Cabinet.

Six University of Portland students and one alumnus awarded prestigious 2016 Fulbright grants to work and study abroad

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

Awards and Rankings

April 28, 2016

Seven Fulbright finalists have been awarded English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs) in Germany, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, and Turkey.

Sentri Performance and Pro Social take top honors at the University of Portland’s 2016 $100K Challenge Venture Competition

Franz Center

April 28, 2016

Sentri Performance wins the for-profit venture competition with an innovative outdoor hoodie and Pro Social wins the social enterprise category for its focus on connecting non-profits with potential volunteers via social media.

University of Portland’s School of Nursing takes pledge on opioid education in national effort to combat prescription drug and opioid abuse

Nursing

April 27, 2016

As part of academic nursing’s ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug and opioid abuse across the United States, the University of Portland’s School of Nursing is proud to announce that it has committed to educating its advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. The commitment was featured in a White House fact sheet today as part of the White House Champions of Change event on Advancing Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.

University of Portland student newspaper, The Beacon, amasses awards, student internships

Student Affairs

Awards and Rankings

Student Activities

April 22, 2016

The University of Portland’s student-run weekly newspaper, The Beacon, has won four regional Mark of Excellence Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and advances to the national competition in the following categories: General News Reporting, In-Depth Reporting, Online Sports Reporting, and Photo Illustration.

March

University of Portland’s Bonnie Parks receives 2016 Ulrich’s Serials Librarianship Award

Awards and Rankings

Library

March 8, 2016

Collections technology librarian Bonnie Parks has been named the 2016 recipient of the Ulrich’s Serials Librarianship Award for her distinguished contributions to serials librarianship. The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services division of the American Library Association makes the award each year to a leader in the field.

February

University of Portland announces 2016 Commencement speakers and honorees

Commencement

February 26, 2016

Allen and Kathleen Lund head the list of honors at the 2016 Commencement ceremonies. The Lunds will receive the University's highest honor, the Christus Magister Medal.

University of Portland is a national top producer of Fulbright students and faculty

English

Awards and Rankings

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

Sociology

February 23, 2016

University of Portland ranks fourth among peer institutions for number of student Fulbrights and ties for second among peers for faculty Fulbrights.

Gift from University of Portland engineering alumnus establishes Richard and Diane VanGrunsven Professor of Engineering

Engineering

Development

February 23, 2016

University of Portland has received a gift from engineering alumnus Dick VanGrunsven '61, for $30,000 to establish a new term professorship in the Shiley School of Engineering. Over the three-year term of the project, mechanical engineering professor Timothy Doughty will have the title “The Richard and Diane VanGrunsven Professor of Engineering.”

University of Portland hosts National Association of Teachers of Singing Classical Auditions; sends 7 UP students to regional finals

February 5, 2016

Some 160 high school and college students competed in the regional competition. Seven UP students qualified for the regional finals, including three students who placed first.

UP ranked top university in Oregon in Kiplinger’s “Best College Values: Private Universities” 2015-16

Awards and Rankings

February 1, 2016

For the sixth consecutive year, University of Portland was the top Oregon school in Kiplinger's Personal Finance annual ranking of best values in its private universities category. University of Portland was ranked 51st nationwide among all private universities, up from 65th in 2014-2015.

January

University of Portland Nursing Professor Amber Vermeesch selected for National Faculty Policy Intensive Program

Nursing

January 15, 2016

Nursing professor Amber Vermeesch has been selected as one of eight participants from around the nation for the 2016 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Faculty Policy Intensive program. She will also be recognized as an AACN Faculty Policy Fellow.

University of Portland receives three grants totaling $45,000 from The Alliance to fund collaborative undergraduate research in environmental and sustainability issues

Engineering

January 11, 2016

University of Portland Shiley School of Engineering has received three separate grants totaling $45,000 for undergraduate student research projects dealing with environmental and sustainability issues. The research involves collaboration with other schools and organizations, and each project is funded by a $15,000 grant from the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities (The Alliance) and the Katherine Bisbee II Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.

Feast of Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., to be celebrated on Jan. 20; Karen Eifler, co-director of Garaventa Center, to receive Spirit of Holy Cross Award

Awards and Rankings

Campus Ministry

Garaventa Center

January 9, 2016

Karen Eifler, co-director of the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture will receive the Spirit of Holy Cross Award for her contributions to the work of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

University of Portland accounting students place second in national competition, held in Durham, North Carolina

Business

Awards and Rankings

January 7, 2016

Isaac Mansuetti, Lance Chee and Connor Ward finished second in the 2015 AICPA Accounting Competition, held recently in Durham, North Carolina. The UP students’ finish earned a $3,000 award for the University and a $10,000 award to be split among team members.