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News - February 2020

photo of Franz Hall

University of Portland Public Research Fellows Program secures grants inspired by Centennial of Women’s Suffrage

College of Arts and Sciences

February 28, 2020

The University of Portland’s inaugural Public Research Fellows Program has landed three external grants to support public humanities undergraduate research projects inspired by this year’s 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

Badge says Peace Corps Top Colleges 2020

University of Portland ranked 7th nationally for Peace Corps volunteers among peers

Awards and Rankings

February 26, 2020

University of Portland is ranked 7th nationally among peer institutions as a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers according to a study released by the Peace Corps. UP currently has 12 alumni serving around the world.

portrait of University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., Discusses Institution’s Solid Footing and Highlights Bright Future

President

February 25, 2020

Against a backdrop of struggles at private colleges and universities in Oregon and around the country, leadership at the University of Portland (UP) is sharing an optimistic picture. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., spoke in upbeat terms about the current state and future of UP during his President’s Biennial Address to more than 300 supporters, alumni and guests at the Sentinel Hotel earlier today.

Sunset in Olympic National Park

Home and Free: A photographer facing homelessness teaches a city writer to see nature in a new way

Portland Magazine

February 21, 2020

A week in Olympic National Park teaches writer Rosette Royale to see the world through a new lens.

Rob Justus

Rob Justus '87 transforms lives building affordable housing

Alumni

Portland Magazine

February 21, 2020

Rob Justus ’87 has a track record of building Portland-area housing—512 units and counting—for individuals on a fixed income. He’s just getting started.

portrait of Martin Cenek

Faculty Profile: Martin Cenek

Engineering

February 21, 2020

Martin Cenek, associate professor of computer science, loves to solve problems. With a background in machine learning and complex systems, Cenek is solving problems with his students in the Shiley School of Engineering.

portrait of Tara Prestholdt

True Mentor: UP Biology professor Tara Prestholdt

Portland Magazine

Biology

February 21, 2020

UP biology professor Tara Prestholdt won the 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award from the Association of College and University Biology Educators (ACUBE). The award is offered annually to honor faculty who practice and promote effective, innovative teaching in the biology classroom.

Dorothy Day

James Madison professor Linda Plitt Donaldson offers lessons on ending homelessness by following in the footsteps of Dorothy Day

Portland Magazine

Garaventa Center

February 19, 2020

Linda Plitt Donaldson, associate dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies at James Madison University, came to University of Portland to speak about Catholic social justice icon Dorothy Day and the lessons we can still learn from her today. Donaldson also walked through the root cause of homelessness—the lack of affordable housing in this country—and the ways in which the “housing first” model—namely, getting people into secure housing and then tackling any other potential health issues second—is backed by evidence and research.

Michael Meek in timeout circle with players

Meet Michael Meek: New women's basketball coach has big plans for the team

Athletics

Portland Magazine

February 17, 2020

Michael Meek took over the Pilot women's basketball program in April 2019. His goal: create a positive experience for his players. And win games along the way.

University of Portland Grotto at night

New Light: Grotto opens at the Marian Garden

Portland Magazine

Campus Ministry

February 16, 2020

University of Portland dedicated a new Grotto at the Marian Garden on November 24. The work of Portland-area sculptors Mike Suri and Scott Foster, the Grotto offers a dedicated place for the University community to light a candle for a prayer or intention.

Kay Toran, Kelly Fox, and Emily Harrington outside the Blanchet House

The clinic the house built: Alumnae Emily Harrington, Kay Toran, and Kelly Fox work to add nursing services at the Blanchet House

Nursing

Alumni

Portland Magazine

February 16, 2020

The Blanchet House has a long history with the University of Portland. Three alumnae--nursing professor Kelly Fox '90, Volunteers of America Oregon president and CEO Kay Toran '64, and nurse practitioner Emily Harrington '03, '06--are working to strengthen that relationship with the soon-to-open Harrington Health Clinic--a nurse-led clinic staffed with UP nursing students.

three nursing students taking notes

Bedside with Mr. Lopez

Nursing

Portland Magazine

February 15, 2020

Fully equipped hospital rooms and live actor "standardized patients" are part of University of Portland School of Nursing's Simulated Health Center, where student nurses practical clinical judgment as well as nursing skills.

Donald Wilson

Basketball alum Donald Wilson returns to the The Bluff as a broadcaster

Alumni

Athletics

Portland Magazine

February 14, 2020

A wide support network helped Donald Wilson thrive at University of Portland. He's returned to The Bluff as a broadcaster for men's basketball and "pays it forward" by working with several non-profits in the Vancouver, WA, area.

Wendy Richards

Wendy Richards '87 and family start foundation for children in Hawaii who have lost a parent

Portland Magazine

Alumni

February 14, 2020

When Reid Richards '88 died of cancer, his family honored his memory by starting the Reid JK Foundation to provide resources to children in Hawaii who have lost a parent.

Quilt with handstitching reading For Anna from Mom

Grandmother's fan: An alumna marvels at the beauty and love displayed in her mother's hand-stitched quilts

Portland Magazine

February 14, 2020

Each hand-sewn stitch in Betty Lageson's quilts was a love note to its recipient. Her daughter Anna Lageson-Kerns reflects on her mother's special gift.

portrait of Scott Hatley

University of Portland alum Scott Hatley ’01 named "Executive of the Year" by Portland Business Journal

Alumni

February 14, 2020

The Portland Business Journal recently named University of Portland alum Scott Hatley ’01 as one of their “Executives of the Year.” Hatley is the executive director and co-founder (along with fellow UP alum Vail Horton '02) of Portland-area non-profit INCIGHT.

Carmen Ruiz

Villa Maria housekeeper Carmen Ruiz works to make the residence hall feel like home

Portland Magazine

Residence Life

February 13, 2020

Carmen Ruiz, Villa Maria's housekeeper of six years, is the self-described "mom" of the dorm, and a salsa-loving parent of two studying to become a counselor.

Horseradish plant

At the Root: The origins, traditions, and a family's shared history of horseradish

Portland Magazine

February 13, 2020

With horseradish, you’re playing with pungent, hot, peppery molecular fire, says Fr. Patrick Hannon, CSC, '82.

Michael Dowse

Racquet man: Michael Dowse '89 named CEO and executive director of the United States Tennis Association

Alumni

Athletics

Portland Magazine

February 12, 2020

From recreation tennis to the US Open, former Pilots tennis player Michael Dowse '89 now leads the US's national governing body for tennis.

photo of Franz Hall

Pamplin School of Business to host Women in Business Showcase on March 11

Business

February 10, 2020

The University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business will host the Women in Business Showcase on March 11, 2020 at the Portland Art Museum. Presented by Cambia Health Solutions and the Bauccio Lecture Series, the event returns for the second time after its debut last year.

Rey Ortiz

Rey Ortiz '19 takes the next step with FC Cincinnati

Portland Magazine

Alumni

Athletics

February 10, 2020

Rey Ortiz '19 was a Major League Soccer SuperDraft pick for FC Cincinnati. He's proud to be making his dreams come true, and equally proud to be a first-generation college student at University of Portland.

Franz Hall

University of Portland ranked #5 in nation as top school for Fulbright awards among master’s level institutions

Awards and Rankings

February 9, 2020

The University of Portland is one of the top producers of Fulbright awards in the nation among master’s level institutions, according to an annual study just released by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The University was ranked 5th nationally in student Fulbright awards for the academic year 2019-2020, with 5 students who have received the prestigious grant to study, conduct research, and/or teach English abroad.

Steve Johnson

At the heart of it: Heart valve surgery inspires Steve Johnson to attend UP, the alma mater of heart valve pioneer Donald P. Shiley

Engineering

Portland Magazine

January 24, 2020

Steve Johnson was born with a congenital heart disease for which he recently had heart valve surgery. As a prospective student, he learned that University of Portland is the alma mater of heart valve pioneer Donald P. Shiley, and his college choice immediately become obvious.