News
Search
-
Find By Category
- Admissions (13)
- Air Force ROTC (3)
- Alumni (90)
- Army ROTC (5)
- Athletics (38)
- Awards and Rankings (130)
- Biology (21)
- Business (45)
- Campus Ministry (11)
- Campus Safety (11)
- Chemistry (12)
- College of Arts & Sciences (48)
- Commencement (23)
- Communication Studies (23)
- Development (31)
- Dundon-Berchtold Institute (8)
- Education (19)
- Engineering (86)
- English (6)
- Environmental Studies (10)
- Franz Center (18)
- Garaventa Center (14)
- Health Center (9)
- History (6)
- Honors Program (0)
- Human Resources (5)
- International Languages & Cultures (10)
- International Student Services (2)
- Library (7)
- Mathematics (13)
- Moreau Center (8)
- Nursing (50)
- Performing & Fine Arts (19)
- Philosophy (3)
- Physics (6)
- Pilots Prevent (113)
- Political Science (5)
- Portland Magazine (221)
- President (65)
- Psychology (3)
- Recreational Services (6)
- Residence Life (21)
- Shepard Academic Resource Center (4)
- Social Media (14)
- Social Work (4)
- Sociology (5)
- Student Activities (7)
- Student Affairs (4)
- Study Abroad (7)
- Theology (7)
- Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (19)
-
Find By Date
- 2026
- 2025
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
News - 2020
December
A Thoughtful Approach to COVID-19 Case Management
Pilots Prevent
December 22, 2020
The COVID Case Management Team has created a comprehensive plan to ensure students feel supported and taken care of if they have to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 Concerns.
Array of Student-Led Activities Planned for Spring 2021
Pilots Prevent
December 22, 2020
Both in-person and virtual events will engage students and provide space for community.
Students Will Play an Active Role in the COVID-19 Testing Process to Ensure a Healthy Campus Environment
Pilots Prevent
December 22, 2020
When classes resume in spring, UP will engage in comprehensive, multi-level testing protocols using an independent, third-party vendor.
University of Portland School of Nursing to Assist Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers with COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Nursing
December 17, 2020
As Oregon welcomes long-awaited vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Portland School of Nursing (UPSON) is stepping up to assist with vaccination of priority recipients at Kaiser Permanente medical centers.
As Fall Term Ends, University of Portland Praises Faculty, Students and Staff Who Met the Pandemic Challenge; Now Looks Toward 2021
December 10, 2020
As the Fall 2020 semester ends, leaders at University of Portland have positive reflections and an optimistic outlook heading into the Christmas holidays and beyond.
University of Portland Professor Karen Eifler Named Collegium Executive Director-Elect; Assumes Top Leadership in 2022
Education
Garaventa Center
December 7, 2020
Karen Eifler, University of Portland professor of education and co-executive director of the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture, was named the next executive director of Collegium. Founded in 1992, Collegium invites faculty at Catholic colleges and universities to better understand the mission of Catholic higher education and help prepare them to become leaders in advancing that mission in creative ways.
University of Portland alumni Rachel Rapinoe ’08, DJ Widmer ’02 make Portland Business Journal 40 under 40 list
Alumni
Business
December 1, 2020
The Portland Business Journal Forty Under 40 class for 2020 includes University of Portland alumni DJ Widmer ’02 and Rachel Rapinoe ’08. Both were chosen from a pool of 300 Portland-area entrepreneurs, innovators, and rising stars in the local business community.
November
Students Walk with Students: Intersectional Hope & Healing Fund
Portland Magazine
Development
November 18, 2020
Distance learning, while essential due to the pandemic, has presented new challenges for many University of Portland students. Aimee Morlatt '22, junior finance major and president of UP’s mental health advocacy group Active Minds, learned first-hand of students attending Zoom classes from their cars, missing lectures due to lack of internet service or being in different time zones (especially international students), along with other inequities and hardships.
October
School of Education MAT alum Sara Wyffels ’06 named 2021 Arizona Teacher of the Year
Alumni
Education
October 27, 2020
University of Portland alum Sara Wyffels ’06 was named 2021 Arizona Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Educational Foundation during a virtual award ceremony. Wyffels, who has been teaching for 14 years, currently teaches Spanish Level 2 and International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement levels 5 and 6 at Chandler High School. Wyffels received her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland’s School of Education in 2006.
University of Portland Air Force and Army ROTC to Host Virtual Commemoration Ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11
Air Force ROTC
Army ROTC
October 27, 2020
University of Portland Air Force and Army ROTC will hold a virtual commemoration ceremony in honor of Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11 from 10:50 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
HVAC is Cool
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
Ron Scott, UP's HVAC specialist, has seen it all in his 28 years caring for campus buildings.
UP's Acting President/Provost
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
As UP's Acting President/Provost, Herbert Medina has his eye on revitalized curriculum, increased student retention and graduation rates, more opportunities for undergraduate research, and meaningful steps toward greater diversity and equity among students and faculty.
Your Vote Matters
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
Tate Harris is doing everything possible to make sure no one who’s eligible has an excuse not to vote.
The Truth About Alonzo
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
After visiting The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, Taylor Stewart ’18 returned to the Northwest determined to advance racial justice in the present by looking squarely at the racism of Oregon’s past. His first goal was to honor and memorialize a man named Alonzo Tucker.
Don’t Sit Down Now That You’ve Come This Far
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
A song and spiritual encouragement for continuing to work toward God’s kin-dom.
Encounter
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
A personal reflection on the new icon of the Ugandan Martyrs commissioned for the chapel in Shipstad Hall.
Meet The Martins
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
Biology professor Katie O’Reilly and five undergraduate scientists have created new habitat for a colony of Purple Martins.
Rising to Our Humanity
Portland Magazine
Alumni
October 21, 2020
Kaia Sand ’94, executive director of Street Roots, the award-winning weekly social justice newspaper, admits she’s an “all-in” kind of a person. A poet and a journalist, she looks at the poet-physician William Carlos Williams as an example— someone who did house visits for patients and wrote poetry on prescription pads.
Vantage Point
Portland Magazine
October 21, 2020
Sharif Morton ’21 writes a reflection about playing trombone.
Statement from Mary and Dustin Klinger
October 20, 2020
Mary and Dustin Klinger offer a statement on the first anniversary of the death of their son, Owen.
September
Sipping Like Babette
Portland Magazine
September 24, 2020
Professor Karen Eifler, co-director of the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture, offers six reasons why it's possible to cultivate--despite pandemics, protests, and environmental catastrophes--a "sacramental imagination," the kind of imagination that finds grace and wonder in the smallest of things.
A Classroom is Kind of Home
Portland Magazine
Alumni
Education
September 23, 2020
John Stewart ’06 teaches ninth grade English and junior-level advanced placement (AP) language and serves as chair of the English department at Clackamas High School in Clackamas, OR. His 15-year career as a teacher has been marked by many challenges and rewards, but the closure of Oregon schools due to the COVID-19 outbreak has presented a unique set of challenges and impressions. We spoke to John shortly before the end of the spring 2020 semester.
University of Portland Ranked 2nd in Western Region on 2021 U.S. News & World Report Listings of Best Colleges and Universities
Awards and Rankings
September 15, 2020
The University of Portland is now ranked second out of 127 institutions listed in the “Regional Universities – West” classification according to U.S. News & World Report magazine. The University also placed second in the 2020 rankings – its highest ranking to date.
Catholic Cosmologist Gintaras Duda to give 2020 Zahm Lecture, Wednesday, September 16
Garaventa Center
September 14, 2020
Catholic cosmologist and chair of physics at Creighton University Gintaras Duda will present the 2020 Zahm Lecture “From the Big Bang to The Saint John’s Bible: The Role of Astonishment in a Scientist’s Journey to Integrate Faith and Reason” on Wednesday, September 16 at 5 p.m. The virtual event is free and open to the public.
University of Portland to host virtual lecture by Brittney Cooper on Friday, Sept. 4
College of Arts and Sciences
September 2, 2020
The University of Portland’s Public Research Fellows program will present a talk by Brittney Cooper, "Trust Black Women: The Importance of Black Women in U.S. Politics," on Friday, September 4, at 3:30 p.m., as part of the Public Research Fellows 2020-2021 Virtual Series. Cooper’s talk was postponed from its original March date and will now take place via Zoom.
August
Here Comes the Sun: Travel Nurse Works with COVID-19 Patients
Portland Magazine
Alumni
Nursing
August 27, 2020
Bailey Saleumvong '08 is a travel nurse currently based in Los Angeles. He cares for critically ill COVID patients and sees signs of hope even amid the pandemic.
30 Questions with Third Graders (About COVID-19)
Education
Portland Magazine
August 27, 2020
After Oregon schools shuttered for the academic year in March 2020, student teacher Makamae Nottage '20 was presented with about 30 questions from her third-grade classroom.
July
University of Portland Responds to Increased COVID-19 Infections By Shifting Fall Term Classes to Online Instruction
President
July 30, 2020
Plans by the University of Portland to begin its fall term with a combination of in-person and online instruction have changed in response to the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of a “hybrid” approach to instruction, almost all classes will now be taught online beginning August 24 for the fall 2020 semester.
Where We Stand Today: An update on plans for the Fall Semester
President
July 17, 2020
The following message was sent to the University of Portland students and families on July 17, 2020
A Philosophy of Compassion: Renee Espinoza '09, '10
Portland Magazine
Alumni
Education
July 14, 2020
Renee Espinoza graduated from UP in 2009, then went on to get her master’s in curriculum and instruction with an ESL endorsement in 2010. She went to work for Portland Public Schools that year and currently teaches second grade at Astor Elementary School, mere blocks from the UP campus in North Portland. We reached out to Renee to share her insights and experiences during the switch to distance learning in March 2020.
June
A Message to the University of Portland Community
President
June 30, 2020
As Dr. Eduardo Contreras stated on Sunday, June 28, we continue to examine the testimonials that have been posted to the @BlackatUniversityPortland Instagram account. We do so with open hearts and minds, and with profound sadness for the pain that is evident in these experiences.
A Message to the UP Community: Following Up On Town Hall, Committing to Action
President
June 12, 2020
In the weeks that have followed the death of George Floyd on a street in Minneapolis, we have listened to the voices of many who have shared their experiences of pain, trauma, and discrimination. We have listened to the voices of people who boldly proclaim that Black Lives Matter amidst a stream of structures and systems that emphatically signal to them that they do not. We have listened to the voices of people in our own UP community – especially the voices of African Americans and other people of color –as they have shared their dismay, anguish, and exhaustion with a lived experience in which their God-given human dignity is denied. We have heard these voices.
Beacon Reporters Past and Present on the Ground in New York City
Alumni
Portland Magazine
June 9, 2020
On March 11, ESPN NBA reporter Malika Andrews ’17 landed in New York after a long flight from Los Angeles. Although she’d been scheduled to cover a game in Milwaukee, ESPN was pulling reporters back home. She did not yet know that the NBA would suspend its season due to concerns about COVID-19, or that she would be reporting on it that night.
First Pitch
Portland Magazine
Alumni
June 9, 2020
Engineering alum Evan Fontaine ’18, ’19 works in the prostheses lab at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) with a clear mission in mind: to make better prosthetics for growing and active children. Case in point: he and his team are working to set up a young patient to throw the first pitch at the National Softball Championship.
If You Build It…
Portland Magazine
Athletics
Alumni
June 9, 2020
The University’s new baseball stadium will need to wait until next season for its premiere, so we’re taking this opportunity to look back on the blood, sweat, and puddle suckers that got us here.
The Dream is Intact
Portland Magazine
Alumni
June 9, 2020
Every day—even now, especially now—Fedele Bauccio ’64, ’66 is feeding people who need healthy food. In March he partnered with World Central Kitchen to feed passengers and crew quarantined on the Grand Princess cruise ship.
Math at Home for Grandpa Gabe
Mathematics
Portland Magazine
June 9, 2020
My kids like to tell me that I’m a doctor, but not a useful doctor, and that’s true. When the flight attendant asks, “Is there a doctor on the plane?” they don’t mean a PhD, and they certainly don’t mean someone who is especially helpful only in a mathematical emergency.
Paying Attention to My Neighbors
Portland Magazine
June 9, 2020
This is what it means to pray these days.
Devotion: Diana Salgado Huicochea '20
Portland Magazine
Alumni
June 9, 2020
At the start of her four years at University of Portland Diana Salgado Huicochea ’20 felt overwhelmed and alone. Though a cradle Catholic, Diana had never attended Mass celebrated in English, and, unable to respond to the prayers, she felt like an imposter. Yet she returned, took pictures of the missal, and after finishing homework, practiced responses aloud nightly until she memorized them.
For the Students: Sean Ducey ’13, ’19 MBA
Alumni
Portland Magazine
June 9, 2020
Those among you who have attended a Rock the Bluff concert, a mainstay event at UP since 2012, probably didn’t know you have Sean Ducey ’13, ’19 MBA to thank for the tradition. He was only a junior when he founded the annual concert and learned that event planning and behind-the-scenes work was his calling.
Here for You: 1st. Lt. Beth Biggs ’18
Portland Magazine
Alumni
Army ROTC
June 9, 2020
When 1st. Lt. Beth Biggs ’18 received her orders on March 29, she was ready. She was in the Army ROTC program during her time at UP and is now part of the Oregon Army National Guard 141st Brigade Support Battalion’s COVID-19 response team, distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout Oregon.
Resilience: Kenechi “Kene” Anigbogu ’18
Alumni
Portland Magazine
June 9, 2020
Kenechi “Kene” Anigbogu ’18 was a member of the 100th group of American Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Morocco. His Peace Corps service was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Nurses Speak, We Listen: On Ethical Leadership
Alumni
Portland Magazine
Nursing
June 9, 2020
For many years I wasn’t able to articulate the value of a liberal arts education. But right now, particularly for nursing and particularly around COVID-19, I think about the value of the liberal arts education, about how I had courses in philosophy and ethics, how I feel very grounded in ethical decision-making.
When Nurses Speak, We Listen: A Reminder
Alumni
Nursing
Portland Magazine
June 9, 2020
A nurse makes home visits during the pandemic. What does she see? Body, Mind, Emotion, Spirit, Dream.
When Nurses Speak, We Listen: Why Bother With Wilderness?
Nursing
Portland Magazine
June 9, 2020
Because wilderness can be a balm for the pain in every human heart. Because we can quiet our minds and our voices and listen to the sounds of the trees, the rivers, the wind, the rain.
May
University of Portland appoints Dr. Herbert A. Medina as New Provost and Leader of its Academic Division
College of Arts and Sciences
May 28, 2020
Following a wide-ranging national search, the University of Portland has chosen from within its internal ranks for a new Provost of the institution. Dr. Herbert A. Medina, currently Dean of UP’s College of Arts & Sciences, will assume the role of Provost effective July 1. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., made the announcement today to faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Medina succeeds Dr. Thomas G. Greene, who is retiring on June 30 after 35 years at UP, including the last seven years as Provost.
University of Portland announces 2020 Faculty Award Winners
Engineering
College of Arts and Sciences
Business
Nursing
May 26, 2020
The University of Portland’s Committee on Teaching and Scholarship is pleased to announce the 2020 Faculty Award winners.
Vice President for Financial Affairs, Alan P. Timmins, announces retirement
President
May 22, 2020
Vice President for Financial Affairs, Alan P. Timmins, will retire from the University of Portland, effective June 30, 2020. Since 2011, Timmins has contributed to the financial health and stability of the University.
University of Portland plans August 17 for in-person opening of Fall Term; modified semester eliminates traditional Fall Break
President
May 19, 2020
As part of its response plan to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Portland (UP) is targeting Monday, August 17 as the opening of its Fall 2020 term and a return to in-person instruction. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., shared the plan in a memo today to faculty, staff, current students and their parents. After a full week of campus move-ins, mandatory orientation sessions, coursework introductions and other training, classroom instruction will begin on Monday, August 24.
That Moment/El Momento: A Letter from a Graduate to Her Mother
Portland Magazine
May 14, 2020
On the occasion of what would have been her commencement, this first-generation college graduate reaches out to the woman who inspired her. Por motivo de la que habría sido su ceremonia de graduación, esta estudiante universitaria de primera generación le manda un reconocimiento a la mujer que la ha inspirado toda la vida.
When Clinical Rotations Were Cut Short, the School of Nursing Found a Solution
Nursing
Portland Magazine
May 14, 2020
When COVID-19 forced the closure of in-person classes at University of Portland, the online learning posed a challenge to nursing students who were getting hands-on experience in clinical rotations. Nursing faculty quickly stepped in with a unique and timely learning opportunity.
Over 1,000 degrees conferred at University of Portland Virtual Commencement ceremony
Commencement
May 3, 2020
The University of Portland celebrated its Commencement in a virtual ceremony on Sunday, May 3, with 1,071 graduates who earned degrees from the Shiley School of Engineering, the Pamplin School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Nursing, and the College of Arts & Sciences.
April
University of Portland hopes for in-person open to fall term; will honor 2020 graduates with future graduation ceremony
President
Commencement
April 27, 2020
The Class of 2020 will be honored with a virtual Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 3, and an in-person ceremony at a future date when it is safe to hold a large event. The University is planning for in-person classes in Fall 2020.
Moreau Center for Service & Justice honored as one of the “Top Schools for Service” by Catholic Volunteer Network
Moreau Center
Awards and Rankings
April 23, 2020
University of Portland’s Moreau Center for Service & Justice was honored by the Catholic Volunteer Network as one of their “Top Schools for Service.” In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Catholic Volunteer Network put together a list of schools who “demonstrated consistent excellence in collaborating with our network and championing post-grad service among students.”
Ten members of UP Class of 2020 Offered Fulbright Awards
Awards and Rankings
Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement
April 22, 2020
Ten members of the University of Portland’s Class of 2020 have been named as Fulbright U.S. Student Program Finalists and offered awards to teach English abroad. It is hoped that Fulbright recipients will be able to travel to their programs in fall 2020; the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has instituted a temporary pause of all Bureau of ECA-funded international exchange programs, including Fulbright.
The Road To Meek
Portland Magazine
Athletics
April 16, 2020
How UP hired women's basketball coach Michael Meek and turned a program around in one year.
UP Cash Flow Club to host Financial Self-Care Week
Business
April 16, 2020
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, the UP Cash Flow Club has created a new, virtual series to help UP students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. The Financial Self-Care Week will run from Saturday, April 18, to Friday, April 24, with online workshops available once a day during the evening.
Chair of the UP Math Department Teaches Math at Home to Her Own Children: A Cautionary Tale in Three Acts
Portland Magazine
April 15, 2020
What happens when an award-winning college math professor suddenly finds herself homeschooling her boys during the COVID-19 crisis? Sighs, grunts, frustration, and laughter.
Last Moments
Portland Magazine
April 15, 2020
A UP senior reflects on the final moments she didn't know were final.
Engineering for Impact in Malawi
Engineering
April 6, 2020
Four seniors in the Shiley School of Engineering are designing a renewable energy powered irrigation system for the 600 girls at St. Mary’s Secondary School for Girls in Karonga, Malawi. The irrigation system will serve the seven-acre farm at the school and would allow for planting and harvesting three times a year. Civil engineering students Kim Dorr and Madi Wernke and mechanical engineering students Aymon Klem and Nadine Prentice are working with two Portland-based organizations, TeamLift and Green Empowerment.
Engineering 3D Protheses
Engineering
April 6, 2020
At Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), trauma surgeon Dr. Albert Chi has a vision to make low-cost or free 3D printed protheses for children. A group of four Shiley School of Engineering students are helping Chi make this vision into reality. The interdisciplinary student team, with the help of Chi’s lab, are designing a 3D printed lower arm myoelectric prosthesis that will be given to a specific user at the end of the project.
Shiley School of Engineering and School of Nursing work with Community Vision
Nursing
Engineering
April 6, 2020
The Shiley School of Engineering and Portland- area organization Community Vision have come together in a partnership with sponsored Maker Challenges and capstone projects. Community Vision’s mission is “is to make Oregon a place where people with disabilities can live, work, and thrive in the communities of their choice.” Engineering students are working together to further this mission by working on projects with Community Vision’s Assistive Technology (AT) Lab.
Civil Engineering major Erin McConville ’21 interns with the City of Forest Grove
Engineering
April 6, 2020
As a participant in the Civil Engineering Cooperative Program (CECOP), Erin McConville spent the last 6 months working in the City of Forest Grove’s engineering department.
March
University of Portland selects Dr. Brian Fabien as new Dean of the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering
Engineering
March 30, 2020
Following a comprehensive national search, the University of Portland (UP) has named Dr. Brian Fabien as the new Dean of the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering effective July 1. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., and Provost Dr. Thomas Greene announced the new appointment today. Dr. Fabien joins UP from the University of Washington in Seattle where he was most recently Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the College of Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
University of Portland Board of Regent and longtime benefactor Amy Dundon-Berchtold passes away
President
March 23, 2020
University of Portland regent and longtime benefactor Amy Dundon-Berchtold passed away on Monday, March 16. A visionary real estate entrepreneur and investor, Amy, along with her husband Jim Berchtold ’63, gave generously to the University of Portland.
Q&A with Eileen Ryan at Kenton Women's Village
Portland Magazine
Nursing
March 20, 2020
Junior nursing major Eileen Ryan '21 recently worked a community health rotation at Kenton Women's Village, a 14-pod village offering temporary housing to assist houseless women in the Portland area. Ryan talks about her work at KWV.
University of Portland cancels Spring 2020 Commencement; continues Online Instruction though end of Spring Term
March 20, 2020
As further response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the University of Portland has announced cancellation of the Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony originally planned for Sunday, May 3, and will develop plans for a virtual format. Online instruction, which began on March 18 to replace all in-person classes, will continue through the end of the spring term. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., made the announcements this afternoon in accordance with mandates from local, state, and national health authorities.
University of Portland will transition to online class instruction beginning March 18 in response to COVID-19
March 12, 2020
In-person classes will cease for the near future and all classes at University of Portland will be conducted online.
Message from Fr. Mark Poorman, CSC - March 12, 2020
March 12, 2020
Beginning Monday, March 16, University of Portland will transition to online instruction. Campus will remain open and under a normal schedule for faculty and staff. In accordance with recently-issued directives from state and local authorities, large events will be canceled. However there is no plan at this time to cancel Commencement in May.
University of Portland announces 2020 Commencement speaker and honorees
Commencement
March 10, 2020
The Office of the President at University of Portland has announced the speaker and honorees to be recognized during the 2020 Commencement ceremonies held on the UP campus in the Chiles Center on Sunday, May 3.
March 8 Coronavirus Advisory
March 8, 2020
Members of the University community experiencing symptoms of the Coronavirus are asked to self-isolate until cleared by a medical professional.
February
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.
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.
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.
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 '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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 '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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 '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.
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.
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.
January
University of Portland to host Lisa Ko, visiting Schoenfeldt Writer and author of ‘The Leavers,’ on February 10
Garaventa Center
Library
January 22, 2020
Author Lisa Ko’s 2017 debut novel The Leavers is the 2019-2020 selection for University of Portland’s annual ReadUP campaign and the Schoenfeldt Distinguished Visiting Writers series. Ko will give a lecture in Buckley Center Auditorium on Monday, February 10, at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Ko will follow the lecture with a book signing.
University of Portland to host “MLK Day On – Day of Service” and Keynote on January 20
Moreau Center
January 15, 2020
The University of Portland will host “MLK Day On – Day of Service” at Portland-area agencies from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; and a keynote address by Walidah Imarisha from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 20.
University of Portland alumna Jami Resch ’96 named Portland Police Chief
Alumni
January 3, 2020
University of Portland alumna Jami Resch ’96 was named Portland police chief on Tuesday, December 31. Prior to this position, Resch was the assistant chief of the investigations branch and had previously served as the acting commander of North Precinct.
