News - January

Alum Walter Thompson-Hernandez standing side profile in front of a cloth backdrop and dusk sky.

Filmmaker & Alum Walter Thompson-Hernandez ‘09 Talks About His New Storytelling Course at UP

Alumni

Performing and Fine Arts

January 23, 2026

Since leaving The Bluff in 2009, UP alum Walter Thompson-Hernandez has spent much of his time traveling the world. As a filmmaker and global subculture writer for The New York Times, his work has taken him everywhere from Rio de Janiero to Barcelona. But this spring, the LA-based writer and filmmaker is returning to University of Portland—this time, as an instructor.

Father John Donato against a blue portrait backdrop, smiling.

University for Portland: Rev. John Donato Appointed Maybelle Center Board President

January 15, 2026

With a nod to its founding father, Maybelle Center went back to the University of Portland and its Congregation of Holy Cross to tap its new board president.

Bell Tower Cross against a beautiful sunset sky with pink and orange clouds.

Multi-Year Lilly Endowment Grant to Amplify University of Portland ‘Stories of Hope’

January 8, 2026

“Hope”—the first word in the University of Portland Strategic Plan and the anchor of its mission and values—just became the focus of a four-year story campaign.