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President Kelly’s State of UP Address Proclaims University’s ‘Next Great Chapter’

Development

March 18, 2026

A beacon on The Bluff.

A Portland pillar—always rising—educating bright minds and shining hope on the world.

President Kelly standing at podium giving his State of UP address.The University of Portland story, now 125 years old, is ready to embark on its “next great chapter.”

That was the headline message as President Robert D. Kelly gave his 2026 ‘State of UP’ address to civic, business, and educational leaders at Portland’s downtown Sentinel Hotel.

“We want to be the University of, for, and with Portland and the world,” Dr. Kelly has repeated often as he builds bridges from the bustling campus bluff to the vibrant city that long ago inspired its very name.

The enduring bond between the University, the city, and the world took center stage in the president’s remarks about the mission—and the momentum—of Oregon’s only comprehensive, Catholic, Holy Cross institution.

“The state of our university is strong,” Dr. Kelly told friends, supporters, and donors at the gathering. “Our university is only getting stronger, and we invite you to join us as we write UP’s next chapter.”

Dr. Kelly pointed with pride to Pilot students and graduates, many of whom settle in the Portland-metro area, filling high-paying jobs and becoming leaders of anchor organizations and businesses in the region. Among the student success metrics that consistently vault University of Portland to the head of Northwest class:

  • The highest four-year graduation rate of all Oregon colleges and universities—public and private
  • The median income of UP graduates ranking second highest among all Oregon institutions—public and private
  • High marks from prominent college rankings publications—including The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rating UP 71st and 86th nationally in 2024-2025 for how well it prepares students for post-graduate success

Dr. Kelly announced that U.S. News & World Report has reclassified UP as a ‘National University,’ which he described as “a testament to our excellence, our reputation, and our ability to compete with the country’s best institutions.”

As he hailed the University as “a place where relationships matter, a place that values conscience, character, integrity, hard work, and giving back,” Dr. Kelly unveiled an historic video that traced back UP’s sacred mission 125 years.

The work of piloting forward—educating the next generations of well-versed students to contribute, create, and lead a more prosperous future—requires many hands, he said.

“My call to action today,” Dr. Kelly urged the crowd: “See yourself in what comes next.”

“What comes next” includes a year-long 125th Anniversary celebration that will ramp up in the fall. Dr. Kelly touted the largest comprehensive campaign in school history to “enhance scholarships and access, promote academic excellence and formation, and foster an excellent student experience, including the creation of a brand-new student center.”

To help spread the word, each attendee received a wallet-sized, Pilot purple card entitled ‘Always Rising’ that read: “From the classroom to the playing field, UP is on a mission of empowerment, preparing future leaders who can look deeper, set their sights higher, and be a positive force for change.”

“UP is a beacon, and the world needs more of the people that we educate,” Dr. Kelly said to close his State of UP remarks.

“The world needs more Pilots.”

 


2026 UP Alumni Awards

At the State of UP address, Assistant Vice President for Constituent Engagement Gina Yazzolino ’96 presented awards to six UP alumni who have accomplished remarkable acts of leadership, service, and humanity:

Distinguished Alumni Award

Larry LaRocco ’67 — the only UP alumnus to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives (Idaho, 1st District, 1991-95).

David Mansoor ’98 — a geriatric psychiatrist, fellowship director, and medical leader who directs annual mental health conferences.

Contemporary Alumni Award

Mark Mohammadpour ’00 — public relations executive who founded Chasing the Sun, focusing on employee well-being in the communications industry.

Elizabeth Corr Sheils ’08 — co-founder of a technology driven payment platform for wedding event planners, couples, and vendors.

Rev. Thomas C. Oddo Outstanding Service Award 

Eric Gorger ’95 — as finance committee chair and board member, he modernized practices to bolster engagement at Portland’s St. Therese Parish.

Danyelle Guyer Ramsey ’97 —As principal of Central Catholic High School, she has strengthened instructional practice and advanced equity work.

University of Portland thanks the sponsors of the 2026 State of UP address:  AAA Oregon/Idaho and Becker Capital Management