President
February 25, 2020
More Than 300 Supporters, Alumni Hear the Latest State of the Institution
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.
“It’s a bold statement that UP is stronger now than it has ever been,” said Father Poorman. “But when you study the data and look across the University at the quality of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, our academic offerings, our student services, our facilities and our community, I’m convinced that it’s an accurate statement.”
UP last presented the current state of the institution publicly in 2018. Since then, the local higher education landscape has shifted due to the closure of Marylhurst University and Oregon College of Art & Craft; and the recent announcement that Concordia University will close at the end of the current spring term. But even with the challenges facing higher education in the United States – especially for a mid-sized, Catholic, comprehensive liberal arts university like UP – Father Poorman stated that the institution is poised for even greater success.
“UP is navigating headwinds and moving forward confidently in uncertain times,” said Father Poorman. “The University of Portland has the highest graduation rate among all four-year colleges and universities in Oregon, public and private. At a time when many institutions are struggling to meet enrollment targets, we have continued to attract and retain students.”
As a private university, revenue at UP is driven by tuition dollars and the financial support of alumni and other benefactors.
“We are a tuition-driven institution,” emphasized Father Poorman. “As a result, philanthropic success is critical when it comes to providing financial aid; supporting faculty teaching and research; and ensuring the excellence of our student experience. Fortunately, we’re enjoying the most successful fundraising years in University history.”
Other key information shared during the President’s Biennial Address included:
Father Poorman closed his reporting on the state of the University by reiterating his own commitment since his inauguration as UP’s president five years ago. “I treasure the opportunity to serve UP,” he said. “It has provided me with an enormous sense of personal, pastoral, professional and vocational fulfillment. And I am tremendously excited to consider and act upon all of the ways we can make UP an even stronger, more faith-based institution.”
Video from the event is available on the President’s website.
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