2015 | University of Portland

News - 2015

December

UP partners with other groups to secure $75,000 grant to help youth prepare for high-needs careers in Multnomah and Washington counties

Mathematics

December 16, 2015

University of Portland, working with Impact NW and the Portland Metro STEM Partnership, has secured a $75,000 grant from Work Systems, Inc.

UP business professor Sam Holloway receives Ascendant Scholar Award from the Western Academy of Management

Business

Awards and Rankings

December 15, 2015

Sam Holloway, a professor in the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business, has received the Ascendant Scholar Award from the Western Academy of Management.

Recent University of Portland graduates join Jesuit Volunteer Corps

December 7, 2015

Five recent University of Portland graduates have signed on for one-year service positions with Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) and JVC Northwest.

UP biology professor Elinor Sullivan awarded $3.7 million grant from National Institute of Mental Health

Awards and Rankings

Biology

December 2, 2015

University of Portland biology professor Elinor Sullivan has been awarded a $3.7 million Research Project Grant (R01) from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

University of Portland’s Laura A. McLary, a professor of German, named Oregon Professor of the Year by Carnegie Foundation and CASE

Awards and Rankings

International Languages and Cultures

College of Arts and Sciences

December 1, 2015

Laura McLary, professor of German at the University of Portland, was named Oregon Professor of the Year by the national Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the international Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

November

Two UP students named University Innovation Fellows by the National Center for Engineering Pathways to Innovation

Engineering

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

November 17, 2015

Two University of Portland engineering students have been named University Innovation Fellows by the National Center for Engineering Pathways to Innovation.

University of Portland announces appointments of Rev. Gerard Olinger, C.S.C., and Rev. John Donato, C.S.C., to new vice president positions

President

November 14, 2015

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., has announced the appointments of Rev. Gerard Olinger, C.S.C., as vice president for University relations, and of Rev. John Donato, C.S.C., as vice president for student affairs.

October

University of Portland professor Alice Gates wins 2015 Marie O. Weil Outstanding Scholarship Award

Awards and Rankings

Sociology

Social Work

October 28, 2015

Alice Gates, a faculty member of the University of Portland’s sociology and social work department, is this year’s winner of the Marie O. Weil Outstanding Scholarship Award, co-sponsored by the Association of Community Organizations and Social Administration (ACOSA) and Taylor & Francis Publisher.

University of Portland professor Martin Monto wins Hugo Beigel Award for Scholarly Excellence

Sociology

Awards and Rankings

October 7, 2015

University of Portland sociology professor Martin Monto has received the Hugo Beigel Award for Scholarly Excellence

September

University of Portland announces Sandy Chung as new human resources director

Human Resources

September 28, 2015

Sandy Chung has been appointed director of human resources for the University of Portland, according to Alan Timmins, vice president for financial affairs.

Gus Little and Travis Vetters

Gus and Travis

Business

Alumni

Portland Magazine

Athletics

Nursing

September 24, 2015

Gus Little was in desperate need of a kidney transplant. His former baseball teammate Travis Vetters gave him one. Is this the ultimate University of Portland "story"? Editor Brian Doyle says yes.

University of Portland Announces Transformational Gift for Academic Support from Amy Dundon-Berchtold and Jim Berchtold '63

President

Dundon-Berchtold Institute

Development

September 22, 2015

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., announced a $15 million commitment from Board of Regents member Amy Dundon-Berchtold and Jim Berchtold ’63.

Karen Eifler, co-director of University of Portland Garaventa Center and education professor, receives 2015 Spirit of Holy Cross Award

Garaventa Center

Awards and Rankings

September 16, 2015

Karen Eifler, a professor in the University of Portland’s School of Education and co-director of the Garaventa Center for Catholic Intellectual Life and American Culture at UP, has received a 2015 Spirit of Holy Cross Award.

UP civil engineering professor, associate dean Mark Kennedy receives Oregon Engineer of the Year Award from American Society of Civil Engineers

Engineering

Awards and Rankings

September 3, 2015

Mark Kennedy, University of Portland civil engineering professor and associate dean for the Shiley School of Engineering, has received the 2014-2015 Oregon Engineer of the Year Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

U.S. News & World Report ranks UP 7th in West; among top ten for 21st consecutive year

Awards and Rankings

President

September 2, 2015

For the 21st consecutive year, University of Portland has received a top-ten ranking by U.S. News & World Report, which today released its “2016 America’s Best Colleges” publication.

Alumna Margaret Trout '97 appointed director of the Health Center for University of Portland

Health Center

September 1, 2015

Margaret Trout ’97 has been appointed director of the Health Center for the University of Portland, announced Rev. Gerard Olinger, C.S.C., vice president for student affairs.

August

University of Portland's Class of 2019 is the second-largest and one of most diverse and academically gifted classes in school history

Admissions

August 27, 2015

University of Portland welcomed the Class of 2019 as freshmen moved into the dorms Thursday, August 27.

UP environmental science professor Robert Butler receives 2015 Neil Miner Award from National Association of Geoscience Teachers

Awards and Rankings

Environmental Studies

August 24, 2015

University of Portland environmental science professor Robert F. Butler has received the Neil Miner Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT).

More than 100 University of Portland freshmen and transfer students to arrive early at school and volunteer in the local community Aug. 25-26

Moreau Center

August 13, 2015

More than 100 University of Portland freshmen and transfer students to arrive early at school and volunteer in the local community Aug. 25-26.

July

University of Portland announces plans for new residence hall

Development

Residence Life

July 27, 2015

University of Portland has announced plans to construct a new residence hall with room for approximately 270 students.

University of Portland alumnus John Becic '52 gives $100,000 to establish professorship in accounting and help with upgrades of Joe Etzel Field

Development

Business

Athletics

July 20, 2015

University of Portland has received a $100,000 gift from alumnus John N. Becic, who graduated in 1952 with a degree in accounting.

University of Portland and Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education announces launch of Catholic School Leadership Initial Administrator License program

Education

July 7, 2015

University of Portland and the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE) are launching the Catholic School Leadership Initial Administrator License program this summer.

UP alumnus Donald T. Galarneau '49 gives $50,000 to Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering, resulting in $50,000 match from GE

Engineering

Development

July 6, 2015

University of Portland alumnus Donald T. Galarneau, a 1949 University graduate, has donated $50,000 to the Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering for the purchase for a high speed camera.

Joane Moceri begins tenure as dean of School of Nursing

Nursing

July 1, 2015

Beginning July 1, Joane Moceri is now serving as dean of the University of Portland’s School of Nursing.

June

University of Portland receives $75,000 from Elizabeth Cebula to help fund the Entrepreneur Scholars Program and the Dean’s Leadership Initiative

Business

Development

Franz Center

June 30, 2015

The University of Portland has received a $75,000 gift from Elizabeth Cebula, whose family has long and supportive ties to the University. Cebula’s gift will help fund the Entrepreneur Scholars Program and the Pamplin School of Business (PSOBA) Dean’s Leadership Initiative.

University of Portland receives $100,000 for the Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center

Recreational Services

Development

June 25, 2015

University of Portland has announced a $100,000 gift from Dick Ebersol to help fund the Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center, currently under construction and named in recognition of President Emeritus Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C.

Columnist, author, and TV commentator David Brooks to speak at UP on March 16, 2016

Dundon-Berchtold Institute

June 15, 2015

David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times, analyst on PBS’ Newshour and National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, frequent contributor on Meet the Press, and author of The Road to Character, will speak at the University of Portland on March 16, 2016.

Pamplin School of Business Launches second online course, Marketing Intelligence, as part of continuing education certificate, Master Strategist Certification: Craft Beer Business

Business

June 9, 2015

Students anywhere in the world can now learn the art and science of marketing by studying the craft beer industry through the second online course offered by the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business.

Eduardo Contreras, Jr., appointed Director of Studies Abroad for University of Portland, effective July 1

Study Abroad

June 8, 2015

Eduardo Contreras, Jr., has been appointed Director of Studies Abroad for the University of Portland, announced Thomas G. Greene, Provost and Professor of Education.

May

UP named one of America's "Green Colleges" for sixth consecutive year by The Princeton Review

President

Awards and Rankings

May 22, 2015

University of Portland is one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the United States and Canada, according to The Princeton Review.

University of Portland students awarded teaching assistantships in France

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

Awards and Rankings

May 22, 2015

University of Portland French studies students Britta Geisler, Rubama Nasir, and Julia Maynard have been granted teaching assistantships in France, according to French instructor Trudie Booth, international languages and cultures.

University of Portland's renovation of the Pilot House begins; set to be complete during Fall semester

Development

President

May 5, 2015

The University of Portland has begun renovation of the Pilot House, which historically housed the campus bookstore and a small dining area and lounge.

University of Portland professors John Orr and Nick McRee awarded Faculty Fulbrights to teach abroad

Sociology

Awards and Rankings

English

May 3, 2015

Two University of Portland professors have received prestigious Fulbright grants to teach overseas, according to the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

April

Larree Renda, University of Portland 2015 commencement speaker, tells graduates that attitude can help overcome adversity

Commencement

April 30, 2015

Addressing graduating students at the University of Portland 2015 spring commencement Sunday, Larree Renda, former executive vice president of Safeway, Inc., stressed the importance of attitude in responding to positive and negative moments in the future.

UP students Nick Ost and Paul Dilley win $100K Challenge Venture Competition with their business Townie Shades, a regionally inspired brand of sunglasses

Franz Center

April 28, 2015

University of Portland students Nick Ost and Paul Dilley placed first in the for-profit business category of the $100K Challenge Venture Competition, an expanded business plan competition hosted by the University’s Franz Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.

University of Portland receives $500,000 from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for the Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center

Recreational Services

Development

April 17, 2015

University of Portland has announced a grant of $500,000 from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for the Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center, currently under construction and named in recognition of former University President Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C.

Six UP students awarded prestigious Fulbright grants to work and study abroad

Awards and Rankings

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

History

Communication Studies

English

April 13, 2015

University of Portland, a leader among its peer institutions in producing Fulbright scholars for several years, has announced that six students have been awarded prestigious Fulbright grants to work and study abroad.

University of Portland ranked 14th nationally among peers in students studying abroad

Awards and Rankings

Study Abroad

April 13, 2015

University of Portland is ranked 14th nationally among its peer institutions in students studying abroad for a long-term duration, defined as more than one academic semester.

University of Portland to hold undergraduate commencement on Sunday, May 3; Larree Renda, former executive of Safeway, Inc., and member of UP Board of Regents, to speak

Commencement

April 6, 2015

University of Portland will hold its 2015 spring commencement exercises on Sunday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m. at the Earle A. and Virginia H. Chiles Center on campus, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd.

March

Chika Eke, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, awarded prestigious three-year research fellowship from National Science Foundation to study at MIT

Engineering

Awards and Rankings

Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement

March 30, 2015

Chika Eke, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, has been awarded a prestigious graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation.

The Beacon named nation's best newspaper for colleges/universities with fewer than 5,000 students

Student Activities

Awards and Rankings

March 19, 2015

University of Portland student newspaper, The Beacon, won the Apple Award for "Best Newspaper" for colleges/universities with fewer than 5,000 students.

Shiley School of Engineering is one of 122 schools nationwide to pledge support for solving engineering's “Grand Challenges”

Engineering

March 18, 2015

University of Portland’s Shiley School of Engineering is one of 122 schools who signed a letter of commitment presented to President Barack Obama announcing a plan to educate a new generation of engineers expressly equipped to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing society in the 21st century.

University of Portland president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., to give his first annual “State of UP” talk; tickets sold out for Tuesday, March 17 event

President

March 4, 2015

University of Portland president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., will give his first annual “State of the University” address and present the 2015 Alumni Awards on Tuesday, March 17.

February

University of Portland ranked 20th nationally among peer schools in number of Peace Corps volunteers

President

Awards and Rankings

February 19, 2015

University of Portland is ranked 20th nationally among its peer institutions in producing Peace Corps volunteers, according to a study released today. The University has regularly placed among the top 20 since 2010.

January

Rev. James Gallagher, C.S.C., appointed Director of Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry

January 19, 2015

Rev. James Gallagher, C.S.C., has been appointed Director of Campus Ministry at the University of Portland, effective July 1, 2015.

University of Portland accounting team advances to national finals

Awards and Rankings

Business

January 11, 2015

Four University of Portland accounting students won the regional round of the KPMG Case Competition, held in Chicago, Ill., January 17-18.

UP ranked the top private Oregon university, 65th nationally in Kiplinger's 2014-15 Best Value Private Colleges

President

Awards and Rankings

January 6, 2015

For the fifth consecutive year, University of Portland was the top Oregon school in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance annual ranking of best values in private colleges and universities.