2023 | University of Portland

News - 2023

December

Kyle Bunch sits at an outdoor table under tents with several people gathered for a party.

Showing Up

Portland Magazine

December 12, 2023

UP alum Kyle Bunch ’09, ’11 believes that making a positive impact in the lives of others is as simple as showing up.

Kiya Riverman smiles into the camera with Mt. Hood in the back

Elegy for a Glacier

Portland Magazine

December 8, 2023

A team of UP researchers is measuring Eliot Glacier on Mt. Hood. Understanding how fast it's melting will help agriculture in the valley below prepare for the future.

A close-up of Lauren Banks hands cradling a small delicate mushroom.

Foraging Her Way to France

Portland Magazine

December 8, 2023

For Fulbright Scholar Lauren Banks '23, the love of Mycology is in her roots.

Women's soccer team players celebrate on the field post game.

UP Athletes Achieve 95 Percent Graduation Success Rate

Athletics

December 6, 2023

University of Portland athletics posted a 95 percent student-athlete Graduation Success Rate (GSR) according to the latest data released by the NCAA on Wednesday up from the 93 percent the previous two years.

November

Actors in the park at the Original Practice Shakespeare performance.

UP Actors Perform Shakespeare in the Parks

Portland Magazine

November 21, 2023

Alums and current students traveled all over Portland with the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival.

A portrait image of Pooh Jeter at the Chiles Center

Home Court

Portland Magazine

November 10, 2023

Rip City Remix brings a beloved Pilot—Pooh Jeter—back to The Bluff. His return to Chiles comes with a treasure trove of memories.

An illustration of Our Lady of Guadalupe surrounded by roses.

Our Lady

Portland Magazine

November 10, 2023

Where Mary shows up—two centuries, two stories.

Angel Dulay with research poster

UP Junior Angel Dulay Awarded Top Prize at National Diversity in STEM Conference

Biology

November 2, 2023

UP junior biology major Angel Dulay delivered the “Best Undergraduate Research Poster” in the Life Sciences – Genetics category at the 2023 Society of the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM Conference. 

October

Portland magazine Fall 2023 cover

Editor's Note—Fall 2023

Portland Magazine

October 26, 2023

Fellow Travelers

A student sits in front of a laptop computer.

Investigating AI

Portland Magazine

October 23, 2023

UP explores the impact of AI tools on education and beyond.

Sculptures cast shadows on the walls of a museum at night.

Night at the Vatican

Portland Magazine

October 23, 2023

After the tourists go home, a museum's collection tells its own story.

Jo Cecilio

Full Circle

Portland Magazine

October 23, 2023

Jo Cecilio '11 returns to The Bluff to lead the Moreau Center for Service and Justice.

September

Kelly Fox

Congregation of Holy Cross Honors UP Professor Kelly Fox with 2023 Spirit of Holy Cross Award

Nursing

Awards and Rankings

September 20, 2023

The Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers has honored University of Portland Assistant Professor Kelly Fox with a 2023 Spirit of Holy Cross Award, conferred upon lay collaborators in the U.S. and abroad who “make God known, loved, and served” in education, parish and mission settings.

Aerial view of the bell tower at sunset

University of Portland ranked #2 for 2023-24 in Western Region on U.S. News & World Report Lists of Best Colleges and Universities

Awards and Rankings

September 18, 2023

For the fifth consecutive year, University of Portland has been ranked as a top three university in the Western Region by U.S. News & World Report. The magazine’s 2023-24 rankings, released today, rank UP #2 among “Best Regional Universities – West.”

Hands hold a plant in the purple light of a greenhouse

Seedlings of a Big Idea

Portland Magazine

September 14, 2023

Denver Backus '23 is working to help communities grow their own healthy produce.

The boathouse in the morning light

Head of the Willamette

Portland Magazine

September 13, 2023

University of Portland's new boathouse on the Willamette River is a turning point for the Pilots' rowing program.

Carling Leon

The Triple Bottom Line

Portland Magazine

September 13, 2023

Carling León '13 '17 believes Corporate Social Responsibility can attract fresh talent and help a business's bottom line.

Kimberly Cortez

NY Times selects Beacon DEI editor for talent-pipeline mentorship

Communication Studies

September 8, 2023

Kimberly Cortez, DEI editor of The Beacon, UP's student newspaper, has been selected by The New York Times as a mentee in a program to prepare student journalists for professional careers.

Deacon Guiney and Deacon Kreipke

Two UP Holy Cross Men Profess Final Vows at University of Notre Dame Ceremony; Ordained to the Order of Deacon

Campus Ministry

September 8, 2023

Two members of the University of Portland community were among a group of 10 Holy Cross religious who professed their final vows on August 26 at a Mass held at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame.

August

Carol J. Dempsey, OP, Ph.D

Dr. Carol Dempsey elected Vice President/President Elect of the Catholic Biblical Association of America

Theology

August 30, 2023

Her election to this position makes her one of only 10 women to serve as Vice President/President Elect in the CBA's 87-year history.

Joane Moceri

Dean Joane Moceri appointed to OHA's ARCTAC Committee

Nursing

August 30, 2023

The Administrative Requirements for Clinical Training Advisory Committee (ARCTAC) committee of the Oregon Health Authority will review and modernize rules related to clinicals and clinical compliance for all clinical training programs in Oregon, including medical, nursing, and all the allied health programs.

Aerial image of campus

University of Portland lands first-time ranking in The Princeton Review's top 389 schools for 2024

Awards and Rankings

August 23, 2023

Latest UP Honor Continues Accolades as New 2023-24 Academic Year Begins.

Central Motif

The Central Motif

Portland Magazine

August 10, 2023

A meditation on failure—its humbling persistence, its lessons, its (sometimes) astonishing beauty.

Nicole Leupp Hanig

Finding Your Voice

Portland Magazine

August 4, 2023

A new class on vocal technique and its health benefits—for the singer and non-singer alike.

Ryan Darmody

One Teacher at a Time

Portland Magazine

August 4, 2023

Ryan Darmody ’97 returns to The Bluff to lead UP's PACE program.

Dr. Laurie Dizney

University of Portland to Study the Impact of Urbanization on Wildlife Health through National Science Foundation Grant

Biology

August 3, 2023

Latest Major Award Lifts UP College of Arts and Sciences Over the $2.5 Million Mark in Grant Funding Since 2022.

Dr. Katie Danielson

UP Education Professor Katie Danielson Appointed to Oregon Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council

Education

August 2, 2023

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has appointed Katie Danielson, PhD, assistant professor in UP’s School of Education, to the state’s Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council. In an August 1 announcement, the state billed the new council as “part of a long-term effort to boost reading and writing proficiency across Oregon.”

July

after-the-war

After the War

Portland Magazine

July 27, 2023

An undergraduate researcher started to ask questions about the experiences of Japanese Americans after their incarceration on US soil during WWII. These “stories of return” are largely missing from the history books. She decided to do something about that.

every-note

Every Note is a Memory

Portland Magazine

July 25, 2023

For one collector, set lists are a gateway to the good vibrations of the past.

music-and-guitar

The First Real Six-String

Portland Magazine

Performing and Fine Arts

July 25, 2023

The story of an instrument and two of its makers, more than a century apart.

Dr. Robert Kelly

President Kelly appointed to University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees

President

July 17, 2023

UP President, Dr. Robert Kelly, has been appointed as a trustee to the board of the University of St. Thomas.

Dr DeVaughn

Governor Kotek appoints Pamplin School Dean Dr. Michael DeVaughn to the Port of Portland Commission

Business

July 14, 2023

On June 16, the Oregon Senate approved Governor Kotek’s appointment of Dr. Michael DeVaughn to the Port of Portland Commission.

Rapinoe World Cup 2019

UP Alum Megan Rapinoe announces her retirement

Athletics

Alumni

July 13, 2023

After a storied career spanning two decades, Rapinoe leaves a venerable legacy as an icon of women’s soccer.

June

Best College Badge

Money Magazine names UP as one of America's Best Colleges

Awards and Rankings

June 30, 2023

Citing its high graduation rate, strong science and engineering programs, and idyllic campus, Money named the University of Portland among its Best Colleges in the US for 2023.

Mai Nhia Xiong-Chan

Mai Nhia Xiong-Chan appointed as Vice President for Enrollment Management

Human Resources

President

June 29, 2023

Upon the conclusion of a national search that attracted an exceptionally talented and diverse array of candidates, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mai Nhia Xiong-Chan as Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Deschner

Matthew Deschner appointed Dean of Admissions

President

Admissions

June 29, 2023

Upon the conclusion of a competitive search process, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Matthew B. Deschner as Dean of Admissions.

Mo Braire

Lift Up Your Harps

College of Arts and Sciences

June 1, 2023

Mo Briare ’92, ’04 has been a nurse, a musician, and a composer of sacred music. Now she’s teaching nursing students to use music for the health of their patients and for their own health, too.

Khalid Osman

An Important Role for Engineers

Portland Magazine

Engineering

June 1, 2023

When Khalid Osman ’16 isn’t teaching engineering classes at Stanford University, he works on issues around water equity.

May

Oregon Alliance logo

Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities’ Members Generate $3.5 Billion Annual Economic Impact for Oregon

May 23, 2023

The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities’ members generated an annual economic impact to the state of Oregon of $3.5 billion during Fiscal Year 2020-21, according to a new report by Lightcast. Additionally, students’ average annual rate of return is 12.5%.

Dr. David C. Mengel

Introducing Dr. David C. Mengel as UP's Next Provost

Human Resources

History

May 12, 2023

Upon the conclusion of a national search that attracted an exceptionally talented and diverse array of candidates, we are thrilled to announce my appointment of Dr. David C. Mengel as the next Provost of the University of Portland.

Bench

The Bench on The Bluff

Portland Magazine

May 1, 2023

My steps quickened as I left the Commons and bypassed the chapel toward my favorite spot, the bench on the south side of campus that looks out over the Willamette River. I was looking forward to precious time alone with my Creator.

Maunakea

Maunakea

Portland Magazine

May 1, 2023

Maunakea is one of the most recognizable landmarks to my ancestors—my kupuna—who ventured to the Hawaiian Islands centuries ago.

Church pews.

Finding My Better Self

Portland Magazine

May 1, 2023

Sometimes the struggle to attend Sunday Mass is real. And yet the peace he finds there still draws him in.

Climber on an snowy mountain

Balancing Act

Portland Magazine

May 1, 2023

Nate Lynch ’19 likes that when he's mountaineering, his mind can't wander. He has to focus only on what’s in front of him: the next step, the next move.

April

Chiles Center

Portland Trail Blazers Launch NBA G League Team to Play at Chiles Center on the University of Portland Campus

Athletics

April 26, 2023

The Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA G League today announced that the Trail Blazers have acquired the right to own and operate an NBA G League team that will launch in the Chiles Center on the University of Portland's campus.

Lauren Banks

University of Portland Senior Lauren Banks Receives Fulbright U.S. Student Award to Study Abroad

Awards and Rankings

April 25, 2023

University of Portland Senior Lauren Banks has been selected to receive a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to advance her Environmental Sciences studies in France for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years.

Ari Shapiro

University of Portland 2023 Commencement Ceremonies Set for Sunday, May 7 at Chiles Center

Commencement

April 5, 2023

Ari Shapiro, weekday co-host of NPR’s award-winning All Things Considered, returns to Portland as UP Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree recipient

Jim Berchtold

Expanding the Dundon-Berchtold ‘Ripple Effect’ — Multi-Million Dollar Estate Gift Will Fund University of Portland Student Scholarships

Development

Alumni

April 4, 2023

Advancing the legacy and the enduring impact he created alongside his late wife, Amy Dundon-Berchtold, University of Portland (UP) alumnus Jim Berchtold ’63 has announced an $18 million dollar estate gift that will primarily fund scholarships and tuition assistance for future UP students.

Major Maribel Ortega de Pacheco and her children

Always Ready, Always There

Portland Magazine

April 1, 2023

During the early days of Covid, Major Maribel Ortega de Pacheco’s eldest son asked why she couldn’t stay home with him for online kindergarten. Maribel told him that she was “a boss” at work and had to go in.

Angela Hoffman

On Faith

Portland Magazine

April 1, 2023

With characteristic humility and trust, Sr. Angela Hoffman, PhD, leaves UP for a new chapter as prioress of her Benedictine community.

Horse walking down a path

Astride

Portland Magazine

April 1, 2023

A pair of silver ears frame the path, and my gloved hands grip nubbled reins. Beams of autumn sun slant through golden leaves. A click and a nudge and we are trotting.

Library entrance sign

We ❤️ Libraries

Portland Magazine

April 1, 2023

We don't think it's a stretch to say our libraries—and the librarians who run them—are the backbone of a free and functioning democracy.

March

Tshombé Brown

Tshombé Brown Named UP’s First Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Human Resources

March 14, 2023

After a national search, the University of Portland has named Tshombé Brown its first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Champions

Pilots dance to NCAA Women’s Tournament with 64-60 WCC Championship win over Gonzaga

Athletics

March 7, 2023

For the third time in program history and the second time in four seasons, the Portland Pilots won the 2023 University Credit Union West Coast Conference Tournament Championship 64-60 over the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Blanchet House

Blanchet House Honors UP School of Nursing & Health Innovations with 2023 Service Award

Nursing

Awards and Rankings

March 6, 2023

Strengthening a bond that traces back to its founding 71 years ago, Blanchet House has selected University of Portland’s School of Nursing & Health Innovations (UPSONHI) as the recipient of its 2023 Service Award.

Jasmine Yee

UP Nursing Student Jasmine Yee Selected as a Truman Scholar Finalist

Awards and Rankings

March 2, 2023

COVID-19 health precautions kept Jasmine Yee and her Class of 2024 from getting the full, in-person experience when they joined the University of Portland community in the fall of 2020. But after navigating that first year of online learning, Yee has been virtually unstoppable ever since—an inspiring force of caring and creativity on The Bluff.  

Columbia Pool

Goodbye, Columbia

Portland Magazine

March 1, 2023

When Columbia Pool—North Portland’s only indoor public pool—closed its doors in 2020, a group of UP researchers set out to understand the pool’s context and history—its story.

Susan Murray

Groundbreaking Grant for Prostate Cancer Research

Portland Magazine

March 1, 2023

Thanks to a $404,000 grant from the NIH, Susan Murray, Associate Professor of Biology, will be leading students on a three-year research project.

Music notes

Make It New

Portland Magazine

March 1, 2023

In October, University of Portland’s Theater Department presented a workshop reading of its first commissioned play, Claire Willett’s How Can I Keep from Singing?

February

Campus Closures

February 24, 2023

Due to inclement weather, University of Portland will reman closed until Sunday, February 26 at noon, though a few limited events will proceed. We will re-evaluate on Sunday morning, but we expect the University to be fully open for business next week and that in-person classes will resume on Monday, February 27.

aurora borealis

An Alpine Sanctuary

Portland Magazine

February 22, 2023

Alan Herald ’68 maintains a sense of equilibrium by staying connected with the natural world. He took the awe-inspiring photo above on a private pilgrimage to Mount Rainier National Park.

Monteith house

The Monteith House

Portland Magazine

February 22, 2023

A few years ago, after my wife and I married and had our first kid, we bought the house I grew up in. I think of this house as a sacred space.

Living building

It's Alive!

Portland Magazine

February 22, 2023

Portland’s most sustainable building is a feat of engineering that inspires hope, even awe. And two UP engineering alums helped usher it into existence.

big small world

Big-Small World

Portland Magazine

February 22, 2023

This issue of Portland magazine organically grew into one about the places that make us who we are. University of Portland may very well be one of those places for you. The nature of the connections—sometimes intentional, sometimes full of mystery—that are forged in these holy places are worth examining and cherishing. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed pulling it together.

Valerie Chen and Kathy Nice

Pilot Shout-out

Portland Magazine

February 22, 2023

I wanted to send a shout-out to 2020 BSN graduate Valerie Chen. She joined the Labor and Delivery floor at PeaceHealth at RiverBend in Springfield, OR, at the beginning of the pandemic and has become a dynamic addition to the team.

Dr. Rachel Hutcheson

UP’s First Lilly Faculty Fellows to Explore Faith Formation in Academia

Awards and Rankings

February 20, 2023

Two years after University of Portland joined the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities, two faculty members are the first on the UP campus to be awarded Lilly Faculty Fellowships.

January

Dr. Elise Moentmann

“Endlessly Devoted to Student Well-Being and Success”— Dr. Elise Moentmann Receives Spirit of Holy Cross Award

Awards and Rankings

January 19, 2023

The Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province has honored Interim Provost Dr. Elise Moentmann for her service as a lay collaborator in the University of Portland community with a 2023 Spirit of Holy Cross Award.

Reed Clarke

Therapist, Poet, Writer, Artist

Portland Magazine

January 1, 2023

This past summer the Buckley Center Gallery presented “Facing You,” a retrospective exhibit of artist Reed Clarke’s oil paintings.

Emmanuel Aquino

Behind Student Success

January 1, 2023

Emmanuel Aquino ’13 received a 2022 Educator of the Year award for grades 6–8 from OnPoint Community Credit Union. He attributes his success to his time at UP and the School of Education.

Illustration of A River Runs in It

A River Runs in It

Portland Magazine

January 1, 2023

With a raft of state-of-the-art technology, the E. L. Wiegand Environmental Laboratory will offer students unique research opportunities and supercharge UP’s Environmental Studies program.