SUMMER 2023

The First Real Six-String

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

• Cheston Knapp

After the War

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.

• Marie Hashimoto ’23

The Central Motif

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

• Lars Erik Larson

Seedlings of a Big Idea

Before Denver Backus '23 could even approach his goal of building a hydroponic farm that provides food to communities in need of fresh, healthy produce, he had to start small.

• Karen Bridges

An Important Role for Engineers

Khalid Osman ’16, now an engineering professor at Stanford University, wants everyone to have access to clean water.

The Triple Bottom Line

Carling León '13, '17 makes it easier for her employer to make a difference in the community.

One Teacher at a Time

The first year of teaching is hard. Ryan Darmody ’97 knows this, has lived it himself, and he decided to return to The Bluff because he knows that providing strong support for young educators can set them up for a successful career in the field.

Head Of The Willamette

University of Portland opened a new boathouse on its campus this spring. Direct access to the Willamette River–with beautiful views of Forest Park, the Portland bridges, and the Bluff–is a turning point for the Pilots' rowing program.

• Bob Kerns

Every Note is a Memory

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

• José Velazco

The Luthier

Luthier Max Sipe '04 builds world-class guitars.

• Chris Brecht