75th Anniversary

75 Years of Resilience

At Portland State University, we know change isn’t a maybe. It’s a must. It’s a lesson learned over our 75 years of growth from a small start-up serving G.I.s home from World War II to Oregon’s most diverse and innovative urban public research university.

Through it all, we have led the charge for positive change in Portland and beyond, building greener cities, fighting for social justice, and working for the greater good. We put students first, emboldening each and every one to create better lives for themselves and better communities for us all.

As we celebrate our first 75 years and look forward to our next 75, we continue to ask hard questions. To welcome everyone. And to find new ways to move forward, no matter what. Because a more equitable, sustainable future is ours to make, and we can only do it together.

LETTING KNOWLEDGE SERVE FOR 75 YEARS

1950s: The Vanport Extension Center finds a permanent home in 1952 in downtown Portland. In 1955, it gains four-year college status and a new name: Portland State College. The first class graduates in 1956.

1960s: The quiet commuter college takes the national TV spotlight in 1965, when the Portland State quiz team sweeps the G.E. College Bowl on NBC. The college wins more state support and designation as a full university.

1970s: A decade of rapid growth and social change begins with a student strike and clash with police. New Black Studies, Women’s Studies and sustainability programs shape PSU’s commitment to justice and equity.

1980s: The university’s reputation grows as a leader in urban planning with close ties to the city and the community following the opening of the College of Urban and Public Affairs. Enrollment reaches 15,000 students.

1990s: PSU redefines undergraduate education with its award-winning University Studies program. This innovative, hands-on approach allows students to do more than study the issues; they dig into them and find solutions.

2000s: The Miller Foundation awards a $25 million grant to PSU to grow its sustainability programs. A wave of green construction projects begins with eco-roofs, solar panels, and more energy efficient buildings.

2010s: PSU becomes Oregon’s most diverse, innovative and affordable urban public research university, where 26,000 students from all backgrounds come for an education that moves them — and the world — forward.

PSU student helping to build a tiny house

We take our motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” to heart. Our students and faculty work with hundreds of businesses and community partners — such as Intel, Oregon Health & Science University and the City of Portland — to find new solutions to the region’s most pressing problems. Our students design tiny homes for the houseless, improve air quality near public schools, and help find cancer cures. We are tied to this city we call home, and now more than ever, we are stepping up with our partners to help Portland achieve a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future.

THIS IS PSU

Top 10

Employer

62M

Research

$1.5B

Economic impact

942K

Student service hours

63%

Grads stay in Portland

Leading the way since 1946

The people of Portland State have been changing lives and communities for the better since 1946. Our students and alumni have made our families healthier, our cities more sustainable, and our world more equitable. We are proud of the nearly 200,000 alumni who continue to challenge norms and move forward in new and creative ways. In our 75th year, we celebrate their success and look ahead to the next generation of changemakers at PSU.

A Rich History

From a small start-up serving G.I.s home from World War II to Oregon’s most diverse and innovative urban public research university, PSU has led the charge for positive change in Portland and beyond.

Learn our history

4 Times Alumni Saved PSU

A network of tireless alumni and supporters has come to PSU's rescue — from threats both existential and symbolic — throughout its 75-year history.

PSU Alumni to the rescue

Black and white photo of students walking through campus in the 1950s

8 Stories, 75 Years

In celebration of our 75th anniversary, read about eight alumni whose contributions to our community have had an impact far beyond the confines of the classroom.

Read Alumni Stories

Vanport Building Photo in Black and White

The Vanport Building

A new building’s name pays tribute to Portland State’s birthplace 75 years ago.

Explore new building