News

Today the Education subcommittee of the Oregon Legislative Emergency Board unanimously approved Portland State University's request to allow issuance of Article XI-G bonds required to fund construction of the Northwest Center for Engineering, Science and Technology. The request goes before the full Legislative Emergency Board tomorrow for final approval.

Final approval tomorrow allows the University to begin a phased issuance of the bonds, which require a one-to-one match by the University, and construction of the new engineering center-a 130,000 square foot building that will include classrooms, faculty office, 49 laboratories, and ground floor retail. The facility, located adjacent to the Fourth Avenue Building (1900 SW Fourth Ave.) will strive for a Silver or Gold LEED (Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, in keeping with the University's commitment to sustainability, which includes "green" building practices.

"The Legislature has been a strong advocate for the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State, and its efforts to meet the region's demand for skilled engineers," said PSU President Daniel O. Bernstine. "Support for construction of the Northwest Center for Engineering, Science and Technology will help PSU in achieving its goal of doubling the number of engineering graduates and increasing funded research. We are grateful for the legislature's continued support."

Construction for this phase of the project, including design and construction, is estimated at $44.5 million, with $21.9 million in Article XI-G bonds, $21.9 million in matching gifts, grants and contracts, and $700,000 in Article XI-F bonds for funding the retail portion of the facility. Lease Crutcher Lewis (Lewis) has been selected as general contractor; the project is designed by Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership and managed by Gerding/Edlen Development Company.

The facility will house the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, named for Fariborz Maseeh, a graduate who recently committed a gift of $8 million to the University, $6 million of which will be applied toward construction of the new center. Fundraising for the center will continue in order to meet the remainder of the match required. The Northwest Center will help in meeting the University's continued growth in enrollment and funded research; this past fall, Portland State enrolled a record 24,000 students. In accordance with a directive from the state, PSU has been striving to double its enrollment and engineering graduates as well as to increase funded research in those areas.

Located in the heart of Oregon's Silicon Forest, PSU's Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science is uniquely positioned to deliver progressive engineering and computer science education. By teaming with regional industry and government, faculty members keep the curriculum current and prepare PSU students to make an immediate contribution to the workforce through participation in Senior Capstone design projects, internships and research opportunities. During this academic year, the Maseeh College has a total enrollment of 1,987 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, a 57-percent increase since 1999.

For more information on the Northwest Center for Engineering, Science and Technology, or on Portland State's growth initiatives, contact Jay Kenton, vice president for Finance and Administration (503-725-4444) or Dee Wendler, director of Business Affairs, 503-725-3752.

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Sources:
Jay Kenton (503-725-4444)
PSU Finance and Administration