News

Portland State University launched its first-ever capital campaign at this evening’s Simon Benson Awards dinner. With a goal of $100 million, and with nearly $74 million already raised, the comprehensive “Building Our Future” campaign seeks private investment to support more than 75 priorities across the University in research, teaching, scholarships and new construction.

“The initial success of this campaign is evidence of the University’s role as an essential partner with the region,” said PSU President Daniel O. Bernstine. “The investments that the community is making in Portland State allow us to better prepare future engineers, scientists, teachers and citizens. It strengthens the economy and helps meet the demands of business while creating thoughtful leaders and enriching the quality of life.”

The announcement came at the Simon Benson Awards dinner with over 1,000 people in attendance to honor area philanthropists Patricia L. Wessinger and Thomas B. and Caroline P. Stoel, and which featured legendary broadcaster Walter Cronkite.

The campaign has contributed to much of the recent growth on campus, including capital projects such as the Native American Student and Community Center, the naming of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Northwest Center for Engineering, Science and Technology now under construction. The campaign has also improved and upgraded research facilities and equipment, and endowed professorships and programs designed to attract and retain top faculty members, such as the James DePreist Visiting Professorship in Ethnic Art and the Center for Japanese Studies. In 2003-2004, nearly 1,500 scholarships supported by the Building Our Future campaign were awarded to Portland State students.

For more information about Portland State University’s Building Our Future campaign, visit www.pdx.edu/giving or call 503-725-4PSU.