News

Portland State University is honoring Dolores A.W. Leon (B.S., ’70) and Fernando Leon with the President’s Award for University Advancement tomorrow, May 12, 2005, at the 16th annual PSU Salutes ceremony. PSU Salutes takes place from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Columbia Falls Ballroom at PSU’s University Place (310 SW Lincoln).

PSU Salutes is the University’s annual event recognizing and honoring outstanding PSU alumni, faculty and friends for their dedication and continued support of both the University and the Portland community.

The President’s Award for University Advancement will be given to Dolores A.W. and Fernando Leon in recognition of their generous philanthropic support, volunteer leadership and outstanding advocacy. The Leons were instrumental in establishing the Jane Wiener Endowed Alumni Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarships for high-achieving students. They have been long-time supporters of the Chicano-Latino community and have created the Leon Family Scholarship for students of Mexican or Hispanic heritage who plan on a medical career. Fernando Leon served on the PSU Foundation Board of Directors and Dolores Leon is an active member of the PSU Foundation Board’s outreach committee and has hosted events to educate the community about PSU and the work of the PSU Foundation.

“Dolores and Fernando Leon have been tremendous supporters of Portland State University,” said PSU President Daniel O. Bernstine. “Dolores was a founding member of the PSU Alumni Association board and she and Fernando have both been actively involved with the University and the PSU Foundation. We are grateful for their leadership roles, their generosity and their unwavering support for PSU students.”

Last fall, the University announced its $100 million Building Our Future campaign, which 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 helped to improve and upgrade 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, Center for Professional Integrity and Accountability 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.

Source:
Mary Coniglio (503-725-5073)
PSU Alumni Relations

For Immediate Release (#05-069)