News and Events

The Economics Department hosts department seminars every term in the academic year, as well as our seminal annual event, the Harold G. Vatter Memorial Lecture that features a preeminent economist in their field discussing an important topical issue. Our affiliated institutes also hold events throughout the year that highlight the issue central to their goals and missions.

Harold Vatter Memorial Lecture

The Harold Vatter Memorial Lecture is an annual, premier department event. Regionally and nationally noted economists are invited to speak to the PSU audience as well as the general public on a policy or issue that is timely to current events. Past presenters have included Ed Glaeser from Harvard University, Matthew Kotchen from Yale University, Kimberly Clausing from Reed College, and Josh Lehner, State Economist, Office of Economic Analysis.

The 2023 presenter was E. Somanathan, Professor in the Economics and Planning Unit of the Indian Statistical Institute and Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.

The 2024 Vatter Lecture has been postponed until the fall. The speaker and topic for the lecture will be announced during the Spring term.

Department Seminars

The Economics Department hosts many seminars during the academic year. Each term, Portland State University economics faculty, invited external faculty, or graduate students present working papers to economics majors. The general public is welcome to attend this free event. Please see our Seminar Schedule for more information.

Institute Events

The department is affiliated with three PSU research institutes; The Northwest Economic Research Center, Institute for Economics and the Environment, and Initiatives for Community and Disaster Resilience. Each institute has its unique specialization and hosts events throughout the year. Their events can be found at their websites.