My PSU Memory

VIKINGS REMEMBER THEIR TIME AT PSU

The collective experiences of our Portland State community over the decades reflects a powerful mosaic of the opportunities, relationships, service and transformations that make up our legacy. Take a look at the many wonderful stories shared by Viks both past and present. And learn more about our 190,000+ alumni family by visiting the Alumni Association website.

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Alumni

75th Anniversary

The image is of two people standing outside.

Jeanne Nelson ’81

“I remember fondly my many educational and social interactions with the rich international student population at PSU during the late 1970s. These friendships, particularly those from sub-Saharan Africa, enhanced my formal PSU education and formed the basis of my decades-long career in international affairs.”

The image is of several beds in a parking lot, with a few people sitting on them.

Steve Johnson ’02

“I have several periods of PSU. Some date back to 1950s, when my family had Fourth of July picnics for PSU, Reed, and Lewis and Clark faculty. Also, in the early ’70s we had an office in Lincoln Hall where one desk was in a treehouse.”

The image is of a person wearing graduation regalia, they are standing at a podium with a fist in the air.

Christian Aniciete ’10

“Graduating from PSU in 2010 was a very special memory because I had the honor of giving one of the biggest speeches of my life as commencement speaker to what was then the university’s largest graduating class. It was a beautiful day as I graduated alongside my brother and my wife.”

The image is of two people wearing viking hats while standing in a street, the horns on the hats are glowing green.

Curtis Burge ’15

“It was my first year of grad school at PSU and I was working for Campus Rec. In walks a new employee who needed signatures from the staff. That person she was looking for was not me, but I jokingly played the part for 10 minutes to get to talk to her. We've been married for four years, together for seven.”

The image is a person standing in front of a Portland State University sign.

Shriram Namasivayam ’11

“Everything was new to me at PSU when I arrived. They made a lot of things easy and comfortable for international students. For example, staff there understood my accent without getting annoyed, which is big thing to me. I got exposed to a lot of new things in my life.”

The image is of Margaret Doherty helping a child with their homework at a table.

Margaret Doherty ’73

“My memory is of the PSU Speech/Debate team. I was on the team from 1969-73. We traveled all over to compete. Of course, it was in the day where men and women didn’t compete against each other. The exception was in debate.”

Robert F. Kennedy speaking at a podium in front of a large crowd.

George Stevenson ’69

“I am a grateful 1969 PSU graduate. I have many excellent memories, especially the great live music concerts. My cherished memory is when Senator Robert F. Kennedy came to PSU to speak in the gym on March 26, 1968. I was standing about 40 feet from the stage ... he shook my hand, vigorously thanking me. Wow!”

Emelia Shoup ’20

The image is of a bird drinking out of a fountain.

“Two memories. While I was taking my capstone on Portland Water Infrastructure, I stumbled upon crows drinking out of the Benson Bubblers. I took a picture and had to share it with my class because Simon Benson was significant in forming the water system that PSU has today, and wanted free accessible water for all. And my time on PSU’s Women’s Water Polo team. Great group of talented, smart and strong women during my last two years at PSU. Go Lady Viks!”

Sunaina Chandra ’10

The image is of two people standing together and wearing graduation regalia, they are smiling for the camera.

“I’m carrying special memories of PSU with me. Presently, I live in Victoria, Australia, but I still stay connected with my friends who live in Oregon. Much love to everyone who’s presently studying at PSU or is an alum from PSU.”

Alissa Conant ’18

The image is of a child standing in front of a Portland State University sign.

“On a no-school day for my kids, my elementary math professor gave me the OK to bring my youngest to class. Later, I went and picked out a couple of math games from the math resource room for him. I will always be grateful for that class, my classmates and my professor for helping me discover my love of math and share it with my kids!”

Regina Weaver, staff member

The image is of three people holding tools and construction gear.

“IELP Short Term Summer Program: English Through Sustainability and Service. Summer 2019. Salvaging used wood for Portland's ReBuilding Center. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for this group of Japanese university students.”

Daniel Erickson ’13, MBA ’20

The image is of a snowy building and park.

“The first real snowstorm I experienced in downtown while living at Epler Hall. The entire campus was shut down and it was winter break. Most people had left for the break and it was beautiful and peaceful on campus and the surrounding Park Blocks. A memory that I think about every time it snows in Portland.”

Jiao Ye ’21

The image is of a person sitting on the Portland State University sign.

“I had a second chance to get back to school, being a peer adviser in the School of Business also giving me a chance to give back all the time spent in the library. KMC building will reward me a coming degree in 5 weeks, I love PSU.”

Ankita Guchait ’17

The image is of Ankita standing next to Victor E. Viking.

“Receiving academic excellence honour every term was a very special moment for me at PSU. It gave me the opportunity to gain leadership skills as a student leader while achieving first-class grades in academics.”

Gabriel Flores ’15

The image is of a couple wearing wedding clothes, standing in front of the Portland State University sign.

“My special memory was walking into marketing class in 2015 and sitting next to a girl who didn't give me the time of day. The next day we again had the same class and agreed to be group partners. In 2018, we agreed to become lift partners, and in 2020, we welcomed our first kid. We are forever grateful for the time we spent at Portland State University, and of course the late nights at the Cheerful Tortoise ($1 wings, y’all!!)”

Shelby Kunert ’20

The image is of two people on razor scooters.

“I met a handful of lifetime friends while living in the dorms for three years at PSU! I also gained knowledge working at HGCDC that I will keep with me forever! I miss my dorm on the top floor looking like a jungle with 50-plus house plants. I miss art in the Park Blocks and the cherry blossom trees! Being quarantined at the PSU campus wasn’t bad at all! My roommate and I got fresh air and exercise by scootering in the empty parking garages.”

Hasol Yu ’20

The image is of two people laughing in the sunshine.

“Taking a class field trip to the Broadway green roofs to collect data for honors urban ecology! We were able to have fun and enjoy the sun while also having a meaningful academic experience. I thought this captured the honors college experience perfectly.”

Pannaawattey Chheng ’21

The image is of a group of people posing with their palms together.

“During my study abroad journey in the U.S., I’ve been part of different PSU communities, such as IELP and scholarship programs (ICSP, UNST Peer Mentor and SBA scholarships). This picture is from the International Cultural Scholarship Program (ICSP) community, where I represent my home country, Cambodia. I am so grateful that I have a chance to share my culture through presentations, volunteers and many leadership opportunities. I'm doing my best to keep my positive energy toward my graduation this spring.”

Marlo Eckert ’18

The image is of a group of people posing.

“While it wasn’t directly academic, it was certainly a huge portion of my academic success. Being involved on the PSU Unified Sports team — a chance for students to play sports with those who are intellectually disabled — changed my life. It forced dedication, better academic success, volunteer work and a better cultured student. Being part of that team throughout my time at PSU improved me for the better and directly impacted the success I saw in the classroom.”

Carolyn Esch ’12

The image is of two people standing together, one of them is wearing graduation regalia.

“My favorite memory to date was at PSU on graduation day. I got to have my grandmother there who was going through dementia! She has since passed and I hold this photo so close to my heart and proud she was able to see me graduate!”

Abrianna Williams ’20

The image is of a person holding a baby.

“One of my favorites is seeing my Access program mentor, Marlon, off to his new career. When I first started at PSU, he led a college readiness course for students of color. I was in my first trimester of pregnancy, and Marlon and everyone in Access were super supportive and encouraging. When Marlon left PSU, my son was about 2 months old and I was headed into my senior year of my undergrad. Everything I learned from Marlon and the Access program I carry with me still. I’m thankful my baby and I got to see him off, and to have experienced his mentorship!”

Susan Brickey ’77

“Remember taking my niece to a women’s basketball game at PSU. She was inspired by the players — and then to play at her school. She’s a very petite adult but mighty in spirit. Also remember the Simon Benson House being moved to campus and restored, finally a home for alumni and professors emeritus.”

Glenn Bright ’88

The image is of two people standing together smiling.

“So many wonderful memories. The statistics class for non-math majors stands out. The professor would break instruction every class to tell of a personal accomplishment or experience. At first it was bothersome. But second term we would pull new students aside and tell them not to interrupt — show respect.”

Helen O’Keefe ’64

The image is of a window with blinds, there is snow out the window.

“PSU was my ticket to the world. From a farm in Cottage Grove to life in Greece and Cyprus to travels to South Asia and Eastern Europe representing Nike and my Colorado university — my English degree from PSU opened the world to me, a poor farm girl who lived the life of her dreams. ‘Faraway places with strange sounding names, far away over the sea; Those far away places with the strange sounding names, Are calling, calling me.’ Thanks to PSU, I answered.”

Anna Conner ’17

The image is of two people standing in front of a crowd, they are both holding flowers.

“My mom attended PSU at the same time I did, getting a PACE degree from the school of education. We graduated on the same day, her in the morning and me in the afternoon, and it was such a wonderful experience to share that with her.”

There is a gold bracelet on a green and black blanket.

There is a person wearing sunglasses, they are holding a baby.

There are four people in the Park Blocks at Portland State smiling for the camera.

There are three different images in a collage, one with a group of people, one with flowers, and another with a note.

There is a hand holding a cup of coffee above the sidewalk, there are people walking in the background.

There is a person holding up old Portland State memories on a green page.

Chanelle Carlin ’99

“My story highlights everything I love about PSU, primarily a focus on kindness and caring about students. I received a gold ID bracelet as a gift from my aunt that said ‘Chanelle, Portland State University, June 1999.’”

Mary Williams ’17

“This was my first day back on campus after having my first baby. As a nontraditional student, I was so scared and didn’t know I was going to be able to finish and get my degree. But PSU gave me so much support, from on-campus child care to grants for parents.”

Gabrielle Michel ’21

“A favorite memory of mine at PSU is walking around campus with my friends on Saturdays and enjoying the farmer’s market by getting a coffee, shopping around and listening to the live music.”

Angela Hamilton ’11, staff member

“The Social Sustainability Colloquium was my favorite regular activity as a student. Every week, students, staff and community members came together to learn and talk about some of the most innovative programs related to ... sustainability.”

Odalys Rincon ’20

“Grabbing coffee from Coco Donuts and running off to the library for quiet study sessions.”

Steve Schlossmacher ’80

“One that I still think about from time to time is when our German class talked our professor to have class outside in the park blocks. We had a flask of a beverage to enjoy. Now, the prof wasn’t aware of this. Then after class I had to take a nap in the park.”

Sue Wendel ’80, MS Communications ’16

“Back in 1996, I was fortunate to work with then-editor Kathryn Kirkland to design the 50th Anniversary PSU booklet.”

Carole Hallett ’88

The image is of a palm with small animal bones on it.

“Once I happened to see my favorite biology professor, Richard B. Forbes, up to his elbows in a deceased Kodiak bear. I pushed open the door and asked how an interested person might go about getting involved with a project such as this and he said something like ‘grab that knife over there!’ Forbes liked to challenge his students’ identification abilities with an assortment of broken, sometimes roadkill-pancaked specimens. Forbes was a great teacher. He brought out the best in us. To this day, I use information I learned from him in my work as a wildlife biologist.”

Arnold Moodenbaug ’69

The image is of a building with trees around it.

“Most people remember the late ’60s mostly for protests and social change, but I also remember the academic challenges at Portland State. Our group of about 15 physics major classmates included some students direct from high school, like me. More notably, several were returning veterans, some from Vietnam, some with families. A few were mid-career lab technicians intending to rise to engineering positions. These were serious students. The physics faculty provided our group an education that, I believe, equaled that of many research universities. — BS in physics ’69; PhD ’75 University of California, San Diego; retired Brookhaven National Lab.”

An Nguyen ’23

The image is of a landscape at the Portland Japanese Garden.

“I took this picture during my first term of college. I was burnt out and stressed due to academic pressures. While visiting the Japanese Garden during my university studies class visit, I felt a lot better because of the relaxing atmosphere and ambiance that is present there. After the visit to this garden, I realized how important it is to take care of myself throughout the school year. I highly recommend anyone who is feeling stressed out to visit this place.”

Vinh Nguyen ’23

“I went on a trip to Mount Hood with my work of art class the first week of my freshman year at PSU. It was relaxing to see the beautiful landscape of Oregon and it was definitely a good start to my college journey.”

James Wilkinson ’89, MS Geology ’91

The image is of a black and white certificate.

“In my senior year of my BS program, I received the Most Likely to Succeed award. Within months, I landed a job at the USGS Water Resources Division. I’m convinced that the excellent geology program and professors made the difference and enabled me to start my career.”

Esmeralda Valdez ’20

There is a Portland State University sign in the Park Blocks.

“The Park Blocks was one of my favorite places to sit down and clear my mind, especially during the fall. There is nothing like the PSU campus.”

Lucy Balthazaar ’20

The image is of a framed memory from Midnight Breakfast.

“Going to midnight breakfast with my friends Dom, Rachel, Wyatt and Grace.”

Milah Foote ’19

There is a person bent down pointing at the Portland State University sign.

“I will always remember the sounds of the streetcar and the vibration at my feet! PSU gave me all the city vibes that I never had in my small hometown. Proud to be a Viking!”

Seri Soulatha ’13

There is a pile of black hair on the floor.

“Making new friends and reinventing myself for a new chapter in my life, which meant starting to cut my own hair. Penny-pinching college students can relate.”

Olivia Riggs ’16

There is a person wearing Seattle Seahawks gear.

“Watching the Seahawks go undefeated then on to the Super Bowl from my dorm room in Blumel. I will never forget being a Seahawks fan in uncharted territory! P.S., I ended up playing hookie to attend the celebration parade!!”

Atousa Gorg ’17

There is a collage of images, one of a college graduate, one of painted nails, and one of a group.

“PSU memories from start to graduation is special feelings for me, as it coincides with my immigration. PSU reminds me all of challenges that I dealt with and what learned from in a new culture.”

Ricki Alao ’16

There is two people standing next to each other.

“The Portland State Lu’au gave us the opportunity to share our Polynesian cultures with our extended PSU ’ohana.”

Katherine Ortman ’14

There is a group of people wearing golf gear.

“My fondest memory at Portland State was being a member in the Women’s Golf Team. I felt like I was a part of the school and I was extremely proud to be representing my school at tournaments.”

Christine Ho Huen ’18

“Attending the Bilingual Teacher Pathway (BTP) program made my dream come true!!! It took more than four decades to be realized. I’m in my second year working as an ELD Specialist in a local school district. Thanks to PSU, the faculty and staff of BTP program!”

Claudia Claudio ’18

“My PSU memory is the classroom experience of being able to meet people, make new friends and develop study groups where we all could succeed. Without the support of my teachers and peers, I couldn’t have done the work toward graduation. I enjoyed the classroom lessons and connecting with others.”

Ron Mapes ’64

There are two people posing for the camera.

“Back when I was enrolled at PSC in 1962, I was asked by the secretary to do a favor for her friend whose daughter was transferring to PSC for the next term and was looking for someone to familiarize her with the campus. We met and two years later we were married and graduated in 1964! We are still happily married to this day! Long live Portland State!”

Andrea Janda ’10

There are two people wearing graduation regalia.

“I graduated from PSU in 2010 with a BS in psychology, just before I turned 38. Twenty years post high-school, several states and colleges, and I finally arrived! It was a beautiful summer commencement in the Park Blocks — the last of its kind — and I took to the stage casually and comfortably in my regalia (and velvet flip-flops!) to accept the long-awaited honor. It was the perfect end to my journey. I continued on to work at PSU and am celebrating my 11th year.”

Michelle Reed ’15

“My fondest memory from PSU is when I was presented with my ‘Most Senior Senior Award,’ from the anthropology/archaeology department in recognition for being then the oldest graduate from PSU, according to available history.”

Saleh Alzughaibi ’20

The first floor of the Karl Miller Center.

“This photo I took was when quarantine first hit. I saw Karl Miller Center empty for the first time, which allowed me to take a moment, self-reflect and appreciate all of my time at PSU. This photo showcases the building’s interconnected, crossing stairs and hallways. Therefore, I named it "Classroom Crossroads." It non-COVID times, this place would be filled with people of different backgrounds, ambitions and goals. Some may one day be famous or a political figure, but they all pass one another in this beautiful architecture.”

Jessica Lam ’21

There is a group of people standing on a stage.

“My favorite memory of PSU would be the long nights on campus in the SALP meeting rooms, where many other student leaders and myself would prep and make decorations for upcoming culture shows. I will never forget the hard work that everyone put in for the different student groups when we were all planning for a show/event, while we laugh together and take breaks at the food carts on campus. Also the fun experiences of traveling to conferences to meet new people will always be memories I hold dear to my heart.”

Michelle Harris ’20

There is a person working on a laptop, there are several snacks on the table around the laptop.

“My favorite memories are the many, many study rooms at the library I’ve spent time in. My study partner (who is my daughter and also a PSU student) and I would get our snacks and work and just stay all day studying. Can’t wait to get back on campus again someday.”

Errin Beck, faculty

There is a group of people standing together outside.

“In 2019, a group of international students from the IELP’s English though Sustainability and Service Learning program joined a volunteer event at Lincoln High. We worked alongside high school students, connecting across many cultures!”

Gowtham Kudupudi ’15

There is a photo frame with a picture of graduates.

“Graduation day — getting a MS degree from the prestigious PSU, sharing with the Class of 2015.”

Nicole Wangler ’22

“Move-in day and Viking days.”

Patrice Ball ’88

“Like most of us, I was struggling to make ends meet during college. I attended PSU pre-internet, and purchased all of my textbooks at the PSU bookstore back when it occupied the corner of SW 6th Avenue and SW Hall Street. On a strict budget, I always tried to purchase used books and made sure to return them to the bookstore after final exams — as soon as ‘buyback’ began.

There would be a long line waiting to have your used books assessed for value by the one guy appointed to make the determination. He was set up behind a counter that was accessible behind the door that was otherwise widely ignored, tucked discreetly between the Hall Street entrance to the parking lot and the Hall Street entrance to the bookstore (now SHAC).

Waiting in line, each of us hoped our used books would be required text for the new term. If not, they’d be worth very little — or nothing at all. When it was your turn at the front of the line, you had to be ready. The book buyer at the counter kept a fast pace. Many items were instantly recognizable to him, but sometimes he’d check for edition numbers or scan the printout next to him, running his index finger down the column in search of the book title while you held your breath, hoping he didn’t push the book back across the counter toward you with an unceremonious ‘No.’ If the buyer picked up the book to fan through the pages you could let out your breath a bit, knowing he would make you an offer. After a quick check for tears or other damage, he calmly informed you of the book value, with no apology nor option for negotiations. As the seller, you had little time to ponder the offer.

Without pause, the book buyer reached under the counter for a stack of crisp bills. He expertly flipped through the stack, snapping his wrist at exactly the correct payout. From the seller’s point of view, counting while the buyer flipped the stack of bills was nearly impossible. Yet only newbies to the process would hold up the line of students behind them while they counted their instant payout; everyone else knew that the buyer’s ability to count the money was equivalent to his speed in manual dexterity. To my knowledge, his accuracy was 100%.”

Mike Goss ’74

“I enrolled at PSU in 1971. If I somehow managed to graduate, I would be only the second member of my family to earn a college degree. It wasn’t going to be easy. I had recently completed a four-year enlistment in the Air Force, including a tour of duty in Thailand, at the height of the Vietnam War.

I had four major responsibilities: First, take care of my wife and our new baby girl; second, carry at least 12 quarter hours and maintain a C average or above, to receive GI Bill education benefits; third, work 48 hours each week at Oregon Hi-Fi, downtown and Lloyd Center, to pay the bills; and fourth, manage an apartment house at SE 127th Avenue and E Burnside Street, where we called 911 at least three nights a week. That’s how I earned my BS degree and raised a family. That’s also how I got my first migraine ... which went away when I resigned my apartment manager’s job.

I took a computer programming course on the BASIC programming language. My lab time was usually at 3 a.m., when security officers let me into a room containing a teletype machine and a phone modem. I typed each line of my program onto a punch tape. I called the mainframe. I played my paper tape. The mainframe compiled my program and said, ‘READY.’

I wrote a program that calculated the performance of a bank of elevators in an office building, after the user input the number of elevators, their size, their speed, the height of the building, the number of floors, and the type of doors. I used that program for several years during my work with three elevator companies in four states.

I graduated with a BS in business administration on Aug. 9, 1974, the same day President Nixon resigned. My degree opened the door to a fast-track management position with my dream company, Otis Elevator Company. I worked for Otis in Portland, San Francisco and Phoenix. None of that would have been possible without my PSU degree.”