Portland State University is honoring six outstanding Portland State alumni, faculty and friends (listed below) for success in their fields and for their dedication and support of both the University and the Portland community at the 19th Annual PSU Salutes Ceremony. The ceremony will be held Thursday, May 8, 2008, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom (1825 SW Broadway). Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for PSUAA members, and online registration opens April 11. For questions or to charge by phone, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 503-725-5073.

Outstanding Alumni Awards
Michelle Girts, B.S., '83 Biology
An Outstanding Alumna Award will be given to Michelle Girts in recognition of her distinguished career, service to the University and leadership in building a strong urban community. Girts runs the international intellectual property consulting company, EnTranRight LLC, and chairs the Science Industry Advisory Council, the committee leading the fundraising effort for the renovation and expansion of Science Building Two on the PSU campus. As a community volunteer, Girts has contributed her valuable time to the American Leadership Forum, the American Jewish Committee, the Maseeh College of Engineering and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Pierre Ouellette, B.S., '69 Geography
An Outstanding Alumnus Award will be given to Pierre Ouellette for his entrepreneurial vision, service to others and distinguished creative career in public relations, music and literature. Oullette, the author of three novels as well as an independent filmmaker, has performed in various Northwest rock bands, including Paul Revere and the Raiders, and was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. He has served on the board of directors of Imago Theater, the Northwest Academy and the Portland Creative Conference.

Outstanding Friend of Athletics
Tom Fink, B.S., '71 Economics
The Outstanding Friend of Athletics Award will be given to Tom Fink, the president of MAGNACORP, for his financial support and other contributions to the success of our student-athletes and coaches.

Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award
Melody Rose, Ph.D.
The Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award will be given to Melody Rose in honor of her inspiring approach to education, her work as a scholar and her devotion to helping students find their own political voice. Rose is the founder and director of NEW Leadership Oregon, as well as the chair of the Political Science division in the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government at PSU. Rose's teaching, research and community service reflect her broad interest in citizen engagement and political participation. She has authored a number of articles on national and state social policy, divided government and Oregon's vote by mail system.

President's Award for Philanthropy
Intel Foundation/Intel Corporation
The President's Award for Philanthropy will be given to the Intel Foundation/Intel Corporation in honor of the company's generous philanthropic support and its advancement of PSU through major investments of our students, faculty and programs. The award will be accepted by Morgan Anderson, Education Relations Manager.

President's Award for University Advancement
Julie Young, M.S.W, '93
The President's Award for University Advancement will be given to Julie Young in recognition of her advocacy, volunteer leadership and generous financial support benefiting the University and the School of Social Work, its students and faculty.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#08-031)
Source: Mary Coniglio (503-725-5073)
PSU Alumni Association