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Gov. Ted Kulongoski  joined Portland State University officials and a graduate from the Class of 1940 at Lincoln High School to formally open the rejuvenated Lincoln Hall as the new home for music, theater and the arts. 

“You can’t keep a good school down!” proclaimed Mary Tooze, the Lincoln High alumnus, as she cut the ribbon on the main stage of the renovated hall. 

Barbara Sestak, dean of PSU’s School of Fine and Peforming Arts praised the design and consruction team for their commitment to restoring the building to its 99-year-old glory. Sestak, a former architect, also detailed ther energy-efficient and green practices that have enabled PSU to seek LEED Platinum certification for a sustainable building.

PSU President Wim Wiewel and Vice President Lindsay Desrochers noted the structure’s historic significance not only as the original Lincoln High but also as PSU’s first building when it opened after World War II.  They thanked the governor and the Oregon Legislature for approving more than $30 million in  state bond and stimulus funds to finance the project. 

“It shows how commited this university is to sustainability,” Kulongski told the crowd gathered at the opening ceremony. 

Besides creating much-needed jobs, the governor said the Lincoln Hall project represents the importance of the public investing in higher education: “In the long term, universities are a crucible for innovation and creativity. This is where our future lies.”

To learn more about the renovation of Lincoln Hall click here.