News

What: Portland State University will celebrate the educational accomplishments of Native American graduates at a special ceremony. The celebration includes traditional drums, songs, color guard, and presentation of Pendleton blankets to the 21 students, representing the 68 total Native American students graduating this year from PSU. These 6 graduate and 15 undergraduate students are receiving various degrees in electrical engineering, social work, architecture, education, geography, psychology, english and anthropology.

A respected elder of the Grand Ronde tribe will emcee the event and attendees will include the Oregon Tribal Chairs from Warm Springs and Klamath Tribes, along with 300 family, friends, faculty, students and community members. Other speakers include Dan Fortmiller, interim vice provost, Student Affairs and Rudy Soto, ASPSU president.

When: Friday, June 8, 2007, 5–8:30 p.m.

Where: Native American Student and Community Center (710 SW Jackson, Portland, Ore.)

Contact: Please note that this event is not open to the general public. For more information on the event, contact Dean Azule at 503-725-5348. Members of the media planning on attending need to contact Laura Jundt at 503-725-8555 or lcjundt@pdx.edu.

Background: This is the 13th year of the event and has been held in the Native American Student and Community Center since 2003. The event is made possible by fundraisers held throughout the year.

Portland State University's Native American Student and Community Center is a gathering place where Native American and Alaskan Native students find academic and social support. The center welcomes the greater Native Community to PSU's campus, providing opportunities for shared learning and enhanced partnerships with tribal organizations throughout the Nation, Native American culture groups, and regional and national organizations serving Native people. It is the only facility of its kind in the greater metropolitan region - where approximately 20,000 American Indian and Alaskan Natives reside.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#07-076)