Sho Dozono in 2021. Photo by Patric Simon.Catalyze positive change
Born in post-war Japan, Sho Dozono (COE ’69) arrived in Portland by boat at the age of 10. He worked hard to fit in, proudly becoming an Eagle Scout, rising to junior class president in high school, and then becoming the first minority member of his undergraduate college fraternity.
“I had to learn how to make friends because of my immigrant background,” Dozono recalled. “I wasn’t trying to break barriers along the way, I just wanted to be part of the community.”
Positive Influence
Dozono taught history and Japanese language at Grant High School. Married with three kids to support, he joined Azumano Travel and eventually became the company president and CEO. In 1979, Dozono joined the Mayor’s Human Relations Commission as its education committee chair, a position he held for 10 years.
When Portland Public Schools was going to release 400 teachers in 1996 due to lack of funds, Dozono founded the Portland School Foundation. He organized a 30,000-person march and solicited money from major companies. The money raised, gathered from kids’ piggy bank contents to corporate donations, provided $11 million to save the teachers’ jobs.
“I believe public education is so important because it’s the great equalizer in society. Anyone can advance themselves regardless of color, religion or background,” he said.
In 2001, Dozono became the first minority person to chair the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in its 110-year history. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, he organized the "Flight for Freedom" where 1,000 business people donated money and flew to New York to support the tourist economy.
Dozono also used his business influence to ensure that the Olympic torch came to Portland in 2002. “I have a lot of pride in Portland,” he said. “This city made me who I am today.”
Lasting Impression
The Oregon League of Minority Voters, Spirit Mountain Community Fund, US-Japan Council, Portland Oregon Visitors Association and many others have benefited from Dozono's volunteer service.
Today, he serves on the boards of Boy Scouts of America, Providence Health & Services, Japanese Ancestral Society of Portland, and New Portland Foundation, where he advocates for immigrants and refugees. He is also on PSU’s Board of Trustees.
“I want to make sure the cost of education doesn’t get out of hand,” Dozono said. “Money is always a barrier to communities of color, immigrants and refugees. Everyone should have access to education.”