Transforming SB1

LONG-TIME Portland State advocates Christine and David Vernier—founders of Vernier Software & Technology, an Oregon company providing scientific hardware and software for education—made a $4.5 million pledge to PSU. Pending public investment by the Oregon Legislature, the University plans to use the gift to renovate the 53-year-old undergraduate science building, SB1, to provide flexible classrooms, state-of-theart laboratories, and collaborative research and teaching spaces critical to multidisciplinary, interactive learning. The building will be renamed the Vernier Science Center. The Verniers have made a lifetime philanthropic contribution of more than $10 million to PSU and Christine Vernier serves as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. After the renovation, PSU’s programs supporting first-generation and historically underrepresented minority students in STEM and health-related fields will move into the building. More than 80 percent of Portland State’s STEM students remain in Oregon after they graduate.