by John Kirkland
November 27th 2018
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The name Neuberger has been associated with Portland State University since well before 1972 when PSU renamed the former South Park Hall after journalist, politician, and longtime PSU supporter, Richard L. Neuberger.
On Thursday, Dec. 6, the name will switch buildings.
The Richard and Maurine Neuberger Center will be the new name of PSU’s Market Center Building on S.W. 4th and Market, home to many PSU administrative functions, including the President’s office.
The new name was chosen by the University as a way of carrying on the Neuberger name while the old Neuberger Hall – which eventually will be called something else – undergoes a massive renovation. That building, currently called 724 Harrison, has been closed for construction for the last year and is on track to reopen in time for fall term 2019.
Oregon Sen. Richard Neuberger and his wife, Rep. Maurine Neuberger, worked for years in the Oregon Legislature to establish Portland State (at that time the Vanport Extension Center) as a four-year college. Their work paid off when a bill establishing Portland State as a degree-granting institution was passed into law in February 1955. The college gained university status in 1969.
A VIP celebration will be held at the renamed building on Dec. 6.