News - June 2021

Special Fall Plans for Sophomores and Transfer Students

Pilots Prevent

June 29, 2021

The pivots of last year have had a ripple effect on plans this fall. Find out the details, including how rising sophomores will get an Orientation do-over complete with a special move-in day and fun activities.

Pilot House On-Campus Dining Re-Opens

Pilots Prevent

June 29, 2021

The most popular dishes are back, along with in-person seating and more non-alcoholic options at the bar.

What You Can Do Now That You’re Vaccinated

Pilots Prevent

June 15, 2021

So, you got your second shot (or the one-dose J&J) and the requisite two weeks have passed. Congratulations! You’re officially vaccinated against COVID-19.

Father Mark Poorman

Father Mark: UP’s President, Professor, and Priest

Portland Magazine

President

June 9, 2021

A reflection on UP’s 20th president and his cherished years on The Bluff.

Collage by Heather Polk

My Joy: Even This Year, It Has Sustained Her.

Portland Magazine

June 9, 2021

Even during this difficult year, her joy has sustained her.

Illustration by Jason Sturgill

Amazing

Portland Magazine

Alumni

June 9, 2021

Sometimes the student and the parent end up learning a thing or two.

Illustration by Jason Sturgill

302 from 2037

Portland Magazine

June 9, 2021

The professor she never knew she needed.

Illustration by Jason Sturgill

Super Cool

Portland Magazine

June 9, 2021

Retired reading specialist to the rescue.

Cookie photo courtesy of Dawn Nelson

Life Through Cookies

Alumni

Portland Magazine

June 9, 2021

Dawn Nelson ’82, longtime kindergarten teacher for Portland Public Schools, says she’s “failing at retirement.” The main reason she hasn’t had too much downtime in the last year is her booming cookie business.

Tara Benavente

Neighbor to Neighbor

Portland Magazine

Alumni

June 9, 2021

In some ways, the pandemic changed the focus of Tara Benavente’s day-to-day work. In other ways, she is doing what she has always done since she graduated from UP in 2014—bringing her abiding belief in hospitality to the community where she lives.

David Austin

Nobel Peace Prize 2020

Portland Magazine

Alumni

June 9, 2021

When David Austin graduated from UP’s newly minted MBA in Nonprofit Management program in 2013, he earned the Moreau Fellows Award for Outstanding Service and Leadership for his work with Mercy Corps. Turns out, that was just a hint of much—much—bigger things to come.

Shaun Shepherd

Apples to Engines

Portland Magazine

June 9, 2021

As University of Portland's auto mechanic, Shaun Shepherd is responsible for maintaining every vehicle owned by the University. That’s well over 100 pieces of moving equipment—from electric carts to backhoes, high lifts, and lawn mowers.

Kat Yo

Follow Your Dragon

Portland Magazine

Alumni

June 9, 2021

Recent graduate and set designer Kat Yo ’21 brings her passion for sustainability and Korean folklore—and her dazzling imagination—to UP’s stage.

Man walking in front of building with graffiti

They Were Here

Portland Magazine

June 9, 2021

Where many saw dangerous, crumbling buildings, graffiti artists saw a canvas, and Janna Machalek ’08 saw an intriguing research opportunity.

Maraina Montgomery

Maraina Montgomery Named Director of UP Studies Abroad Program

Study Abroad

June 8, 2021

After an international search, the University of Portland has named Maraina Montgomery, Director of Studies Abroad, effective July 1.

Herbert A. Medina

University of Portland Board of Regents Announces Provost Dr. Herbert A. Medina As Acting President Beginning July 1

President

June 2, 2021

The University of Portland (UP) Board of Regents has chosen Provost Dr. Herbert A. Medina as Acting President effective July 1, succeeding Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., who announced in February that he would conclude his tenure at UP after 10 years on campus – the last seven as UP’s 20th president.

Key Move-in Dates and Details to Keep in Mind

Pilots Prevent

June 1, 2021

Although summer has just begun, it’s almost time for students to make their move-in day appointments. Find out what else you need to know before Fall semester starts.

What’s Life on Campus Like for Summer Students?

Pilots Prevent

June 1, 2021

It’s all about research, internships, classes, and lots of opportunities for summer fun in the sun during Portland’s most glorious season. Find out why summer might just be the best time to live on campus.

We Gotta Do It: Why Two Pilots Made Getting Vaccinated A Priority

Pilots Prevent

June 1, 2021

A UP student and faculty member discuss why it was important to them to get vaccinated as soon as they had the chance.