News - President

Emily Becker and Robert Kelly, PhD

Future Pilots’ Pathway: UP Offers Direct Admission to Local Catholic High School Seniors

President

Nine Catholic high schools in Oregon and Southwest Washington have signed up to participate in University of Portland’s new Moreau Pathway Program—a streamlined direct admissions process for qualified high school seniors.

Dr. Rob Kelly

President Robert Kelly Elected Board Chair of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities

President

University of Portland President Dr. Robert D. Kelly has been elected Chair of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance). Dr. Kelly brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the The Alliance’s Board of Trustees Chair role.

Dr. Robert Kelly

President Kelly appointed to University of St. Thomas Board of Trustees

President

UP President, Dr. Robert Kelly, has been appointed as a trustee to the board of the University of St. Thomas.

Deschner

Matthew Deschner appointed Dean of Admissions

President

Admissions

Upon the conclusion of a competitive search process, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Matthew B. Deschner as Dean of Admissions.

Mai Nhia Xiong-Chan

Mai Nhia Xiong-Chan appointed as Vice President for Enrollment Management

Human Resources

President

Upon the conclusion of a national search that attracted an exceptionally talented and diverse array of candidates, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Mai Nhia Xiong-Chan as Vice President for Enrollment Management.

Dr. Robert Kelly

University of Portland Appoints Its 21st President

President

Dr. Robert Kelly Becomes First Lay President and African American to Lead the Catholic Institution in Its 121-Year History

Father Mark Poorman

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

Portland Magazine

President

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

Herbert A. Medina

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

President

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.

University of Portland campus from above

University of Portland to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations of All Students, Faculty, and Staff By Start of Fall 2021 Term

Pilots Prevent

President

The University of Portland (UP) has announced that it will require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff when the Fall 2021 semester begins. Employees must provide proof of vaccination by August 1, and all students will be required to show their proof of vaccination by September 1. As with all other vaccination requirements, religious and/or health-related exemptions from this policy may be requested.

Franz Hall

A Message to the University of Portland Community

President

Dear University of Portland Community Members, Like so many around the nation, we are deeply disturbed and disheartened by the recent rise in violence and discrimination targeting the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. Xenophobia is an affront to our shared belief that all persons are children of God who possess inherent dignity. As a Catholic, Holy Cross institution, we condemn violence and discrimination, we pray for those victimized by hatred and intolerance, and we commit ourselves to building a more just and equitable world.

University of Portland campus from above

University of Portland Sets Plans for Fall Semester; Will Continue Momentum from Spring Term with In-Person Classes, Students On Campus

Pilots Prevent

President

The University of Portland is setting its sights on a Fall 2021 semester with primarily in-person classes; more students living in the residence halls; and a return to regular campus activities. UP President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., made the announcement today as a continuance of momentum from the current spring term that has 800-plus students living on campus and a hybrid curriculum of virtual and select in-person instruction. It was also announced that tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year would be frozen at current levels.

photo of Franz Hall

University of Portland Responds to Increased COVID-19 Infections By Shifting Fall Term Classes to Online Instruction

President

Plans by the University of Portland to begin its fall term with a combination of in-person and online instruction have changed in response to the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Instead of a “hybrid” approach to instruction, almost all classes will now be taught online beginning August 24 for the fall 2020 semester. 

photo of Franz Hall

Where We Stand Today: An update on plans for the Fall Semester

President

The following message was sent to the University of Portland students and families on July 17, 2020

Exterior of Franz Hall

A Message to the University of Portland Community

President

As Dr. Eduardo Contreras stated on Sunday, June 28, we continue to examine the testimonials that have been posted to the @BlackatUniversityPortland Instagram account. We do so with open hearts and minds, and with profound sadness for the pain that is evident in these experiences.

Exterior of Franz Hall

A Message to the UP Community: Following Up On Town Hall, Committing to Action

President

In the weeks that have followed the death of George Floyd on a street in Minneapolis, we have listened to the voices of many who have shared their experiences of pain, trauma, and discrimination. We have listened to the voices of people who boldly proclaim that Black Lives Matter amidst a stream of structures and systems that emphatically signal to them that they do not. We have listened to the voices of people in our own UP community – especially the voices of African Americans and other people of color –as they have shared their dismay, anguish, and exhaustion with a lived experience in which their God-given human dignity is denied. We have heard these voices.

Alan Timmins

Vice President for Financial Affairs, Alan P. Timmins, announces retirement

President

Vice President for Financial Affairs, Alan P. Timmins, will retire from the University of Portland, effective June 30, 2020. Since 2011, Timmins has contributed to the financial health and stability of the University.

outside of Franz Hall

University of Portland plans August 17 for in-person opening of Fall Term; modified semester eliminates traditional Fall Break

President

As part of its response plan to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Portland (UP) is targeting Monday, August 17 as the opening of its Fall 2020 term and a return to in-person instruction. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., shared the plan in a memo today to faculty, staff, current students and their parents. After a full week of campus move-ins, mandatory orientation sessions, coursework introductions and other training, classroom instruction will begin on Monday, August 24.

Franz Hall

University of Portland hopes for in-person open to fall term; will honor 2020 graduates with future graduation ceremony

President

Commencement

The Class of 2020 will be honored with a virtual Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 3, and an in-person ceremony at a future date when it is safe to hold a large event. The University is planning for in-person classes in Fall 2020.

Amy Dundon-Berchtold and Jim Berchtold

University of Portland Board of Regent and longtime benefactor Amy Dundon-Berchtold passes away

President

University of Portland regent and longtime benefactor Amy Dundon-Berchtold passed away on Monday, March 16. A visionary real estate entrepreneur and investor, Amy, along with her husband Jim Berchtold ’63, gave generously to the University of Portland.

portrait of University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., Discusses Institution’s Solid Footing and Highlights Bright Future

President

Against a backdrop of struggles at private colleges and universities in Oregon and around the country, leadership at the University of Portland (UP) is sharing an optimistic picture. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., spoke in upbeat terms about the current state and future of UP during his President’s Biennial Address to more than 300 supporters, alumni and guests at the Sentinel Hotel earlier today.

University of Portland mourns the death of first-year student Owen Klinger

President

Missing student Owen Klinger is believed to have died. University of Portland mourns his passing. Masses in his memory will be offered Monday evening in campus residence halls and Tuesday at 12:05 p.m. in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher.

photo of Tom Greene

University of Portland Provost Dr. Thomas Greene sets retirement for close of 2019-2020 academic year

President

After more than 35 years as an instructor, administrator, professor and leader at the University of Portland, Provost Dr. Thomas G. Greene will conclude his career with retirement at the end of the current 2019-2020 academic year.

photo of Dundon-Berchtold Hall

University of Portland opens Dundon-Berchtold Hall, a transformational new academic center

Dundon-Berchtold Institute

President

The University of Portland has officially opened the new Dundon-Berchtold Hall, its latest example of instructional and scholarly investment. The building is the culmination of a multi-year philanthropic commitment by Amy Dundon-Berchtold, a member of the UP Board of Regents, and her husband Jim Berchtold, UP Class of 1963.

Fr. Mark Poorman, CSC

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., issues "a commendation and a challenge" in opening convocation address

President

In his annual speech to University of Portland faculty and staff to open the academic year, Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., president, discussed funding and enrollment issues facing higher education institutions in general and offered remarks on the state of affairs at UP and a preview of priorities for the year to come.

photo of Rev. Claude Pomerleau

Rev. Claude Pomerleau, C.S.C., University of Portland professor, passes away

President

Holy Cross priest and University of Portland professor Rev. Claude Pomerleau, C.S.C., passed away on the morning of Sunday, July 21. After a long battle with cancer, Fr. Pomerleau resided for the last month at the Holy Cross nursing home in Notre Dame, Indiana. During this time, he enjoyed many meaningful visits with family and friends that gave him deep peace as he passed from this life.

Michael Lewellen

Michael Lewellen, former Portland Trail Blazers executive, appointed new vice president for marketing and communications at University of Portland

President

Michael E. Lewellen has been appointed to the newly formed position of vice president for marketing and communications. He will lead the offices of marketing and communications, public affairs, and printing and mailing services effective July 15.

Message from Fr. Mark Poorman, CSC

President

A message from Fr. Mark Poorman, CSC

2018 Opus Prize Winner Rami Nashashibi

Dr. Rami Nashashibi awarded 2018 Opus Prize for Chicago’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network

Awards and Rankings

President

Dr. Rami Nashashibi has been awarded the prestigious 2018 Opus Prize for his inspirational work as founder and director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) in Chicago, Illinois.

Opus Prize Week at UP

Opus Prize Week, November 12-15, kicks off at the University of Portland

President

The public is invited to join the University of Portland community for a series of free events this week celebrating the three finalists for the 2018 Opus Prize, one of the world’s largest awards for faith-based social entrepreneurship.

Elsie Franz Finley

Memorial Mass for Elsie Franz Finley, long-time donor to the University of Portland, on Tuesday, September 18th

President

Development

Businesswoman and philanthropist Elsie Franz Finley, sister of the late Robert “Bob” Franz, passed away on August 14th at the age of 97. A Memorial Mass will be held for her on Tuesday, September 18th, at 2:30 p.m., in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher on the University of Portland campus.

A Message from University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.

President

On Tuesday, August 28, University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., delivered remarks at UP's Opening Convocation, the annual meeting of University faculty and staff.

A Message from University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman C.S.C.

President

On August 14, 2018, the Pennsylvania Attorney General released an Investigating Grand Jury report detailing the sexual abuse of minors within the dioceses of Pennsylvania and addressing the failures of those in leadership to meaningfully respond to misconduct.

The Commemorative beam

University gathers for the blessing of Dundon-Berchtold Hall beam

Dundon-Berchtold Institute

President

Last week members of the UP community gathered together to sign and bless a beam that will be part of the new Dundon-Berchtold Hall, currently under construction in the heart of the University's campus.

University of Portland's statement regarding former Cardinal McCarrick

President

The University of Portland has made the decision to rescind the honorary degree conferred on former Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick in 2008.

Opus Prize finalists announced

Finalists for $1 Million Opus Prize announced

Awards and Rankings

President

The three finalists for the 2018 Opus Prize, the $1 million award which recognizes individuals or organizations who address critical social issues within their communities, were announced today by the Opus Prize Foundation and the University of Portland.

Fr. Gerry Olinger

Rev. Gerard J. Olinger named Vice President for Mission Engagement and Church Affairs at University of Notre Dame

President

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., announced today that Rev. Gerard J. Olinger, C.S.C., Vice President for University Relations, has accepted a position as the University of Notre Dame’s Vice President for Mission Engagement and Church Affairs.

Congregation of Holy Cross

Congregation of Holy Cross, U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers, Passes Resolution on the Dignity of Migrant Families

President

The University of Portland is guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross, a Catholic order of priests and brothers. Yesterday the United States Province Chapter passed a resolution on the Dignity of Migrant Families.

Dr. Elise Moentmann

Dr. Elise Moentmann appointed Associate Provost

President

Dr. Elise Moentmann, Associate Dean for Students in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed to the position of Associate Provost.

Jessica Murphy Moo

Jessica Murphy Moo appointed editor of Portland magazine

President

Jessica Murphy Moo has been appointed editor of Portland magazine, the award-winning publication of the University of Portland.

Update regarding "Wally" awards from President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.

President

An update regarding the "Wally" awards.

Associated Students of the University of Portland (ASUP) statement on 2018 "Wally" awards

Student Activities

President

A message from ASUP.

Allen Lund

Businessman and philanthropist D. Allen Lund, former Chair of the University of Portland Board of Regents, passes away

President

Businessman and philanthropist D. Allen Lund of Pasadena, Calif. passed away on April 7, 2018. He was a longtime supporter of the University of Portland, a member of the University’s Board of Regents since 2001 and Board Chair from 2008-2017.

Joe Allegretti

Joseph B. Allegretti, a generous supporter of student scholarships and a member of the University of Portland Board of Regents, passes away

President

Joseph B. Allegretti, whose generosity enabled scores of students to attend the University of Portland on full scholarships, passed away on Friday, April 6 with his wife Helen and their family by his side.

Sustainability at UP

An Earth Day Challenge from Fr. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Sustainability

President

This April, Fr. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Sustainability (PACOS) are challenging the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Portland to make a commitment to take at least one tangible step that is within your own control toward increasing sustainability on campus.

Plastic straws in container with universal NO symbol over it.

Bon Appétit Management Company first in nation to ban plastic straws on campus

President

The University of Portland’s food service provider, Bon Appétit Management Company, will no longer provide plastic drinking straws in any food or beverage outlet on campus, effective April 18, 2018. UP is the first University dining service in the U.S. to successfully institute a campus initiative to ban plastic straws.

Dr. Herbert A. Medina

Dr. Herbert A. Medina appointed Dean of College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Portland

President

College of Arts and Sciences

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., announced today the appointment of Dr. Herbert A. Medina as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 1, 2018.

Franz Campus

University of Portland unveils Franz Campus

President

35-acre riverfront development to include environmental lab, rowing center and dock, physical plant building, athletic fields and facilities

Title IX Ad Hoc Committee Report

President

A message from Fr. Mark Poorman, C.S.C., University president, to the UP community.

Opus Prize 2018

Jury named to select finalists for $1.2 million Opus Prize

President

The University of Portland has selected 12 distinguished jurors who will meet next month to select the three finalists for the 2018 Opus Prize, a $1.2 million award given annually that recognizes individuals or organizations who are motivated by their faith to address persisting social problems within their communities.

UP Opus Prize 2018

Students and faculty named to represent University of Portland in selection of $1.2 million Opus Prize

Awards and Rankings

President

Six students and three faculty members have been selected to help determine the recipients of the 2018 Opus Prize, a $1.2 million annual award that recognizes individuals or organizations who address persisting social problems within their communities.

Photo of Jim Berchtold, Amy Dundon-Berchtold and President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.

Dundon-Berchtold Hall Groundbreaking

President

Dundon-Berchtold Institute

Admissions

Development

On September 21, 2017, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site of the new academic building, Dundon-Berchtold Hall. The hall is scheduled for completion in January 2019.

Message to the UP community from Fr. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.

President

A message from the president on the University's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Opus Prize

University of Portland selected to host $1 million Opus Prize

Dundon-Berchtold Institute

President

The University of Portland has been selected to host the 2018 Opus Prize, a $1 million annual award which recognizes individuals or organizations who address critical social issues within their communities.

A message from Fr. Mark L. Poorman C.S.C., President, to the University of Portland community about the Presidential Executive Order on Immigration

President

On Saturday, January 28, President Donald J. Trump announced significant changes to immigration policies affecting people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. These changes have, understandably, raised concerns and created anxiety for many in the University of Portland community.

University of Portland announces appointments of Rev. Gerard Olinger, C.S.C., and Rev. John Donato, C.S.C., to new vice president positions

President

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., has announced the appointments of Rev. Gerard Olinger, C.S.C., as vice president for University relations, and of Rev. John Donato, C.S.C., as vice president for student affairs.

University of Portland Announces Transformational Gift for Academic Support from Amy Dundon-Berchtold and Jim Berchtold '63

President

Dundon-Berchtold Institute

Development

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., announced a $15 million commitment from Board of Regents member Amy Dundon-Berchtold and Jim Berchtold ’63.

U.S. News & World Report ranks UP 7th in West; among top ten for 21st consecutive year

Awards and Rankings

President

For the 21st consecutive year, University of Portland has received a top-ten ranking by U.S. News & World Report, which today released its “2016 America’s Best Colleges” publication.

UP named one of America's "Green Colleges" for sixth consecutive year by The Princeton Review

President

Awards and Rankings

University of Portland is one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the United States and Canada, according to The Princeton Review.

University of Portland's renovation of the Pilot House begins; set to be complete during Fall semester

Development

President

The University of Portland has begun renovation of the Pilot House, which historically housed the campus bookstore and a small dining area and lounge.

University of Portland president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., to give his first annual “State of UP” talk; tickets sold out for Tuesday, March 17 event

President

University of Portland president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., will give his first annual “State of the University” address and present the 2015 Alumni Awards on Tuesday, March 17.

University of Portland ranked 20th nationally among peer schools in number of Peace Corps volunteers

President

Awards and Rankings

University of Portland is ranked 20th nationally among its peer institutions in producing Peace Corps volunteers, according to a study released today. The University has regularly placed among the top 20 since 2010.

UP ranked the top private Oregon university, 65th nationally in Kiplinger's 2014-15 Best Value Private Colleges

President

Awards and Rankings

For the fifth consecutive year, University of Portland was the top Oregon school in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance annual ranking of best values in private colleges and universities.