Profiles - Giving

Peggy graduated Portland State in 1959 with a degree in education. She had majored in music for two years singing soprano, however her parents urged her to get a teaching degree as “something to fall back on.” That had a lot to do with social conditions; it was only a year before she graduated that the first African American woman, Gloria Davy, sang at the Metropolitan Opera. During her time at Portland State, Peggy was the only African American in the music department.

Coming from hardworking, blue collar, supportive but poor families, the Yadens both received scholarships during their time at Portland State and remained integral to their future successes. This year two undergraduate students in the College of Urban & Public Affairs will be the first recipients of the Yaden family endowed scholarship; their goal for this endowment is to help students from similar backgrounds. “It makes me really happy to think that someone like me whose father had maybe finished 8th Grade could get a university degree with a little financial help.” Janice says.

Support from Judy '86 and Scott South helps PSU's Hydrology Lab evaluate, treat and recycle rainwater.

It's a troubling fact that many youth in our society are at risk for homelessness, school dropout, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and delinquency. What can we do?