8 Stories, 75 Years

It’s Portland State’s people that have grown it from a small start-up serving G.I.s home from World War II into Oregon’s most diverse and innovative urban public research university.

That’s why in celebration of our 75th anniversary, we’ve profiled eight alumni whose contributions to our community have had an impact far beyond the confines of the classroom.

From politicians to social workers, civil rights activists to writers, Portland State people stretch beyond what they thought possible to create positive change in Portland and beyond.

Bill Lemman

In the 1960s, W.T. Bill Lemman played a key role in creating legislative changes that allowed a small Portland State College to acquire property. His work cleared the way for PSU’s urban campus to grow and contribute to downtown Portland’s success.

Betty Roberts

Betty Roberts led the way for women in Oregon politics as she served in the state Legislature and became the first woman on the Oregon Supreme Court in 1982. She helped start the PSU Center for Women’s Leadership to pass the torch to future generations.

Sho Dozono

When Sho Dozono champions a cause, he inspires participation. His pride in Portland and belief that education is society’s great equalizer sparked momentous civic accomplishments and opened doors for disadvantaged, immigrant and refugee communities.

Richard Pimentel

Richard Pimentel joined the fight for disability rights in the 1970s as a PSU student and newly disabled Vietnam vet. He pushes for “a world where persons with disabilities can live a spontaneous life” by changing attitudes in the workplace.

Enid Traisman

A pioneer in her field, Enid Traisman helped thousands of people cope with grief during her 33-year career as the leader of the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program. Her validation of deep heartfelt bonds guided pet owners through the healing process.

Mitchell S. Jackson

Award-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson wrote a new story for himself at PSU. His books, “The Residue Years” and “Survival Math,” draw on his journey from young Portland drug dealer to published author and social justice advocate.

Peg Sandeen

Peg Sandeen believes in empowering terminally ill people with choices about how their lives will end. As the executive director of Death with Dignity, she strives to honor peoples’ wishes and expand end-of-life options through nationwide policy reform.

Teresa Alonso León

Teresa Alonso León works toward a future where college is within reach for all Oregonians. The daughter of migrant farm workers, Leon was the first in her family to go to college and now represents the community where she grew up in the Oregon House.