The Mary H. Cumpston Award for Service to Students is given annually to an unclassified academic professional or university administrator, without academic rank, who has demonstrated excellence in the area of service to students. The recipient will receive a citation and a $1,500 taxable honorarium.
Mary H. Cumpston was a beloved colleague whose enduring contributions to Portland State University and to the community have enhanced the development and delivery of student services. Mary graduated from Portland State in 1957 and returned to the University after seven years of teaching in Portland Public Schools. She served as director of the PSU Career Center for most of her career until retirement in 1999. During her tenure, she was a tireless student advocate. Her work touched the lives of countless men and women, fostering friendships and creating opportunities for student success in college and beyond. She was known for her ability to bridge the academic and administrative spheres of influence, and was elected presiding officer of Faculty Senate in 1981-82. Her work centered on methods to improve educational access, persistence, and post-graduate professional preparedness. She was known to see the best in everyone and sought ways to help all those with whom she came in contact to achieve full personal and professional potential. Her gift was the ability to identify individual and University needs and to match these needs with creative and effective solutions. Mary embodied the meaning of excellence in service to students and to Portland State University.
The award recipient will be chosen by a selection committee each winter. The recipient will demonstrate excellence in the area of service to students which may include:
- Accomplishments such as initiatives or exemplary methods that result in sustained or outstanding contributions to student success;
- Enhancements to the spirit of the University community, such as work that bridges academic, administrative, and student services areas;
- Generosity in mentoring and support for students and colleagues.
For questions about this award, contact Alex Miller at atm7@pdx.edu or 503-725-4405.
Nomination materials for all Excellence Awards are to be submitted to excellence-awards@pdx.edu by the due dates listed below. Nomination materials will include a Nomination Google Form submission. All applications that are complete and submitted by the second Friday in February (February 14, 2025) will be considered eligible for review.
Note the following deadlines for 2025: