Alumni Stories

We’re proud that our graduates are passionate about their beliefs and about moving the world forward. Collaborative and flexible, PSU alumni know what it takes to make an impact, consider problems from unexpected angles and hit the ground running to create change.

We have more than 190,000 alumni living all over the world, making waves in their fields and putting their passion, skills, and dedication to work in their communities.

Here, we share our incredible alumni’s stories.

Alumni Spotlight: Ali Joseph '12 & Chris Joseph '12

by KJ Fields |April 20, 2021

The founders of Cascade Spirits got their first taste of infusing alcohol while still in school, making gifts for friends and family. With guidance from PSU faculty and…

Alumni Spotlight: Abeer Etefa PhD ’05

by KJ Fields |February 19, 2021

When the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize went to the United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP), Abeer Etefa PhD '05 and her colleagues felt honored and humbled by the…

Alumni Spotlight: Risk and Reward

by KJ Fields |January 4, 2021

Edward Dominion '05 is reshaping how plastic products are made, literally. His company, D6 Inc, has emerged as the largest privately held 3D printing/manufacturing house…

Alumni Spotlight: True Representation

by KJ Fields |December 8, 2020

It only takes one glance to recognize that Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts possesses a unique niche. "Our first priority is to make sure our store focuses on…

Ripple effect

Alumnae Wanda McNealy '20 and Sharona Shnayder '20 start the Tuesdays for Trash movement to raise awareness on climate crisis.

Purposeful Vision

Alumna Nichole Watson '13, MEd '15 perceives a reconstructed community as COVID-19’s silver lining.

Cybersecurity Expert

Alumna Tarah Wheeler '04 becomes prestigious Fulbright Scholar.

Gabriela and Franco holding up a COVID-19 testing swab kit

Critical Response

MIM grads Gabriela Franco '06 and Francisco Cuerva '06 work to facilitate sample collection kits for COVID-19 testing.

Supporting small businesses

MBA alumni create a volunteer network to help businesses pivot, not panic during COVID-19.

Trudy Toliver holding greens from the farmers market

Vital Alliance

Portland Farmers Market led by Trudy Toliver '84 serves the community and vendors through COVID-19 crisis.

Charles Wilson with a man dressed as a cricket to his right

Unconventional Fare

Alumnus Charles B. Wilson '11 creates a sustainable alternative food source.

Good Humor

Emmy-award winning alumnus Ian Karmel '10 pitches comedy both day and night.

Style and Substance

Alumna Rose Jubb '11 ignites confidence in women through image consulting.

alumna Lee Hedgmon holding her barrel-aged honey bottle

Sweet Magic

Alumna Lee Hedgmon '03 turns her affinity for honey and talent for distilling into a specialty business.

Peace, Security & Justice for All

Alumna and veteran Pam Campos-Palma's '14 work improves society on a global scale.

Identity design all-star

Graphic Design alumnus Mario Milosevic '06 leads art direction for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Art accessibility

Alumna Nellie Scott '08 promotes art as a means of inspiration, education and social justice.

State of wonder

Alumnus John Waller's '03 sense of adventure elevates his video production company.

realizing potential

Alumna Zanele Mutepfa-Rhone '15 creates platforms that celebrate diversity and unite communities.

Growth Mindset

Alumnus Brian Salvador '10 pursues and shares knowledge to empower himself and others.

Flavorful Discovery

Alumnus Jaime Soltero Jr. '99 finds his passion by offering cuisine true to its origins.

Dedicated to exceptional customer experience

Alumna Jessica Ferrell '16 delivers highly personalized marketing strategies through honest storytelling.

Crafted with Care

Alumna Jill Kuehler '06 launches a rare women-owned-and operated distillery.