This year marks the 50th anniversary since Portland State University gained approval to offer engineering coursework – a significant milestone considering the institution's challenging origins. Established in June 1946 as the Vanport Extension Center, PSU became known as "the college that wouldn't die" when it relocated after being displaced by the devastating Vanport flood of 1948. Instead of closing, PSU continued running classes in various locations including Grant High School and Lincoln High School before settling downtown.
Path to Recognition
Though applied science classes were among the most popular offerings, the state initially prohibited PSU from having any duplicative programs already present at established schools like Oregon State University and the engineering program faced an uphill battle. It took until 1973, following relentless administrative efforts, for the state to lift this bureaucratic embargo. PSU then established the Department of Applied Science and Engineering, a pivotal development allowing engineering education to take root on the downtown campus. However, this was merely the start of a lengthy campaign to build autonomy and credibility in the engineering disciplines.
Transition and Growth
Over the subsequent decades, an academic evolution occurred as the department transitioned to the School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1982. The college's current identity was solidified in 2004 with the naming of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, courtesy of a transformative philanthropic gift from esteemed alumnus Dr. Fariborz Maseeh. A prime example of the college's success, Dr. Maseeh arrived at PSU as an Iranian immigrant and departed with an honors degree in structural engineering, enabling his remarkable business and academic achievements.
50th Anniversary Celebration
To commemorate this 50-year journey, Maseeh College celebrated its anniversary with a series of events and recognitions. These included networking opportunities for students, faculty and alumni, alongside a screening of the Oregon Public Broadcasting documentary "The Story of Vanport" with insights from Professor Emeritus Franz Rad, who witnessed the battle for engineering legitimacy firsthand. A year-long social media campaign highlighted the college's archival history, and a student scavenger hunt encouraged exploration of Maseeh's facilities and resources.
Research Prominence
Today, Maseeh College is experiencing a record level of more than $11 million in research funding and output. The school counts seven current National Science Foundation CAREER award winners among its faculty, as well as two elected members of the National Academy of Engineering – more than any other institution in Oregon. Research endeavors span critical areas such as the semiconductor workforce, sustainable power systems, ethical artificial intelligence, Indigenous community renewables, archaeological preservation, and green energy solutions.
The Path Forward
As Maseeh College advances into its next 50 years, an ethos of diversity, equity and solution-driven impact will guide its trajectory. A new FUTURES initiative aims to bolster student success and retention from the high school to doctoral level. From humble post-displacement origins to world-class engineering distinction, Maseeh has demonstrated its resilience and excellence. Each new student, research breakthrough and overcome obstacle at Maseeh reaffirms the principles that catalyzed our beginnings and will propel our future.
Archival photography courtesy Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science