January 22, 2024
PSU Community,
Happy New Year and week three of winter term. I hope that the cold of last week is squarely behind us and we all can get back to winter term and the first round of board meetings for 2024.
I would like to share an update to the board schedule as our new meeting schedule has us on campus on January 25 for committee meetings and January 26 for the Full Board meeting. This schedule allows us more time to connect as a Board and with the campus community as we work to coordinate future events.
On Thursday, January 25, we will host all of the committee meetings where we will hear updates on the implementation of Senate Bill 273, hear an overview from the College of the Arts, discuss fiscal year 2025 tuition scenarios and budget planning, and hear an in-depth update on the strategic planning process. During the full board meeting on Friday, January 26, we will hear updates from the Portland State University Foundation and an update on Year Two of the Time to Act plan.
I would like to remind you all about the coffee hour hosted before the full board meeting on January 26 in ASRC 515 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. as a way to connect and engage with the campus community. Please RSVP by January 24 if you will be joining us for coffee.
For this Board update, we would like to share more information about Trustee Mark Rosenbaum. He joined the PSU Board in September 2022 and previously served on the PSU Foundation Board. Below, he shares his answer to a few questions.
Get to know Trustee Mark Rosenbaum
Why did you apply to serve on the PSU Board, and how, if at all, has that perspective changed since serving on the Board for the last few years?
I had served on a number of boards relating to children and families and, following my time on the Portland Development Commission, came away with the belief that PSU was the most important and underappreciated asset that the City had. So when I was asked to join the board, it was an easy decision. My understanding regarding PSU’s importance to our community is only stronger and my understanding regarding our budget squeeze is also more acute.
What most excites you about the work so far this year and the future of PSU?
President Cudd’s focus and energy bodes well for us. The upcoming strategic plan process and task force on Building Community Through Dialogue is critical at this time. My excitement comes primarily from our students — what they learn from our faculty and from working together. Their remarkable dedication to their education, learning and desire to impact the world around us, is what gives me pride, hope and confidence in the future.
Please share a fun fact about your time as a college student or at PSU.
I don’t know how fun it is, however, I managed the campus pizza parlor and worked at a Lloyd Center cigar & tobacco store while in college.
As always, the Board webpage has various resources that you may find helpful, including the yearly calendar, meeting notices, meeting recordings, and other information.
Lastly, thank all of you for your commitment, dedication, and time this year to support the renaissance of Portland State University and the City of Portland. Again, I enthusiastically welcome you to the winter academic term — Go Viks!
-Chair Ben Berry
If you want to invite the Board to a campus event, email trustees@pdx.edu
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