Economics

Clock and Rec Center at night

Department Events

The Economics Department hosts department seminars every term in the academic year, as well as our seminal annual event, the Harold G. Vatter Memorial Lecture that features a preeminent economist in their field discussing an important topical issue. Our affiliated institutes also hold events throughout the year that highlight the issue central to their goals and missions.

Harold Vatter Memorial Lecture

The Harold Vatter Memorial Lecture is an annual, premier department event. Regionally and nationally noted economists are invited to speak to the PSU audience as well as the general public on a policy or issue that is timely to current events. Past presenters have included Ed Glaeser from Harvard University, Matthew Kotchen from Yale University, Kimberly Clausing from Reed College,  Josh Lehner, State Economist, Office of Economic Analysis, and E. Somanathan, Professor in the Economics and Planning Unit of the Indian Statistical Institute and Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.

Jeffry Frieden, Professor of International and Public Affairs and Political Science at Columbia University, and Professor of Government emeritus at Harvard University was the 2025 Vatter Lecturer. His topic was "Understanding the Backlash Against Globalization." 

The 2026 Vatter Lecture information will be posted after the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. Details will be posted here.

Department Seminars

The Economics Department hosts many seminars during the academic year. Each term, Portland State University economics faculty, invited external faculty, or graduate students present working papers to economics majors. The general public is welcome to attend this free event. Please see our Seminar Schedule for more information.

Institute Events

The department is affiliated with three PSU research institutes; The Northwest Economic Research Center, Institute for Economics and the Environment, and Initiatives for Community and Disaster Resilience. Each institute has its unique specialization and hosts events throughout the year. Their events can be found at their websites.