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 economics 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, and Joe Cortright from Impresa, a Portland consulting firm that specializes in regional economics analysis.
Due to the coronavirus, it is with the most abundance of caution that the 2021 Vatter Lecture has been cancelled. We hope to be able to restart this in 2022.
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.
Seminars for the 2020-2021 academic year have concluded. Please check this site as fall term approaches for a list of seminars, presenters, and the location.
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. However, due to the coronavirus, events have been suspended until further notice.