Elizabeth Furse Memorial Elizabeth Furse A Memorial Elizabeth Furse (Oct. 13, 1936 - Apr. 18, 2021) was a life-long activist and a three-term congresswoman. Furse was the first naturalized U.S. citizen born in Africa to be elected to Congress; serving Oregon's 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 1999. After leaving Congress, she founded PSU's Institute for Tribal Government and became a member of the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government’s Advisory Board. Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government and the Center for Women’s Leadership, in partnership with the Oregon Historical Society, welcome Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse’s friends, family, colleagues, and the public to celebrate her life and legacy at Helvetia Vineyards and Winery in Hillsboro, Oregon. Have a memory of Elizabeth you would like to share? You can send it through this online form For the purpose of offering the opportunity for broad tribal participation and respecting her family’s wishes, the sponsors have postponed the event honoring Elizabeth’s work with Pacific Northwest Tribes until next April, a year after her passing. Reserve your September 18th two-hour window of remembrance Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Celebration of Life for the Honorable Elizabeth Furse Location: Helvetia Vineyards and Winery, 23269 NW Yungen Road, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124 Reserve Elizabeth and Senator Wyden celebrating the inclusion of landslide protection in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century with Clatsop County leaders including Senator Joan Dukes Maxie, John Platt, Elizabeth, and Binky walking in Elizabeth’s vineyard Elizabeth enjoys a lighter moment with fellow members of the House Merchant Marine & Fisheries Committee, Blanche Lambert and Ed Markey Elizabeth teaching lessons in civics to future elected leaders Elizabeth and spouse, John Platt, in former President Bill Clinton’s receiving line at the White House summer picnic in 1997 Elizabeth and legislative director, Chris Porter, confer on a not-so-serious legislative matter Previous Featured Image Slide Next Featured Image Slide Ways You Can Support in Honor of Elizabeth Furse Portland State University VIRGINIA GARCIA MEMORIAL COLUMBIA RIVERKEEPER For inquiries, please contact: government@pdx.edu Check back for more news and updates.