Let Singing Serve the City

Longtime Portland State University advocates Greg Hinckley and Mary Chomenko Hinckley have made a $1 million gift to support the university’s distinguished choral music program.  

The Hinckley family made a lead gift to establish the Gregory K. & Mary Chomenko Hinckley Professor of Choir, Music Education & Social Justice within the PSU College of the Arts’ School of Music & Theater. Once fully funded, the $2 million endowment will support in perpetuity a full-time faculty member to work with undergraduate and graduate students in the school’s Music Education and Choral Conducting programs, as well as to create new initiatives focused on social and racial justice in the Portland region.    

“Such a meaningful philanthropic investment demonstrates PSU’s commitment to combat systemic racism and advance justice on campus and within the greater Portland community, and to help create a more equitable world through inclusive educational opportunities and city service,” said PSU President Stephen Percy.    

Since its founding in 1975, PSU’s Chamber Choir has earned more than 30 awards in elite international choir competitions and produced the first university choral album to hit #1 on the Billboard Classical Chart. Under the direction of Ethan Sperry, Barre Stoll Professor and Director of Choral Activities, the choir has developed a diverse repertoire of world music and has empowered thousands of PSU singers, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.   

“At its heart choral music is about raising up voices and creating common understanding,” said Sperry. “Its unique ability to bridge cultural and ideological divides makes it an ideal tool for breaking down barriers. I am profoundly grateful to the Hinckleys for their steadfast commitment to work that feels more vital than ever." 

Greg Hinckley, retired president of Wilsonville-based Mentor Graphics, has been actively involved with Portland State University for more than a decade and serves as chair of the PSU Board of Trustees. Mary Chomenko Hinckley is an accomplished artist who serves on the PSU College of the Arts Dean’s Council. Over the years the couple has funded scholarships and achievement prizes for both choral music and engineering students at PSU.   

“Mary and I believe in the powerful impact that Portland State University has on our region, and we honor its special commitment to serve aspiring students and benefit our city,” said Greg Hinckley. “This gift acknowledges the virtuosity and enthusiasm of both Choral Director Ethan Sperry and PSU’s students. We expect as well to encourage and inspire new voices in our community, particularly within Portland’s homeless community.”

“One of the most fundamental ways that donors serve students is by providing support for outstanding faculty,” said PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz. “This wonderful gift is a reminder that at the heart of every great university are the faculty whose passions and pursuits help define it.”