Remembering Judith Ramaley

Headshot of Judith Ramaley

Celebrating a life of leadership, service and lasting impact

Portland State University mourns the passing of President Emerita Judith A. Ramaley, whose vision, leadership and commitment to public higher education left an indelible mark on PSU and on generations of students, faculty, staff and community partners.

Judith served as Portland State’s president from 1990 to 1997 and remained deeply connected to the university throughout her life. Among her most enduring contributions was a simple expression of her vision for Portland State: Let Knowledge Serve the City. More than three decades later, those words continue to define PSU and its public mission.

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Share a tribute, story or memory

Judith touched the lives of people throughout Portland State and far beyond it. Since her passing, members of the PSU community have expressed a desire not only to offer condolences but also to tell stories: memories of working with Judith, learning from her, being challenged or encouraged by her, and witnessing the impact of her leadership.

We invite you to share your own tribute, story or memory of Judith.

You might share a moment that has stayed with you, something Judith taught you, a quality you admired, a story that captures who she was, or simply a message for her family.

Judith was known for inviting people to “Tell me a story.” In that spirit, we invite you to tell us yours. A few sentences or a longer story are equally welcome. There is no right way to remember Judith.

Share your tribute

The memories and messages collected here will be shared with Judith’s family as an expression of the affection, gratitude and respect she inspired in so many people. With contributors’ permission, selected remembrances may also be used as Portland State celebrates Judith’s life and preserves the story of her extraordinary impact on the university.

Have more of Judith’s story to share?

In addition to collecting personal stories and memories, Portland State’s University Archives helps preserve the university's historical record. If you have photographs, correspondence, publications or other materials related to Judith that you think may belong in the University Archives, the Special Collections and University Archives team welcomes your inquiry.

Contact Special Collections and University Archives: specialcollections@pdx.edu

About Judith Ramaley

Judith served as Portland State’s president from 1990 to 1997, becoming the first woman to serve as president of a university in the Oregon state system. Her presidency helped shape the university we know today, strengthening PSU’s identity as an urban public research university deeply connected to the city and communities it serves.

Her relationship with PSU extended far beyond her presidency. Judith returned to the university as President Emerita and Distinguished Professor of Public Service and continued to serve Portland State as a member of the Board of Trustees. Throughout her career, she was a nationally recognized leader in higher education, educational reform, civic engagement and STEM education.

Read PSU’s remembrance of Judith Ramaley about this content

Honor Judith with a gift

For those who wish to honor Judith through a contribution, memorial gifts may be designated to any fund of your choice at Portland State University. When making your gift, please note that it is in memory of Judith Ramaley to help carry forward her enduring commitment to PSU, its students, and its mission to “Let Knowledge Serve the City.”

Make a gift in Judith’s memory about this content

Celebrating Judith

Information about the upcoming Portland State University event honoring Judith’s life and legacy will be shared here as details become available.