When Steve Brenner walked into a room, his presence was unmistakable. Commanding yet instantly warm, with a deep, gravelly voice and a quick smile, Steve was the kind of figure who left an indelible mark on everyone he met. A longtime Sponsored Professor of Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility at Portland State University, Steve passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of academic brilliance, visionary philanthropy, and unwavering service to the PSU community.
Throughout his 31 years at Portland State, Steve served in multiple pivotal leadership roles, including Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in the School of Business Administration (1983–1987) and Dean of the Graduate School of Business. Recognized as University Professor of the Year, his intellectual reach extended far beyond campus as a pioneer in business ethics and a Fellow of the International Association for Business & Society. Over the course of his distinguished tenure at PSU, his exceptional service and academic contributions were celebrated with the prestigious Branford Price Millar Award for faculty excellence.
Yet for all his scholarly achievements, those who knew Steve remember a man “who was larger than life” and defined by deep personal generosity and a lifelong commitment to supporting others.
A Legacy of Generosity: The Allen Peck Scholarship
In the early 1980s, Steve helped found the Portland Professional Forum (PPF), a tight-knit network of local business leaders. Among those leaders was Allen Peck, one of Steve’s former standout PSU students who became a cherished lifelong friend. When Allen unexpectedly passed away in May 2003, Steve spearheaded the creation of the Allen Peck Memorial-Portland Professional Forum (PPF) Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Conceived by Steve to honor his friend, the fund is dedicated to supporting single-parent junior and senior accounting students at PSU. Today, the endowment approaches $380,000, continuing to transform lives - including that of Allen’s son, Mike Peck, a PSU Business alumnus and national senior executive who continues the family connection with the university.
“Steve had an unmistakable presence. When he walked into a room, you immediately knew he was there, he was larger than life. Beyond his brilliance in the classroom, his heart was always with the PSU community. Creating the Allen Peck Scholarship to support single-parent accounting students was entirely Steve’s vision, and seeing that endowment grow to $380,000 stands as a lasting testament to his friendship, generosity, and commitment to PSU,” said friend John Runyan.
Steady Guidance Through University Leadership
Steve’s impact on Portland State reached into the highest levels of campus governance. During a major university budget crisis, Steve stepped forward to chair the University Budget Committee, guiding PSU through difficult financial restructuring. He later co-authored a scholarly paper for the Academy of Management evaluating the lessons learned from that budget process.
Whether serving on major campus committees or mentoring colleagues, Steve was known for his firm principles, direct approach, and deep devotion to the university's mission.
“Steve Brenner’s legacy at The School of Business is profound. As an Associate Dean, a devoted professor, and a leader who helped guide the university through critical financial challenges, Steve embodied the best of Portland State. His dedication to our students continues to transform lives today, and his impact on our community will be felt for generations.” said Qing Hu, Dean of The School of Business
Behind the Lens: A Passion for PSU Athletics
Beyond the lecture halls and boardrooms, Steve held a second, volunteer passion: photography. Armed with professional-grade Nikon equipment and a darkroom at home, Steve spent over 40 years on the sidelines and courtside at PSU athletic events.
He captured thousands of moments for Viking football, basketball, and golf entirely pro bono. Fans on the sidelines often watched Steve run down the football field with a massive telephoto lens mounted on a monopod, capturing action shots that were later exhibited on campus and archived in university history. Steve also served on the Viking Athletic Board and was a dedicated supporter of PSU Athletics.
“What many people didn't realize was that Steve’s passion for PSU extended far beyond academics. For over many years, he was on the sidelines at football and basketball games with his heavy camera lenses, running down the field to capture photos for Viking Athletics entirely pro bono. Steve gave 100% to everything he did,” said colleague and former PSU Professor Alan Cabelly.
A Life Well-Lived
Friends and colleagues remember Steve as a true Renaissance man. A talented golfer in his younger years, an extraordinary cook, and an avid traveler, he loved exploring the world and hosting dinners alongside his late wife, Sharon, who passed away three years ago. Together, they raised two daughters, Dana and Alexis.
Steve Brenner gave generously of his time, talent, and heart to Portland State University. From the classrooms where he inspired generations of students to the sidelines where he documented Viking history, his legacy remains embedded in the campus community he loved.