November 7, 2022

News

http://Photos of PSU Campus Police Officer Kenan Powell

PSU mourns the passing of Officer Kenan Powell

Portland State University Campus Police Officer Kenan Powell passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 28 while on a trip to Mississippi to plan his grandmother’s burial. Powell was a single father to two children, Kamelai and Khalil, and the only child of Karen Powell. His loved ones describe him as having a “big personality, love of sarcasm, and heart of gold” and that protecting and serving his community was his top priority after being a father. Powell grew up in Northeast Portland and graduated from Grant High School. He joined Campus Public Safety in 2019. Kenan Powell’s family has set up a Go Fund Me to cover memorial expenses.

Students have a conversation while sitting in the park blocks

Let’s celebrate First-Gen week at PSU

Portland State University is a First-gen Forward institution and is proud to celebrate National First-Generation Celebration week, kicking off on Nov. 8, in honor of the signing of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Please join the Division of Global Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Student Success and the Learning Center for this week’s events.

Get outdoors with a holiday rental special

It's time for another Outdoor Program gear rental special in honor of Veterans Day! Rent outdoor gear for five days for the price of four with the Outdoor Program's Veterans Day Rental Special. Items must be picked up on Thursday, Nov. 10 and returned on Monday, Nov. 14.

Deadline is today for PSU Research Award nominations

PSU's annual Research Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of research faculty, graduate student mentors, and administrative professionals at Portland State. Nominations must be completed next Monday, Nov. 14 to be eligible for review.

Mini Grant applications due this week for PIAA initiatives

The Pacific Islander Asian American (PIAA) Studies Initiative is accepting applications for mini-grants of up to $500 for projects that provide community-based service or research learning opportunities for students with PIAA communities. PSU faculty and staff are invited to submit an application on this Google form. Applications are due by Nov. 15 at 5 p.m.

Free vaccine clinic this week

This Wednesday, Nov. 9, all students, faculty and staff can receive free vaccinations at the Native American Student and Community Center. All COVID series, monkeypox, and the annual flu shot are offered. This clinic is presented by the Pacific Islanders Club, ASPSU, UtopiaPDX and the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Supplies are limited for walk-ins so please sign up here. The free vaccine clinic is also offered on Nov. 17 and Dec. 7.

Remember to vote this week!

PSU employees are encouraged to exercise their right to vote in this week’s mid-term election. Ballots must be received or mailed with a valid postmark by 8 p.m. on Election Night, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. Find a ballot drop box.

PSU in the News

In advance of the U.S. third-quarter Fed report, PSU Professor of Economics Hiro Ito helps KOIN make sense of the economy; Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the School of Social Work Stephanie Bryson spoke with the Portland Tribune about a new $2.4 million investment to create a Human Services degree program; and Professor of History David Peterson del Mar shared his take on the landscape of higher ed with the New York Times.

Accolades

People

Scott Burns, Óscar Fernández, Shirley Jackson, Carlos Mena, David Peterson del Mar, Olyssa Starry, Jack Straton

Presented

Adam Booth, Scott Burns, Cynthia Carmina Gomez, Kathi Inman Berens, Raymond Johnson, Rachel Noorda

Published/Exhibited

Micki Caskey, Jon Holt, Mellie Pullman, Maria Tenorio, J.J.P. Veerman

Grants

Esperanza De La Vega, Bernd Ferner

Events

Additional Links

Currently is Portland State University’s weekly faculty and staff newsletter. It is published online every Monday during the academic year by University Communications. News items should be emailed by noon the Tuesday before publication. See the Currently website for submission guidelines and schedule.