Over 1,400 Guests Flock to Portland State University Benefit

Portland, October 23rd, 2014. For the third year in a row, Portland State University raised over $1 million for scholarships and other campus initiatives at its Simon Benson Awards Dinner presented by Bank of America. Over 1,400 guests attended the 15th annual event–one of the largest fundraising dinners in Portland. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon E. Panetta shared stories from his new memoir, Worthy Fights. he also posed for a photo with Bank of America President Roger Hinshaw. Earle M. Chiles, local businessman and philanthropist, and Christine and David Vernier, Vernier Software & Technology founders, received Simon Benson Awards for Philanthropy. Ramon S. Torrecilha, Ph.D. (PSU: ’84, M.S. ’86) received the Simon Benson Award for Alumni Achievement.

From the PSU Foundation:

The PSU Foundation has one mission—to support Portland State University. Over 10,000 donors contribute millions of dollars every year to support the University’s students, faculty, programs and facilities. Current fundraising priorities include student scholarships and School of Business Administration and Viking Pavilion and Academic Centerrenovations.

Created in 1963, the PSU Foundation raises philanthropic gifts, invests them responsibly, and stewards them in accordance with donors’ wishes. Effective July 2014, Portland State University transferred its development responsibilities to the Foundation—creating a single entity responsible for philanthropy to the University. Under the direction of Foundation President/CEO Françoise Aylmer, $104 million has been raised over the last four years, more than tripling private funds to the University and increasing its endowment by $20 million.

With public funding for higher education at new lows, philanthropy is vital to advance the mission of Portland State. Your gifts have an impact on our students, faculty and campus. Thank you for your generous support.