Volunteers of America Honor President Emeritus of University of Portland

Portland, May 8th, 2015. Reverend William Beauchamp, President Emeritus of the University of Portland, received Volunteers of America Oregon’s highest award, the DePreist Award for Excellence. Fr William Beauchamp President, CEO Kay Toran, Stedman Graham and event Co-Chair Jordan Schnitzer were joined by 250 people at the DePreist Award Dinner, held at the University of Portland’s Bauccio Commons. Stedman Graham, long-term partner of Oprah Winfrey, spoke earlier in the day at a diversity symposium exploring ways to increase the participation of communities of color in economic prosperity.

Kellie Jones surprises crowd with Motown songs

DePreist Award

Board Chair Bruce Warner with Portland Mayor Charlie Hales

The event raised $319,000 for the nonprofit. Co-chairs of the Dinner were Bob Maloney, Jordan Schnitzer and Fedele Bauccio.

The DePreist Award honors an individual or couple who have left a lasting legacy in their community through extraordinary efforts in their profession, community leadership, community visioning and/or philanthropic contribution.

It is also the major fundraiser for Volunteers of America Oregon, and raised more than $319,000 to support VOA’s many programs designed to give a hand up to those most in need. VOA programming helps ensure that all members of our community can be self-reliant and lead healthy and productive lives.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.