Portland State Athletics Breaks Records With Wine and Roses

Portland, OR. It was an emotional moment when football coach Bruce Barnum surprised two “walk-on” members of the football program with full-ride scholarships. Such generosity was possible thanks to Portland State University’s largest annual athletic fund-raising event: Wine and Roses. The benefit on May 19th at the Portland Art Museum generated $515,000 for scholarships and an additional $150,000 for the Viking Pavilion renovation project. Those totals made this year’s edition the highest grossing to date. Over 500 people came out to support Viking Athletic Scholarships. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Viking alum Joe Wiser leads the Wine and Roses crowd in a “Go Viks!” cheer.

Viking student-athletes singing the national anthem.

An inspiring speech from alumnus and Marine, Micheal Dorsey.

Highlights of the evening included:

• Speeches from two alumni, Theresa Lepow (soccer) and Micheal Dorsey (football). Lepow, who worked in the White House of the Obama Administration, and Dorsey, who is a Marine, shared inspiring stories and were great examples of why those in attendance care about and invest in PSU Athletics.

• Recognition to Denny Ferguson for a decade of service in fund-raising for Viking Athletics.

• Two major commitments to the Viking Pavilion Campaign.

• Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler attended in support of Portland State University.

• Live music throughout the evening, as well as Viking student-athletes in attendance, assisting with the event and singing the national anthem.

The 2018 edition of Wine and Roses will take place next April 28th. It will take place in, and be the Grand Opening of, the new Viking Pavilion.

Click here to view Photo Galleries from the 2017 Wine and Roses.

Click here to view photos on Facebook.

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.