Categories: FeaturesNews

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.

0
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.

Recent Posts

Portland Art Museum Exhibit Will Highlight Contemporary Art from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer

Portland, OR. Opening in September 2025, the Portland Art Museum (PAM) presents Global Icons, Local Spotlight:…

7 days ago

VIPs Gearing up for Classic Wines Foundation Gala

Portland, OR. Organizers say the "Salon de Vin" benefit for Classic Wines is shaping up.…

2 weeks ago

Diamonds & Denim Gala Will Benefit The Links, Inc.

Portand, OR. The Portland Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and the White Rose Educational Foundation…

4 weeks ago

Nonprofits Honored as Providence Health Plan Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Portland, OR.  Providence Health Plan recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a totally rad 1980’s…

4 weeks ago

Oregon Historical Society Hosts History Makers Gala

Portland, OR. The Oregon Historical Society’s (OHS) annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes…

1 year ago

Lan Su Garden Kicks off November With Floral Design Competition

Portland, OR. Move over pumpkins, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is welcoming fall with its…

1 year ago