Portland, February 2nd, 2016. Concordia University hosted the 5th Annual Governor Victor Atiyeh Leadership in Education Awards and Carl Talton was honored as a community leader who has made significant contributions to improving education in the Pacific Northwest and his S.T.E.A.M advocacy. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)
Those who value his contributions took time to sing Carl Talton’s praises in this tribute video.
Carl Talton received a standing ovation from the hundreds of attendees.
Talton has dedicated his life to enriching and improving the lives of Portland residents. He has a 40-year record of community service, initiating and serving on the boards of numerous organizations focused on economic growth, housing development, health issues and education.
He is a founding member of the STEAM Coalition of Northeast Portland, which works to prepare students of color for STEAM jobs – those in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Technology. He is also a founding member of the Northeast Community Development Corporation, an affordable housing developer whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the culturally diverse population of inner north/northeast Portland.
The award, given each year in early spring, is designed to honor leaders for their unique and important contributions to significantly improving education in the Pacific Northwest or beyond. Named after Oregon’s esteemed former Governor Victor Atiyeh for his life-long passion and leadership for education.
Design Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, John Maeda, was this year’s keynote speaker.
Artist, graphic designer, computer scientist, educator and technical advisor to startups, John Maeda is leading a national conversation about the role artists and designers play in a new creative economy and the business impact of design. In recognition of his work bridging design, computer science and business, “Esquire” magazine named Maeda one of the 75 most influential people of the 21st century.
The proceeds from this event will benefit Concordia student scholarships and the 3 to PhD initiative, a public-private partnership between Concordia University, Faubion School, and Portland Public Schools as we develop a new national model to create safer, healthier, more educated communities.
Concordia University is a private nonprofit, liberal arts university in Portland, Oregon. The school of approximately 5,400 undergraduate and graduate students is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and the Concordia University System. Located in Northeast Portland, the school also has branch campuses across Oregon and operates the Concordia University School of Law in Boise, Idaho. The university has four colleges and eighteen majors. Athletic teams, known as the Cavaliers, are members of the Cascade Collegiate Conference and compete at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) level.
Portland, February 5th, 2013. Oregon Governors Atiyeh, Kulongoski and Kitzhaber were among the 600 Concordia University supporters at a gala to raise funds for student scholarships. Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith had talked education with former Governor Atiyeh, Concordia President Charles Schlimpert, Oregon Governor Kitzhaber and former Governor Kulongoski. (Photo credit, Steve Harmon)
Former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh (center) handed out Concordia’s Governor Victor Atiyeh Leadership in Education Awards to Carilyn Alexander (accepting on behalf of her late husband Dick Alexander) and Ken Thrasher, chairman of Compli.
Richard C. “Dick” Alexander died on Oct. 16th. He was the Founder of Viking International and is widely credited with persuading the Oregon Legislature to pump $25 million more a year into Head Start, ensuring that 3,000 more kids attend each year. Gov. Kitzhaber commented, on Alexander’s legacy saying, “Dick always put the needs of the community first and served the state of Oregon with dignity. He had a deep commitment and a gentle heart, and his legacy will continue to touch and shape the lives of Oregonians for generations to come.”
Keynote speaker Salman Khan earned a standing ovation when he shared his story of founding and growing Khan Academy to now seven million monthly users. He emphasized its mission to provide “A free world class education for anyone anywhere,” and closed the event by stating his view that “Education should be a right, like drinking water.”
600 attendees filled the Kridel Grand Ballroom at the Portland Art Museum
Concordia University President Charles Schlimpert at the podium.
The second annual Concordia University Governor Victor Atiyeh Leadership in Education Awards, presented by HotChalk Inc, recognized two honorees – Ken Thrasher and the late Dick Alexander – for their leadership in early childhood education in Oregon.
Following the event, 120 iPads used on the tables were donated by presenting sponsor HotChalk Inc., to Faubion School, a local, urban, preK-8 public school adjacent to Concordia University. The iPads will be used by students and educators to help improve access to technology resources for Faubion’s students.
Concordia, Faubion and Portland Public Schools are expanding their partnership to create a national model committed to helping young people fulfill their potential from age “3 to PhD.”
This year’s 2013 Atiyeh Scholars include the following 16 Concordia University students: Anab Abdirahman, Temari Asazuki, Scott Cozza, Marcie Fitzgerald, Megan Haug, Emmanuel Henreid, Feliza Lopez-Sanchaez, Shannon Mackaben, Jennifer McDonnell, Danetta Monk, Damien Ntawumpora, Sable Phillipi, Yuki Rutherford, Naiby Tejero, Angela Tsoumas, and Leily Villela.
Concordia University is pioneering education innovation in the region by preparing the next generation of teachers. The University’s greatest growth over the past few years is in its Masters of Education degree programs online. Now, Concordia’s EdD will launch online and on ground this spring.
ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
Concordia University is a private, nonprofit, Lutheran, liberal arts university founded in 1905 with a mission to prepare leaders for the transformation of society. Concordia is currently Oregon’s fastest growing university with more than 23% enrollment growth in 2012 to more than 3,500 students. For the fourth consecutive year, Concordia was recognized on the U.S. President’s Community Service Honor Roll and as 7th in the nation in service by Washington Monthly magazine. Its College of Education is committed to preparing the world’s best teachers through its courses in Portland, across Oregon, and online.
Students at the rally get ready to serve and honor the life and legacy of Dr. King!
Oregon Campus Compact Associate Director, Tina Shantz, at the mic giving directions and getting students excited to serve.
Students pose for a picture after leaving the rally and heading to their service sites.
College students begin sorting through gently used children’s books. Throughout the day, 700 students organized, cleaned, and helped distribute 40,000 books to low-income homes, libraries, and schools in Portland.
Children’s books being sent into the Portland community.
The service projects prompted volunteers to reflect on the value of education and how poverty impacts learning.
“It’s really exciting to bring together a large group of college students to respond to the community’s needs,” said Concordia University’s Assistant Director of Service Leadership, Amy Dickerson. “MLK Day is impactful because it inspires students to serve not only one day but also to continue their service to the community throughout the year. By uniting colleges and universities to serve together, students become a part of something bigger than each of their individual campuses.”
College students in Oregon are experienced with serving their community. Oregon ranks eighth in the country for college student volunteerism according to the Corporation for National & Community Service report, Volunteering and Civic Life in America. Oregon’s students are challenging those who believe they are disengaged and apathetic by showing up (in record numbers) to serve and prove through action that they are making a difference in their community.
Other popular MLK events included:
• “Keep Alive the Dream,” a celebration for all ages produced by the World Arts Foundation, Inc., this event featured speakers and performers from various civic and social community organizations.
• The Annual MLK Remembrance and Work Day for the Northeast Portland Backpack Lunch Program, which provides lunches for children at Woodlawn, King and Harvey Scott schools.
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