At the end of the 2021-22 academic year, eight members of the University of Portland faculty will retire after many years of service to this institution and making a difference in the lives of untold numbers of students. The University gives thanks to our retiring faculty for their dedication and commitment to teaching and learning and wishes them all the best.
Dr. Ami Ahern-Rindell, Associate Professor of Biology, at UP since 1997
Dr. Michael Cameron, Professor of Theology, at UP since 2002
Dr. Mark Kennedy, Professor of Engineering, at UP since 1996
Dr. Steven Kolmes, Professor of Environmental Sciences, Molter Chair in Science, at UP since 1995
Dr. Matthew Kuhn, Professor of Engineering, Br. Godfrey Vassallo Endowed Professor, at UP since 1987
Dr. John Orr, Assistant Provost for Scholarly Engagement & Career Readiness, Professor of English, at UP since 1993
Jane Scott, Associate Librarian, Clark Library, at UP since 2014
Dr. Mojtaba Takallou, Associate Professor of Engineering, at UP since 1985
[Click on image for photo captions and slide show]
(Photos from the University Archives, Clark Library, Marketing and Communications, The Beacon)
The end of an era for the Shiley School of Engineering, with the retirement of Professor Takallou, Kuhn, Kennedy and Inan. Dr. Takallou and Dr. Inan both taught me as a student securing my degree in Civil Engineering and Dr. Takallou taught my daughter, Engineering Ecomonics as part of her Mechanical Engineering degree. Dr. Kennedy championed the engineering travel abroad program in Salsburg, providing an oppotunity for my daughter to have this life long experience while continuing her engineering studies (something that was not available for me back in the day). I have had the pleasure of getting to know Dr. Kuhn through my participation in the Industrial Adivsory Counsel. I will never forget building our “battleship” as I called it, for the concrete canoe contest and having a BBQ at my home afterwards, including Dr. Inan – when we all left the stress of studying behind and enjoyed each others company. University of Portland provided not only an excellent engineering education for both my daughter and I, it provided lifetime frienships, colleagues and community. I am most grateful to the retiring engineering professors who have given of their time and talent to provide a career I love. Enjoy the next chapter of your journey.
M. Patty Nelson
Class of 87