The Cross and Anchors rests at the center of the University seal, the symbol of the Congregation of Holy Cross who were intended for the University from the beginning. The Seal is fixed to the right hand pillar of the main campus entrance on Willamette Boulevard. As consecrated religious Holy Cross members live by the three vows of the evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity, and obedience. One consequence of obedience is not having a choice of career ambition or in selecting your job. Meaning that competence is often rewarded with greater burdens. The University of Portland has long been a training ground for leaders in the larger Holy Cross community. The current leadership team for the United States Province includes the just ‘retired’ Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C.; 19th president of the University of Portland, and also Brother Donald Stabrowski, C.S.C., who was poached from the Provost’s Office in 2012. Past UP Presidents, Frs. Mehling, Kenna, and Tyson (the 11th, 14th, & 18th presidents, respectively) were promoted to province leadership from the UP president’s office. Fr. Paul Waldschmidt, C.S.C., was translated direct from the UP presidency to the office of Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. With the new Recreation & Wellness Center advancing toward completion, Brother Donald (acting president, fall semester 2003) is the last of these distinguished academic leaders lacking a building on campus.
For more pictures and history of University Presidents visit the Clark Library’s Digital University History and Presidents Collection, displaying images of photographs and objects held by the University Archives and Museum (with descriptions from the Archives and Museum).
Related post: In the Beginning: Rev. John A. Zahm, C.S.C., Name-dropper, Promise Keeper, which shows how during the first year of the University’s existence, Archbishop Christie was actively courting Holy Cross.