Carolyn

Dance With Me

February 9, 2026 By Carolyn

Five couples in long dresses and jacket and tie pose for a formal dance photograph. — Biologists Ball, 1953

Couples dancing near a wishing well — Dance, 1950s

When exploring past decades of UP life while paging through the Log Yearbook (available in the Clark Library Digital Collections), the vibrant, photo-filled spreads of student dances are sure to jump off the pages — Frosh/Soph Dance, Junior Prom, Senior Prom, Musicians’ Ball, Sweetheart Ball, Military Ball, Biologists Ball, Engineers’ Barn Dance, Homecoming Dance. The list goes on and on with both formal and casual dances, the participants’ apparel ranging from bow ties & ball gowns to jeans & shirts stuffed with straw. It seemed every class, club, or organization sponsored a dance, occupying student social calendars week after week.

April Showers dance card with orange and yellow ribbon attached — Junior Prom Dance Card, 1948

Small purple hearts surround the pages of a dance card. — Monogram Club Dance Card, 1940

Tucked away in the University Museum collection is a small archival box of dance cards — charming relics of student life from the 1940s and 1950s. While some simply note the name and date of the event, some add a few more details such as a list of committee members and parent/faculty sponsors, and yet others tell a deeper story. The true treasures are the handwritten personal notes: a partner’s name here, or the name of flower there. The card, with its two-page record of empty spaces and assigned promises, serves as the evening’s program. It maps a schedule of dances and revolving partners, offering a glimpse into the past, hinting at fleeting crushes and lasting romances — all tallied by the dances shared in a single night.

Small red hearts surround the pages of a dance card. — Arnold Air Society Dance Card, 1953

Encountered today mainly in historical romance novels, the decorative dance card or dance booklets with a cord to attach to a wrist or gown or inserted in a pocket offered a way for individuals to manage their dance partners for the evening — their social opportunities. The cards’ numbered blank lines were filled in with the name of dance partners to set the dance schedule for the evening. Or in the case of one dance card from the 1953 Military Ball, the top line reads “Liz”; followed by dittos taking them through the whole evening. (We know the donors, the dedicated dances were proclaiming a serious relationship and committed friendship that resulted in a long marriage.)

Couples dancing to band orchestra music — Senior Ball

Student dances were held in the Commons or Howard Hall, at St. Vincent’s auditorium, and Portland area ballroom locations. Viewing the Log photos, it would appear formal attire was the norm, women in dresses or ball gowns and men sporting jacket & tie and the dance music provided by a local area band or dance orchestra. The use of dance cards faded away by the late 1950’s but the dancing never stops, continuing on as part of campus life to the present.

Dance card with handwritten notations — Musicians’ Ball Dance Card, 1946

Students wearing cowboy hats and plaid shirts dancing on a dance floor. — Barn Dance

Related PortLog Article:
TWIRP Dance

Clark Library Digital Collections:
Log Yearbook

The Bells of UP

November 12, 2025 By Carolyn

Students in front of a building with speakers on the roof. — Carillon Loudspeakers on top of St. Mary’s, 1970

Color picture of a painting of the Bell Tower. — Bell Tower, Portland Magazine, Autumn 2010

The University Bell Tower is the tallest structure on the Bluff. At nine a.m. (the beginning of whose day?) the bells begin to strike, dividing the working hours in stately, measured stages. Standing tall, the Tower recalls the words of the Alma Mater, ‘high over the Willamette, the spires of learning reach up to the sky’. The Bell Tower Plaza includes the rosary labyrinth, the Marian Garden, and the Marian Grotto. The brick work harmonizes with The Chapel of Christ the Teacher; and the two crosses, atop the lantern of the Chapel and the cupola of the Bell Tower, were designed as siblings, not identical twins but with resemblance and echoes in each design. Because, of course, one of the purposes of the fourteen bells (baptized and dedicated in the names of saints, Blessed Basil Moreau, CSC the largest of the bells) is to ring out the call to prayer and celebration.

The earliest campus plans show that, in 1927, those optimistic campus dreamers place an ambitious Gothic Church with belfry and bells at the apex of the school plant. Similarly, the sketch plans for campus growth in 1958 picture a bell tower centering the grounds. Neither of these concepts were realized. But while tower-dreams were delayed, bells (sort of) arrived in 1948.

The University was gifted with a carillon in 1948. The central working mechanism and console were installed in Music Hall; the speakers were housed atop Education Hall (both single story buildings). The broadcast sounds tolling the hours and traditional calls to prayer were generated manually by a cadre of volunteer players. Following several years of fundraising by the University Mothers’ Club, an automated mechanism fully programable for hymns and melodies — and the hourly chimes — was supplied in 1952.

All this was lost on April 18, 1969 when a late night fire razed Education and Music Halls and five other wooden structures housing classrooms and academic departments in the area where Mago Hunt Center is located today. After the loss of Music and Education Halls, and so the bell mechanism and speakers, the University was able to purchase a Coronation Carillon 25-bell system thanks to a dedicated donor. This mechanism was installed in St. Mary’s in 1969, with speakers attached and visible on the roof. The Coronation Carillon offered over 200 musical selections ranging from modern tunes to church hymns programmed on paper cylinders, similar to a player piano or music box. The University President at the time, Rev. Paul Waldschmidt, CSC, was the master operator and selected musical pieces to fit the season or occasion.

In the mid-80’s, the bells were again quiet for a period. Presuming the system was broken, Rev. Joseph Corpora, CSC, Director of Volunteer Services, investigated the inner workings of the machine and discovered it was simply unplugged and unregretted! — The notion that some might find speakers blaring hourly bell chimes to be annoying carried simply forward to the real bells when the Bell Tower was constructed in 2009. The Beacon records several letters of complaint at the continual disruptions, and student government ran a survey to gauge student concerns. Ultimately too few students responded to warrant a formal resolution and the matter dropped, though accommodations were implemented to dampen the bell sounds and limit Bell Tower operations to 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

The Bell Tower has endured the petty controversies. And is today no more an object of confusion, become instead a singular advantage of UP; at night, lighted like a beacon, during the day, tolling the hours, it stands prominent and a symbol of our aspirations, going forward, rooted in Catholic traditions and practices.

Three articles from the Beacon about the Mother's Club activities. — Articles from **The Beacon**, 1950-1952

Related PortLog Article:
The Bells Are Ringing

Digital Collections:
Chapel of Christ the Teacher, Bell Tower and Marian Garden

Source material:
University Chimes: For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Beacon, October 25, 1963

Letter to the Editor from Louis Artau, Dean of Music, 1947-1956, The Beacon, February 21, 1964

Carillon Caresses UP Ears, The Beacon, February 19, 1971

Waldschmidt Solely Responsible, The Beacon, January 19, 1973

Fr. Waldschmidt Rings the University’s Chimes, The Beacon, November 18, 1976

Bells Ring Across Campus, The Beacon, September 24, 1987

Roots and Growth: from 1905

July 3, 2025 By Carolyn

1905 Commencement ceremony program — **1905 Commencement Exercises**

The 2025 Alumni Reunion is a part of a venerable tradition of the extended UP Community gathering on campus to remember, reconnect, and renew. And because this action has had many forms during the years, formal and informal– Homecoming, Campus Day, Reunion — it is difficult to assign a Series Number to the 2025 Reunion.

We do not have the same obstacles when it comes to Commencements and Graduations. Now at Reunions we direct special attention to those celebrating ‘Cardinal Numbers’, like the 25th and 50th classes. This year, members of the Classes of 1975 (389 degree recipients, The Beacon 23 April 1975, p. 1) and graduates from 2000 (623 diplomas received, The Beacon 20 April 2000, p. 3) are our special guests.

The 2025 Commencement brought an additional 720 degree recipients into the Alumni community this year; they and indeed all alumni are welcome at Reunion.

Enrollment ; 1904-05 = 114; 1974-75 = 2,147; 1999-2000 = 2,847

However, in this article, we take special notice of a special class with a special anniversary. Here we celebrate the Class of 1905 on the occasion of their 120th anniversary of the Commencement Exercises held on Wednesday, June Fourteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Five. Not only is 120 a milestone year for the 10 diploma grads of 1905, but they also stand out on their own as pioneers in UP history. Because the Class of ‘Aught-Five marked the first commencement of the youthful school. Four of these men were enrolled among the 52 students who were there at the beginning in 1901. And it was the ten students listed above — hailing from Oregon, Washington, and Alaska — who were the first to cross the finish line, successfully completing work in Academic, Scientific, and Commercial Programs in the high school division of Columbia University.

The Columbiad Valedictory address by Ignatius E. McNamee. — **The Columbiad**, June 1905, pp. 139-140

Formal class photograph of nine boys in suits holding rolled up diplomas. — Graduating Class of 1905, unidentified, one missing; Courtesy, Fred Weber, ’42,
**Portland Magazine** (Winter, 1985, p. 23)

Columbia University Valedictory Address, 1905 (the address continues on the next page)

Blanchet Gold Medal Award, 1905

2025 Retiring Faculty

April 24, 2025 By Carolyn

At the end of the 2024-25 academic year, nine 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. Brian Fabien, Dean, Shiley School of Engineering, at UP since 2020
Rev. Mark Ghyselinck, Instructor of Fine Arts, at UP since 2005
Dr. Randy Hetherington, Associate Professor, School of Education, at UP since 2016
Dr. Gary Laustsen, Professor, School of Nursing & Health Innovations, at UP since 2023
Dr. Kenneth Lulay, Margaret and Vincent Aquino Endowed Associate Professor of Engineering, at UP since 1998
Dr. V. Dakshina Murty, Professor of Engineering, at UP since 1981
Dr. Stephanie Sideras, Instructor, School of Nursing & Health Innovations, at UP since 2020
Dr. Isabelle Soulé, Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Health Innovations, at UP since 2019
Rev. Arthur Wheeler, CSC, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History, at UP since 1987

Doctor Brian Fabien standing at a podium — Dr. Brian Fabien, May 2022

Father Mark Ghyselinck — Dr. Brian Fabien, May 2022

Photos from the University of Portland Archives, Marketing & Communications, School of Nursing & Health Innovations.

Lost and Overdue

March 3, 2025 By Carolyn

As the center of University of Portland’s academic and research hub, the Clark Library has over 195,000 print volumes, 785,000 eBooks, 128 databases, and over 94,000 online journals, and during the 2023-2024 academic year, over 18,000 items were checked out. During that same period, the library recorded nearly 260,000 encounters with students, faculty, staff, and guests. With so many visitors, it is not uncommon to see almost every seat occupied by a student with a laptop and books spread out across their work area.

Clark Library lends items for a specific period of time, depending on user type and format. Materials are also loaned outside of the library within a NW regional library consortium and through Interlibrary Loan as part of a network of libraries multiplying and sharing resources. Most libraries today inventory and track collection use through an automated integrated library system using the barcodes on library materials and user ID cards.

But, back in the days before automation, checking out library materials was a face-to-face, personal operation. The loan card from the book pocket — bearing either the handwritten borrower name or an ink stamp of the patron ID number on the card — was filed away in a checkout file box until the book was returned. After a book came back to the library, the card was reinserted into the book pocket and the book placed back on the bookshelf for the next user.

But sometimes the circle is broken. Yes, occasionally a book is not returned! Never returned, recirculated, shared; and instead marked missing or permanently lost. And fines ensue, requiring the patron to contribute to the cost of replacing the book.

Human error, absentmindedness, the press of events come into the account (or at least claimed in excuse) when a missing book reappears (weeks, months, or even a year), found when a student or faculty member packs up their room or office at the end of the academic term. Other items, resurface in the library itself: having been misfiled on the library shelves. Such are the usual detours in library lending. But then there are exempla such as Physical Optics by Robert W. Wood checked out by Robert Wright, ’66 in 1963, never returned and likely lost forever.

But no, here is a happy ending tale, the story illustrating responsibility, accountability, character. Imagine a moment in November 2024 when a surprised Bob Wright uncovers Physical Optics in his home storage — the first inside page signed by Brother Godfrey Vassallo, CSC, physics professor at UP — still in his possession a full sixty years after he checked it out!

Confession and contrition follow.

Mr. Wright contacted Clark Library and explained the story to Interim Library Dean, Christina Prucha.

Two people holding a book — Robert Wright, ’66 returns **Physical Optics** to Christina Prucha, Interim Dean, Clark Library
(photo courtesy of Robert Wright)

As a student at UP from 1961-1966 Col. Wright was an Air Force ROTC cadet and commander of the Mitchell Rifle drill team who changed majors from math to physics in 1963. After graduation, he and his wife packed up everything (including the on-loan book) to embark on a 27-year Air Force career, followed by military retirement and time as a government contractor. Col. Wright had taken at least one physics class in 1963 (taught by Brother Godfrey); perhaps explaining this particular book. Physical Optics traveled with the Wrights throughout Bob’s career – Arizona, Michigan, Puerto Rico, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Illinois, England, Nebraska, Germany, Hawaii, Washington State, Virginia, and finally, Portland, Oregon.

In 1963 the overdue fine was five cents per day. Mr. Wright calculated his debt at the steeper rate of twenty-five cents over 22,424 days, for a fine of around $5,600 total. Dean Prucha told Mr. Wright he was in luck as the library did away with fines several years ago.

Physical Optics is currently on display in the Clark Library’s Serres Room on the upper level.

Campus Buildings, History and Fun Facts

February 10, 2025 By Carolyn

Color painting of cherry blossom trees — Wayne Chin, Painting of Cherry Blossoms on the Quad

For the University’s 2024 All-Alumni Reunion, a collaborative effort between the Museum, Archives, Digital Lab, Digital Collections, Marketing, and Clark Library created a fun activity for visiting alumni. Yard signs with QR codes were posted outside various buildings to guide visiting alumni. The QR codes connected to a collection of building photographs through the years. For example, Did you know? We housed the Merle Starr Observatory on campus? The Buildings Collection has both pictures and text to tell the tale.

Clark Library Digital Buildings Collection

Below, select Fun Facts for 10 of our campus buildings.

Bauccio Commons, 1959, 2010

Fun Facts

As an undergraduate Fedele Bauccio worked in the cafeteria washing pot, pans, and dishes. Of course, he complained about the food and thought he could do better.

Chapel of Christ the Teacher, 1986

Fun Facts

Chapels located in the individual residence halls served the religious needs of the campus community until St. Mary’s dual use as Student Union and University Chapel began in 1965.
The Chapel of Christ the Teacher was the first building designed and dedicated as a chapel where the whole University community might gather.
The Muslim Prayer Room was first fitted out and opened for use around 1977.
Each oak column of the front portico is engraved with the symbol of one of the four evangelists. LeRoy Setziol, artist.

PortLog post on Chapel of Christ the Teacher

PortLog post on the Chapel as Sanctuary

Corrado Hall, 1999

Fun Facts

Corrado Hall’s motto is Individually Unique, Together Complete.
The green lawn establishing the residential west quad replaced a parking lot in place since 1957.
The hall mascot is Clarence the Bear.

PortLog post about Corrado Hall’s 25th

Clark Library, 1958, 2013

Fun Facts

After years of residence in the leaky basement of Christie Hall, the Library collection received its own building when the Clark Library was dedicated November 30, 1958.
The Sedes Sapientia (Seat of Wisdom) bas-relief lead sculpture depicting Madonna and Child on the facade to the left of the entrance is six feet high. Frederic Littman, artist.

PortLog post about Clark Library’s 65th, 45th, and 10th

PortLog post about Clark Library’s dedication (1958)

Fields & Schoenfeldt Halls, 2009

Fun Facts

Fields and Schoenfeldt residents have floor wars.
Fr. Art Schoenfeldt was affectionately known as “Padre” around the UP campus, and residents of Schoenfeldt often refer to their hall as Padre.
Fields residents host trivia nights.
Fields and Schoenfeldt were the first LEED Gold certified residence halls on campus.

PortLog post about Rev. Arthur Schoenfeldt, CSC

Howard Hall, 1927-2017; Dundon-Berchtold Hall, 2019

Originally the site of Howard Hall from 1927-2017; gymnasium and recreation center. Howard Hall was demolished to make room for a much-needed academic facility.

Fun Facts

Howard Hall hosted Commencement ceremonies, theater and drama productions, talent shows, boxing, wrestling, dances, and fundraisers.
Howard Hall was the major venue for athletic competitions, basketball, volleyball, as well as intramural sports.
And for years, Howard Hall was the student center with a commuter-student lunch cafeteria, the offices of student government, The Beacon, The Log, and KDUP.
The giant sequoia were placed along the east border of the site in 1967.

PortLog post on the demolition of Howard Hall

PortLog post on the Howard Hall fire

Dundon-Berchtold Hall was built in 2019.

Fun Facts

The exterior faces of Dundon-Berchtold are designed to continue and preserve heritage elements of Howard Hall’s architecture.
The brass joints of the water-spouts at the eaves repeat the Cross and Anchor symbol of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Mehling Hall, 1964

Fun Facts

Entertainer Jack Benny performed for students in Mehling’s lounge the week before the building was officially dedicated.
The stainless steel and enamel sculpture of branches and leaves fronting the entryway represents the Tree of Life. Lee and John Kelly, Bonnie Bronson, artists.

PortLog post about Mehling Hall’s 50th

Pilot House, 1938, 2015

Fun Facts

On weekend nights, the Pilot House hosts Pilots After Dark, which offers music, comedy shows, and other events like trivia nights and game shows for all students for free.

PortLog post about Pilot House Expansion (2016)

St. Mary’s Student Center, 1937

Fun Facts

St. Mary’s student center first opened in 1937 as the campus dining hall. When the current Commons opened in 1959, St. Mary’s was re-outfitted as a student center, relieving Howard Hall of Student Government offices.
From 1965-1985 St. Mary’s had a dual use as Student-Union by (week)day, and University Chapel over the weekend.
In 1969, electronic speakers in the building cupola allowed a 25-bell carillon to sound from the chapel tower across the campus.

Villa Maria Hall, 1957

Fun Facts

Villa Hall drum squad leads the student section for UP soccer games. In kilts and with enthusiasm, they play drums, lead the cheers, and bring an unrivaled energy to UP events.
The Villa mascot is Tommy the Gorilla. During new student move-in and orientation, Villa welcomes new residents with a larger-than-life inflatable gorilla on Villa’s rooftop.
In the beginning of the 1984-85 school year, Villa Hall and Kenna Hall switched residents, making Villa a men’s dorm and Kenna a women’s dorm.

PortLog post about Villa Maria Hall’s 65th

Photos and more information about campus buildings past and present
Digital Buildings Collection at Clark Library

The ASUP 1951 Fair Trade Campaign

January 14, 2025 By Carolyn

Decal designed with a pink rose and the words Fair Rose and a list of Portland area colleges. — Fair Rose (anti-discrimination) decal for display at businesses, 1951. Portland City Archives, AD/38

For more than a decade, the Office of Student Activities and the Office of International Education, Diversity, and Inclusion have assisted students to observe the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a Day On for community involvement and service for justice and peace. A matter of character here at the University, and with deep historical precedence.

Take, for example, the following time-capsule from the year 1951, when the Intercollegiate Council of Portland area colleges launched the Fair Rose campaign (Portland is the City of Roses) as an effort to commit local area businesses to eliminate practices constituting racism and religious discrimination. The ICC campaign was modeled on the University of California’s parallel “Fair Bear” anti-discrimination campaign. The Pilots were on-board.

Volunteerism is a reliable trait among UP students. In 1952 students started Blanchet House of Hospitality for the hungry and homeless in the Portland city center. The Christmas party which began in 1948 was a long-standing tradition where student service clubs hosted orphaned children; an annual event that went well into the 1960s. The Fair Rose campaign, led by ASUP student body president Howard ‘Sy’ Rosen, ’51, mobilized UP students partnering with students from nine other area colleges as an intercollegiate effort to convince businesses in the city of Portland to eliminate racism and discrimination against their customers (insuring commercial public accommodation). Each participating school was assigned an area of the city for students to go door-to-door speaking to business owners directly in favor of fair-trade. (Beacon, April 6, 1951)

Businesses who agreed to open their doors to everyone regardless of race or color received a Fair Rose decal to display in their window or door. (Beacon, April 13, 1951). The decal, a large rosette with the words “Fair Rose. This establishment does not discriminate against races, color, or creed” was designed by UP sophomore, Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Vincent, ’53, cartoonist for the Beacon (Beacon, March 9, 1951). Merchants who declined to participate were put on a list and reported back to the Fair Rose committee. (Beacon, May 4, 1951)

As documented in the timeline composed by Leanne Serbula, Small Steps on the Long Journey to Equality: A Timeline of Post-Legislation Civil Rights Struggles in Portland, published in the Oregon Historical Quarterly, Fall 2018, v. 119, no. 3, the beginning of these efforts is simply the attempt to break down public resistance and afford uniform compliance with Oregon’s first state-wide anti-discrimination legislation.

1949 The Fair Employment Practices Act is state-wide legislation which barred discrimination due to race, religion, color or national origin, in hiring, promotion, and working condition. The practices were slow to disappear.

1950 The Portland City Council unanimously approves Ordinance 91214, prohibiting racial discrimination in public accommodations. City voters subsequently overturn the ordinance and discrimination in public accommodations remains legal. And here the Intercollegiate Council enters with the Fair Rose campaign.

1953 The Oregon Legislature adopts a public accommodations law banning discrimination due to race, color, national origin, or religion in the use of any public accommodation.

1950-1951 Highlights from the Bluff. The University of Portland celebrated its half century, 50th jubilee. Enrollment stood at 1,275 students. In January of 1951 the University became fully co-ed, opening admission in every school and division of the University to women. The men’s basketball team earned the National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball District 2 title — making an appearance at the NAIB national finals in Kansas — closing the season with a 79.3 winning percentage. The main parking lot beside the sports fields is laid out and divided into assigned parking spaces, and gradually provided with a gravel surface (as funds allowed). And, also, assisting in a fairly intensive shoe-leather effort to combat racism in the local area.

Trio of newspaper article clippings — **Three examples of regular student involvement in social justice beyond campus.**

Related PortLog Entries:
Orphan Holiday

Blanchet House: Blanchet House served its first meal to the houseless and hungry on the streets of downtown Portland on February 11, 1952 (beans, bread, butter, and coffee for 227 clients).

Source materials:
Fair Rose (anti-discrimination) decal for display at businesses, 1951. Portland City Archives AD/38, Viewed December 9, 2024 from Portland City Archives via Vintage Portland. https://efiles.portlandoregon.gov/record/2776556/. Reprinted with permission.

Fair Rose decal, 1951, Vintage Portland, viewed December 9, 2024 from Vintage Portland. https://vintageportland.wordpress.com/2024/11/27/fair-rose-decal-1951/

Visions of Growth, 1957-1967

December 3, 2024 By Carolyn

Three of University of Portland’s campus buildings share the same dedication date — November 22. Holy Cross Hall (now Kenna Hall) and University Commons (now Bauccio Commons) were together dedicated sixty-five years ago. Mehling Hall followed five years later providing 60 years of service. (The beginning years are 1959 and 1964, respectively.)

War surplus building — St. Joseph’s Hall, War Surplus Materials, 1946-1968 (Edge of the old Pilot House on the left; Howard Hall in the center, St. Joseph’s Hall on the right — click to enlarge photo)

These structures are part of a building boom in the decade from 1957-1967, and are three of six major buildings which significantly altered the campus landscape under the administrations of Rev. Howard Kenna, CSC and Rev. Paul Waldschmidt, CSC. Once World War II ended, under the benefits of the GI Bill, returning veterans flooded college classrooms, and the University was able to offer more programs; attracting women and graduate students to campus. To meet the immediate demands for classroom and dormitory space posed by post-war enrollment, the University relied on war surplus temporary wood-frame buildings dotted across campus in a hodge-podge array.

President Makes Report to Alumni — **Alumni Bulletin**, August 1957, p.3 (Click to enlarge)

Father Kenna arrived in 1955, along with his second-in-command, Father Waldschmidt. The two priests, encouraged by the enrollment numbers, provided consistent leadership for developing new programs and campus growth. Sharing the plan with University alumni, (see attached exhibits, Alumni Bulletin, August 1957, pp 3, 4 and 5; click to enlarge and read), Fr. Kenna states “My colleagues and I have been peering into the future… we have tried to plan for the next ten years. It seems to us that the University is on the verge of what should be its greatest period of expansion. After careful study, we have concluded that within these ten years the University will grow to its maximum capacity of 2500 students. To prepare for this rapid increase in enrollment – a little more than doubled…”; he leaps breathlessly into his dream prospectus for the coming decade (“Ambitious? Certainly it is. Presumptuous? I do not think so.”), announcing an impressive wish-list projecting three men’s dormitories, one women’s dormitory, dining hall, new library (needed to retain accreditation), Fine Arts Center, Business, Liberal Arts buildings, and University Chapel (with Bell Tower!). And that’s not all: expanding already existing facilities with an addition to Science Hall, an enlarged Pilot House (Student Union!), and a new and enlarged gym.

Map of proposed campus changes — Fr. Kenna continued, **Alumni Bulletin**, August 1957, pp. 4-5
(Click to enlarge)

With the prospect of continuing growth in evidence, the University moved toward creating permanent structures for an expanding academic and residential campus. Circumstances did moderate ambitions, yes. Physical changes marking this stage in University history pushed out the boundaries on opposites ends of the campus and provide the framework for the academic buildings at the center of campus. Five of the buildings were financed through federal low-interest, long-term loans (a forty-year term, underscoring long-term planning): Villa Maria Hall (1957); Holy Cross (Kenna) Hall (1959); University (Bauccio) Commons (1959); Mehling Hall (1964) and Shipstad Hall (1967).

Milestones and anniversaries provide opportunities to pause and celebrate, to reflect on growth and change and the stages of flourishing through the years, in life and lives of children, self, friends, and even in the life of a University.

University of Portland campus map from the 1950s. — Actual 1950’s Campus, Student Directory (Click to enlarge)

Sources:
Mehling Hall Dedication Program Cover

Mehling Hall Dedication Program Inside Pages

University Commons and Holy Cross Hall Dedication Program

Alumni Bulletin

Associated Students of University of Portland, 1950 Directory, pp. 28-29

Related PortLog Articles about Campus Growth
Founding Visions

Prophecy and Visions

Campus Growth: 1991-2016

Sanctuaries post

A Canopy of Blossoms

Kenna and Commons at 65; Mehling at 60

November 19, 2024 By Carolyn

Three campus buildings share the same dedication date — November 22. Holy Cross Hall (now Kenna Hall) and University Commons (now Bauccio Commons) were dedicated together in 1959. Mehling Hall followed five years later in 1964; providing sixty-five and sixty years (respectively) of services to student life at UP.

Below, select Fun Facts for the 3 anniversary buildings.

Bauccio Commons, 1959, 2010

Dedication: November 22, 1959
Location: west-southwest corner of campus. Building cost: $519,000; accommodating 900 diners (with a total capacity of 1,232). 2 fireplaces. Dance and Patio area on the ground floor, from dedication program. Renamed September 25, 2010 after extensive remodeling and expansion to double service capacity.

Fun Facts

As an undergraduate Fedele Bauccio ’64 worked in the Commons washing pots, pans, and dishes. Of course, he complained about the food and thought he could do better. Which led to a successful career in the food service industry, and Mr. Bauccio’s sponsorship of the 2009-10 renovations.
The Terrace Room Patio was adorned with an outdoor water feature decorative fountain.

Newly constructed brick building with ladder and dirt in front — University Commons (now Bauccio Commons), 1959

Holy Cross (Kenna) Hall, 1959

Dedication: November 22, 1959
Location: southeast corner of campus. Building cost: $801,125; accommodating 218 students (all student rooms are doubles). Special Features: 200 person chapel, with dedicated typing, TV, and game lounges, from dedication program. Renamed for Rev. Howard Kenna, CSC, the 14th President of the University, November 16, 1973.

Fun Facts

Residence for Men 1959-84; 1987-88.
Residence for Women 1984-87; 2012-(cont).
Second Coeducational Residence Hall, 1988-2012.
Headquarters of Air Force ROTC Detachment, 695, 1976 and current
The Sauna room feature was decommissioned in 2018.

X-shaped brick building with windows. — Holy Cross (now Kenna) Hall, 1959

Mehling Hall, 1964

Dedication: November 22, 1964
Location: campus west edge, river-view. Building cost: not given in program; accommodating 367 students; an 8 floor residence hall with two-high speed elevators, a grand foyer, and a television lounge with color television. Named for Rev. Theodore J. Mehling, CSC, the 12th President of the University.

Fun Facts

Entertainer Jack Benny performed for students in Mehling’s lounge the week before the building was officially dedicated.
The stainless steel and enamel sculpture of branches and leaves fronting the entryway represents the Tree of Life. Lee and John Kelly, Bonnie Bronson, artists.
Mehling features the very first elevators in any campus building.
Our Lady of Holy Cross Chapel was not dedicated until May 19, 2006.

Eight story brick building with windows and cars parked in front — Mehling Hall, 1964

PortLog post about Mehling Hall’s 50th

Photos and more information about campus buildings past and present
Digital Buildings Collection at Clark Library

Faith and Citizenship

November 7, 2024 By Carolyn

One of University of Portland’s legacy stories of faith and character begins with a letter written 80 years ago by Corporal Charles Edward (Eddie) McChrystal, ’43 on November 12, 1944 while sitting on a hillside in Italy during World War II. The letter, meant for Corporal McChrystal’s parents, went first to his parish priest in Utah with instructions to deliver it to his parents in the event of his death.

Charles Edward McChrystal with mortarboard cap. — Charles Edward McChrystal, 1943 Log

In the early months of 1943, McChrystal and many of his UP classmates were called up for service in World War II as members of the Army Enlisted Reserves Corps (E.R.C.). Because a large contingent received instructions to report for Ft. Lewis, Washington on March 15, 1943, the UP community and families of the enlisted were able to organize a send-off at the train depot in Portland — complete with speeches, choir and school band. Any senior in that group — including McChrystal who was the class valedictorian — would, of course, not return to complete the year at college.

Philosophy Club Members — Philosophy Club, 1943 Log

Who was Eddie McChrystal, 1943 Valedictorian? He arrived on the Bluff in 1939 from his native Utah. A student focused on academics and faith as evidenced by his memberships in the Philosophy Club (officer) and Honor Society; and Sanctuary Knights (service group, Mass server, officer) and Holy Name Society (respect and reverence of the Holy Name). Eddie was also a member of the Boarders’ Club (for students who resided on campus) and choir. McChrystal valued a “Catholic college education” and recalled his years at UP were “happy ones”. He believed his UP education helped “provide a fuller view of life and instill an appreciation for the good and noble.” McChrystal’s enlistment in the E.R.C. was his way of “doing his part” for the War effort.

After receiving training stateside, Corporal McChrystal served with an infantry division in Europe. He was killed in France on Christmas Day 1944 — six weeks after sending the letter — while on a special mission for the intelligence department. His parish priest delivered Eddie’s letter to his parents. The letter was later published in A Point of Pride: The University of Portland Story.

Read the letter here.

White marble sculpture of hands folded in prayer with bricks in the background. — Praying Hands Memorial, Portland Magazine, Autumn 2009, p. 9

The Praying Hands Memorial on the east quad remembers the students and alumni who were injured or lost their lives in World War II. The class gift of the 1948 seniors. Charles (Eddie) McChrystal’s in one of the sixty-nine names etched in the bricks commemorating the war dead.

Veteran’s Day Ceremony: The Beacon, November 14, 2013

Reservists’ Send-Off, PortLog, March 2014

Veterans’ Day Observance, PortLog, November 2014

Broken Wall Memorial, PortLog, November 2015