The University of Portland was a stop on the campaign trail for Senator John F. Kennedy, (D-Mass) when he appeared before a capacity crowd in Howard Hall just four days ahead of the May 20 Oregon primary election in 1960. Kennedy, who downplayed his Catholicism during his candidacy, was hoarse from days on the campaign trail and so did not speak at the event: U.S. Representative Edith Green, (D-Ore.) and chairperson for the Kennedy in Oregon, delivered Kennedy’s speech for him. The future president did manage to use some of his voice to answer questions following the speech. A campus group, Students for Kennedy, sponsored the event including a reception in the Pilot House.
(From the University Archives, click on gallery image to enlarge)
What a wonderful piece of history!