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In Memory: Dr. Manuel “Manny” Macias, March 25, 1929 – March 19, 2016

April 7, 2016 By Carolyn

Too often, institutions are mistaken and judged by exteriors, as measured in bricks and mortar, in buildings, monument, edifice.  But the life of a University is made of people – persons who give themselves body and soul, blood and tears – who define the character and life to the University of Portland by their lives and commitments.

One of our pillars – bearing up as student, later professor and mentor and benefactor – Dr. Manuel “Manny” Jato Macias, returned to the earth on March 19, 2016, age 86 (never fully recovered from a debilitating stroke suffered on Christmas Eve in 1998).

His testimony and affection is on record from this interview published in Portland Magazine (Autumn, 2000)

“the University is home to me, I love it.  I always thought I was building something useful there.  I met marvelous people there who inspired me.  The University is changing now, and that’s good and a little painful – there’s a part of everyone that wishes things always stayed the same.  Yet we must progress, or we fail; and my heart stays there, always the same, always in love.”

Dr. Macias abided with UP life-long.  Arriving on the Bluff in 1947, a freshman committed to the pedagogy of the priests and brothers of Holy Cross, he graduated cum laude in 1951, and in 1958 returned as colleague and professor.  While a student at UP, the future Professor of Spanish was a member of the Spanish Club, but listed there with the Anglo-name ‘Mike’ in the yearbook photo.   Dr. Manuel Macias, PhD., Professor of Spanish from 1958-1995, served as department chair for 12 years; assisted and directed the University of Portland Program in Spain from 1969-1972; received the Culligan Award in 1963, Outstanding Teacher Award in 1993, and in 1994 the Alexander Christie Award.  He served faithfully and colorfully as Grand Marshal at University commencements from 1976-1995.

Manny’s benefactions to the University were many, some of which were monetary.  Among his donations:  he established multiple student scholarships; contributed to Chapel of Christ the Teacher building-fund; commissioned the campus landmark “O Cruceiro” (in memory of his parents and brother) located beside the Clark Library; donated a collection of books to the University library; and honored the University Museum with some of his prized belongings, (including his “blue lampshade” hexagonal birrete — biretta or academic cap).   All of these gifts — and the inspiration Manny shared with generations of students — will long be part of the University’s foundation, history, and legacy.

Photo gallery: click on image to enlarge:

Manuel Macias High School Graduation, 1947 (University Archives)
Dr. Manuel Macias, 1962 (University Archives)
Dr. Macias with Students in the University of Portland Spain Program, 1970 (University Archives)
Dr. Manuel Macias at his desk, 1972 (University Archives)
Dr. Macias Teaching at the Blackboard, 1977 (University Archives)
Grand Marshal at University of Portland Commencements, 1977 (University Archives)
Dr. Macias with Students in a Classroom, 1979 (University Archives)
Dr. Macias with “O Cruceiro”, gift to the University in memory of his parents and brother, 1986 (University Archives)
Manny Macias, 1987 (University Archives)
Dr. Macias Retirement photo, 1995 (University Archives)
Dr. Manuel Macias, Spanish Academic Regalia, 1992 (University Archives)
Academic Biretta from University of Madrid, 1956 (University Museum)
Academic medallion worn by Dr. Macias with his Academic Regalia, 1956 (University Museum)
Reverse of Medallion for Spanish Academic Regalia, 1956 (University Archives)

 

 

 

Filed Under: Memorials 1 Comment

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  1. AvatarJulie Johnson says

    April 11, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    Loved having Dr. Macias for Spanish! Thank you for a nice tribute to a great man!!

    Reply

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