Twenty-five years ago, on a partially sunny Portland day in May, I walked off this campus with diploma in hand and feeling the excitement of new adventures to come. Never far from my mind was the exceptional UP education I received, the community that shaped me, and my parents’ unwavering support and guidance.
Parents play a pivotal role in our students’ lives even after they have left home for life on The Bluff. We wear all the hats: cheerleaders, sounding boards, guidance counselors, role models, sometimes friends and, wanted or not, a voice of reason. As the parent of two college students, I often find myself walking that fine line between sharing advice, being a strong role model, and helping my daughters be independent, critical thinking adults.
As I look back on my own college experience at UP, I can recall that my parents’ guidance was greatly appreciated. Semester trips out to the Pilot House to buy books and supplies; my mom always being willing to quiz me as I was prepping for a test; and my dad proofing my research papers are just some of my favorite memories of their support. Even though my parents were making sure I became an independent adult, their support was always felt. Parents—your students appreciate you!
As this unique school year ends, I can say with confidence that our students, parents, faculty, and staff navigated this ever-changing situation with grace, understanding, and flexibility. Those words and actions will stay with us forever, both as individuals and as UP community members. Thank you UP Parents for being a vital part of our community!
So now that final exams and the conferral of degrees are in the rear-view mirror, what’s next for our graduating Pilot families? Here are three easy ways for you and your recent graduate to stay connected with the University of Portland.
1. Connect with your local regional chapter.
Parents, alumni, and friends of UP are invited to stay connected with the UP community by participating in social, service, faith, and educational events available through our regional chapters. Check out our list of chapters to see if there is one in a city near you! Our Pilot communities continue to thrive while maintaining a safe social distance, so be on the lookout for virtual gatherings in the coming months (and future gatherings once it is safe to do so).
2. Sign up for UP Switchboard.
UP Switchboard is an online platform that makes it simple for UP students, alumni, parents, and community members to ask for help or offer support in areas such as career networking, hosting, housing, advice, and events. Learn more about Switchboard and see how you can demonstrate UP’s spirit of generosity by helping other Pilots!
3. Sign up to receive Light from The Bluff
Light from The Bluff is a faith-based newsletter for University of Portland alumni, parents, and friends. Each edition features a scripture reflection written by a UP community member as well as other faith-focused content. Sign up to receive our next issue and other faith-based news!
Your graduate will be hearing from us soon, but in the meantime, please encourage them to learn more about our Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) program and follow the Graduates of the Last Decade Instagram account for the latest news and events catered to our young alumni.
We are grateful for our Pilot families, and we hope that you will stay in touch!
Gina Amato Yazzolino ’96 graduated from UP with a degree in interdisciplinary studies focusing on history, theology and education. She was recently appointed as the new director of Alumni & Parent Relations in April 2021. During her undergraduate days, Gina participated in several co-curricular activities and intramural sports and is excited to be back on The Bluff.