University of Portland’s park-like campus is the result of efforts by many people over the past 100 years.  Noteworthy is the example of Brother Ferdinand Moser, C.S.C., who came to the school in 1933 as a mathematics teacher and left an oversized mark as the University’s first landscape architect, planning and planting the remarkable and varietal collection of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, holly, and other flora, especially the towering sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) that adorn the current campus. Bro. Ferdinand retired as a Professor of Engineering in 1954, but kept planting and tending his garden-campus in retirement.

During a period of expanding enrollment and new buildings, UP hired professional horticulturist Ted Deiss, who served as superintendent of grounds from 1964-1986. He laid the groundwork for the University’s master landscape plan and then, over decades, created and maintained—with the help of dedicated and skilled grounds crew—the park-like beauty seen on campus today. The photo above was taken between the “New Men’s Dorm” (later, named Shipstad Hall) and Howard Hall, where the current Dundon-Berchtold building stands. In this area 6 sequoia were planted, maples were planted around Shipstad as well as the line of trees between Christie and Kenna Halls. The sequoia in the photo still stands near Buckley Hall.

The resulting hard work of UP’s dedicated groundskeepers over the years surrounds us with year-round beauty around every corner of campus.

Check out this quick video of UP’s campus today, featuring breathtaking birds-eye views of the beauty of The Bluff.

Research courtesy of UP Museum and UP Archives staff