UPbeat

News for and about University of Portland faculty and staff.

Alumni relations

National Silver CASE Award For Bluff Box Campaign

CASEsilverA team led by Katie Mitchell Franz, alumni relations, in partnership with Joe Kuffner, Trevor Harvey, Anna Horlacher, Adam Guggenheim, Jody Haagenson, Sammy van den Berg, Emily Biggs, Bon Appetit, and the Office of Residence Life has won a National Silver CASE Award for Innovative Alumni Programs for their 2015 Bluff Box Campaign. Through their efforts, incoming freshman students for the 2015-2016 academic year were provided with care packages and notes of welcome from alumni around the country.

For more information go to this link or alumni@up.edu.

New Hire In Alumni Relations: Sara Haley Grzelka

SaraGThe alumni relations office has hired Sara Haley Grzelka as its new associate director of alumni and parent relations, effective June 16. She has worked for the past eight years at Portland State University, where she is currently serving as the assistant director of alumni relations.

For more information, contact alumni relations at alumni@up.edu.

Faculty, Staff Invited To Reunion Weekend, June 23-26

reunion2014Faculty and staff members are encouraged to join the hundreds of alumni who return to campus to participate in the annual Alumni Reunion, June 23-26. The faculty/staff registration form is available at this link (link will pre-fill the discount code). All events are free for faculty and staff and their families, with the exception of the Alumni Golf Tournament.

Reunion is the largest alumni event of the year, annually drawing more than a thousand alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to campus for a weekend of reconnection and reminiscing. This year, we celebrate Pilots Baseball, Upsilon Omega Pi’s 65th Anniversary, Granada and other Spanish study abroad programs, the Chapel Choir, the milestone class of 1966, and all classes ending in 1 and 6.

Friday’s Alumni Golf Tournament kicks off the weekend, along with a tidepool trip led by biology professor Tara Maginnis, the Tapas Time welcoming social, and an Alumni BBQ and baseball night game.

Saturday features the Old Stomping Grounds 5K run, the 50 Year Club Mass and Bunch, a farmer’s market trip led by Kirk Mustain, Alumni College sessions (hosted by Matthew Warshawsky, Maria Echenique, Thom Faller, Ray Bard, and Brian Doyle), campus tours, and the signature event of the weekend, the Welcome Home BBQ.

The weekend concludes on Sunday with the All-Alumni Mass and Brunch.

For more information, contact the alumni office at 7328 or alumni@up.edu.

Alumni Benefits Program: Pilot Perks

pilotperksThe Office of Alumni Relations has announced the launch of a new and improved alumni benefits program, titled Pilot Perks. The free program features exclusive benefits and discounts for University of Portland alumni with partners both on campus and across Portland, including Nike, Lardo, Pittock Mansion, BIKETOWN, and more. All you need to access Pilots Perks is a membership card, which will arrive in mail boxes in the next several weeks. View the full list of Pilot Perks here. More information about the Pilot Perks alumni benefits program is available at up.edu/alumni.

Alumni Benefits Program: Pilot Perks

cappuccino.jpgThe Office of Alumni Relations has announced the launch of a new and improved alumni benefits program, titled Pilot Perks. The free program features exclusive benefits and discounts for University of Portland alumni with partners both on campus and across Portland, including Nike, Lardo, Pittock Mansion, BIKETOWN, and more. All you need to access Pilots Perks is a membership card, which will arrive in mail boxes in the next several weeks. View the full list of Pilot Perks here.

More information about the Pilot Perks alumni benefits program is available at up.edu/alumni.

Home Sweet Home Workshop, March 31

tools remodel DTAll faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to learn how to develop a whole-house remodeling plan from local design firm Arciform at the Home Sweet Home Workshop on Thursday, March 31, at 6 p.m., in Franz Hall Room 120. Topics covered include identifying your remodeling needs, setting a budget, creating a timeline, and hiring a team. Learn how to turn your house into your dream home; RSVP at this link.

Last Call to Nominate Seniors for Leadership Reception

student leaders copy2The Office of Alumni Relations is hosting its second annual Senior Leadership Soiree on April 19 to honor senior student leaders across campus. Faculty and staff who have worked with a student who has gone above and beyond in an on-campus leadership role are asked to submit this (very short!) form.

For more information contact alumni relations at 7328 or alumni@up.edu.

A Fond Farewell Fête For Ken Hallênius, Feb. 29

kennethPlease join the alumni relations staff on Monday, February 29, at 3:30 p.m., in Franz Hall Room 120 to thank Ken Hallenius for 15 years of devoted service to the University of Portland. Hallenius has accepted a position at the University of Notre Dame as communications specialist for the Center for Ethics and Culture.

Ken joined the University in August of 2001, serving in residence life for six years before joining alumni relations in 2007. His quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge of UP alumni will be sorely missed. He often remarks that his career with UP has been “three of the happiest years of my life.”

For more information contact alumni relations at 7328 or alumni@up.edu.

Home Sweet Home Workshop: Feb 24

home sweet home DTThinking of buying your first home? UP staff, faculty, students, and alumni are invited to join the Office of Alumni Relations on Wednesday, February 24, at 6 p.m., in Franz Hall Room 120 for the Home Sweet Home: Rent vs. Buy workshop. This free workshop will feature advice for first-time home buyers who are ready to begin the house-hunting process. RSVP at this link.

Nominate Students For 2016 Gerhardt Award

gerhardt copyThe Office of Alumni Relations is accepting nominations for the 2016 Thomas A. Gerhardt Award for Student Leadership. Criteria for selection:

  • Student must be a graduating senior;
  • Student must have demonstrated leadership throughout his or her undergraduate career;
  • Student must demonstrate consistent dedication to the University and the community through service to God and neighbor.

Nominations are due to Ken Hallenius, alumni relations, by Friday, December 4. Please attach a letter of recommendation detailing reasons for nomination. View a list of previous winners at this link. For more information, contact Hallenius at x8326 or halleniu@up.edu.