Columbia University

From Our Past: Columbia University Dedication

September 1, 2014

The date September 2, 1901 marks the dedication and consecration of Columbia University, now the University of Portland. Three days later came the first day of classes. According to history professor emeritus Jim Covert in his 1976 book, A Point of Pride: The University of Portland Story: “The story is told that on opening day […]

Columbia Prep, 1901-1955

June 2, 2014

From 1901 to 1955 the University of Portland (originally named Columbia University) maintained the Columbia Preparatory school for boys while working to establishing itself as a collegiate university. The prep school had a strong academic program and excelled in athletics, and many of its graduates went on to enroll at the University. The University continues […]

Larry Larsen, Performing and Fine Arts, designed the scenery for the production of In Clay for the Broadway Rose Theatre Company. The one woman musical tells the story of French ceramics artist Marie Berthe Cazin and is playing at the theater’s new stage space in downtown Tigard from January 23 – February 15, 2026.

Nicole Harvey, Nursing & Health Innovations, presented “Leveling Up Music History: Teaching Video Game Music in Online and Classroom Settings.” Co-presenter: Tellock, J. Presented at the Music and Gaming Symposium: Super MAGFest 2026. National Harbor, Maryland. January, 2026.

Simon Aihiokhai, Theology, published “‘Ordinary Time is a Period of Altruistic Living.’ Reflections on the Readings for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time. January 18, 2026.” VoiceAfrique.org. January 17, 2026.

Corey S. Pressman, Public Health & Wellness, will be the featured artist in a solo exhibition of works entitled Aletheia. Presented by Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the exhibition will be on view from January 30 through April 27, 2026. An artist reception will be held on Sunday, February 8 at 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

Naveen Gudigantala, School of Business, presented “Beyond zero-shot: Enhancing LLM financial complaint classification with relevancy-driven RAG-based few-shot prompting.” Presented at the 59th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, January 9, 2026.

Susan McDaniel, Performing & Fine Arts, performed as the pianist for the visual album GILGAMESH, now available on all streaming platforms and YouTube. GILGAMESH is the contemporary retelling of an ancient tale and explores themes of friendship and mortality, incorporating song, dance, and film. Featuring music by J. Scott Brubacher and libretto by David James Brock, with direction and production by Four/Ten Media, the project is the result of a decade-long, interdisciplinary collaboration. The performers are baritone Stephen Lancaster, pianist Susan McDaniel, and dancer/choreographer Kyle Marshall (as Enkidu), with additional artistic collaborators Edo Tastic (creative designer), Daniel Stein (audio producer), and Bill Maylone (audio engineer). View the Visual Album, Behind the Scenes footage, and learn more About the Project.

Update Archive