UPbeat

News for and about University of Portland faculty and staff.

Michael Lewellen

Lifetime Achievement Award for Michael Lewellen, Marketing & Communications VP

Michael Lewellen, vice president of marketing and communications, will receive the 2020 William W. Marsh Lifetime Achievement Award by the Public Relations Society of America – Oregon Chapter during their virtual Spotlight Awards Gala on Thursday, December 3.

William Marsh was a leading figure in the public relations profession in Oregon for nearly 40 years, and was president of the Portland Metro PRSA Chapter (now PRSA Oregon) in 1963. Aside from his time in the profession, Marsh taught at Marylhurst University from 1986-1993, before passing away in 1996 at age 81. This award was established and named for him in 1986.

During the Marsh Award segment, University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., and Portland Trail Blazers CEO Chris McGowan will offer video comments on Lewellen’s service in the public relations field during his 38-year career. Because the Spotlight Awards are virtual this year, those who would like to watch the event can reserve free tickets using this link.

New Updates Posted to UP “Coronavirus” Website for Fall 2020 Information

University of Portland announced on July 30 that most fall semester classes will be conducted remotely and residence halls will be closed to students unless they have an approved exemption.

All University of Portland faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to check regularly for updates on the UP Coronavirus webpage, according to Michael Lewellen, VP for marketing and communications. New content is being added as the University approaches the Fall Semester.

Please Check “Back to The Bluff” Website for Latest on Campus Re-Entry

All University of Portland faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to check regularly for updates on the Back to The Bluff webpage using this link, according to Michael Lewellen, VP for marketing and communications. New content is being added weekly as the University’s August 17 reopening date nears.

This page will continue to serve as the primary source of information that prepares the University community for campus re-entry as we approach the fall 2020 semester. Fall semester will include a blend of in-person classes and remote instruction, as well as a variety of campus life experiences that meet safety guidelines set forth by the State of Oregon. Please return to this page often! Many of our protocols are still in development, and our plans are subject to change as our understanding of COVID-19 evolves.

Welcome Back and Be Safe, Please

A painted wall with a rainbow and be safe, be respectful, be responsible motivational words

With the beginning of the spring 2020 semester, the public safety office asks that faculty, staff, and students keep the following safety precautions in mind, according to marketing and communications vice president Michael Lewellen:

  • Be mindful of your surroundings and report any unusual or suspicious activity to public safety.
  • Carry your student, staff or faculty ID card with you at all times.
  • As always, all residence halls are ID card accessible 24 hours a day.

As part of UP’s safety protocols, please note the following access information for other campus buildings:

  • Academic buildings will have open access from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with ID card access only from 5 p.m. to midnight.
  • The Chiles Center will have open access from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center is ID card access only.
  • Doors to Waldschmidt Hall will have ID card access during the business day (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for all students, faculty, and staff.  Visitors and guests will enter through the main entrance where a building concierge can provide assistance as needed.
  • The Clark Library will have open access from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with ID card access from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. for late-evening study.
  • On weekends, academic and office buildings will be ID card access only from 7 a.m. to midnight.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact public safety at x4444 or publicsafety@up.edu.

UP’s First VP for Marketing & Communications: Michael Lewellen

University of Portland President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., has appointed Michael E. Lewellen to the newly formed position of vice president for marketing and communications. He will lead the offices of marketing and communications, public affairs, and printing and mailing services effective July 15.

Before joining UP, Lewellen was the vice president of corporate communications and public engagement for the Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter, overseeing media relations, crisis response, and civic engagement.

Lewellen served as senior vice president for corporate communications at Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks and worked in corporate development and urban and minority affairs for NIKE. His career has also included senior positions with Heart of Florida United Way, NBC Universal/Universal Orlando Resort, and Fox Sports Network.

Lewellen is active in the local community. He is the chair of the board of directors of the Urban League of Portland and is on the board of the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center Foundation, All Hands Raised, and the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs. He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, and in 2018, was awarded the Pat Tobin Award for career achievement by the National Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles.

For more information contact marketing and communications at mktg@up.edu.