Paying Attention to My Neighbors

THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO PRAY THESE DAYS

BY D. L . M AY F I E L D

A FEW DAYS AGO a neighbor gave my husband and son a brown paper bag full of cherries. Her tree sits outside the small gates that surround her yard. As the school year neared its end, we would walk past—the mothers and the children—and look up at the branches heavy with bright orange and red cherries, not quite ripe enough yet.

My husband happened to be walking by at a lucky moment, and this neighbor, an older woman, offered my husband the bag. When he came home and gave it to me, I frowned. What about everybody else? Why should I accept a gift when there are so many others in the neigh borhood who would love to feast?

This morning I took the cherries and pitted them, one by one. I was listening to The Brothers Karamazov on audiobook. It’s a book about loving your family and loving your neighbor with all of your crooked little heart. It might also be a little bit about being angry at God and wondering at the mess of a world God left for us to muddle through. As I listened, I mixed the cherries with sugar and lemon zest and topped them with a lumpy, runny batter. I knew that later we would eat a dessert we did not dream of, one that we did not earn.

I walk around my neighborhood and take notes inside my head. The neighbors who live behind us seem to operate

some sort of mechanic shop. There are so many balding, sweating, redshouldered men. There used to be an old yellow Labrador who wandered around, but I never see him anymore. I wonder if he died. There’s a black truck that has been parked there for ages, the faint scrawls of a Confederate flag visible on the rear window with soap or marker. Today there’s a new car in the yard, a white sedan with antennas sticking out of the top. In a previous life it had obviously been a police car. The front window has a bullet hole and attendant spider webs of cracks spinning outward. The back windshield has been shot to pieces, glass still scattered over the back seat. When I walked my kids past the house to the elementary school to get the free summer lunch there, they didn’t say anything about the car. Children always notice so little and yet so much.

Another neighbor brought her kids over to play this afternoon. They woke my son up from his nap, and he was sweaty as he sat in my lap and started to get used to being awake. The kids ate watermelon outside until they were covered with sticky juice, and then the wasps started to chase them. My neighbor grew up in generational poverty in the United States, and she told me sad stories of her life. I let them flow over me like water, but some of it escapes into my blood. I know that at night I will turn over the stories I hear, over and over again. My neighbor is a better mother to her children than her mother was to her. She is a miracle if I choose to see it.

In The Brothers Karamazov, Ivan (the smart one, who does not believe in God) tries to explain to his brother Alyosha (the good one, who longs to be a monk) that he cannot believe in God because the world is so full of suffering. He tells terrible story after terrible story. He is like me, someone who is forever collecting these snippets of suffering, trauma, and sadness. If you live in the right neighborhoods, if you read the right books, you will find more than you can bear. I imagine Ivan has that wounded look in his eye, that look I have seen in the faces of friends who were born in places like Syria or Somalia, friends who were born into poor and

dysfunctional families in the United States, the faces of people who have visited, even for a brief while, the edges of the empire, where things are so obviously unwell. I have seen people look at me with something like desperation in their eyes. So much suffering. So many children discarded, used, and killed.

She is a miracle if I choose to see it.

How could God allow this? I love these friends, just like I love Ivan. They ask the questions because they truly believe that if God exists, then God must be love. And if God is love, then God must also be a perpetual wound, a weeping mother, ever attendant at the funerals of those who die in disgrace and ignominy. If God is love, then God is obsessed with all of these sad stories too.

I asked my neighbor if she liked cherry cobbler, and she said she did. We ate it together on my couch as our children ran and played. She said she liked that it wasn’t overly sweet, that there was a tartness to it. She got up to leave. She was going away to another state and didn’t know whether she would return. I said I would pray for her. I thought about the famous line from indigenous Australian writer and activist Lilla Watson, “If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

I think about all the years of trying to save people, drowning in loneliness, disconnected from the love of God. Now, my eyes are trained toward growing in solidarity, in mutuality, in slowing down

enough to listen and sit with— to be a witness to the work of God in a very broken world feels miraculous. Walking around my neighborhood, committing to seeing all my neighbors in all of their complexities and chaos and minor miracles. Sticking around long enough to see the blossoms turn into cherries, to walk the sidewalks long enough to have a bag thrust in our hand, to be safe enough for stories to pour out on our couch, to be there still when people come back from travels if they ever do at all.

This is what it means to pray these days: to watch the cherries slowly ripen and to listen to the stories of suffering big and small. To put down roots in order to see the seasons engage their miracu- lous rebirth continually, to lament that the world is not how it should be. The cherry cobbler was delicious, but it didn’t fix anything. Still, I savored it as best as I knew how. I’m learning to take the sweet moments as I get them, not knowing how long they’ll last.

Taken from The Myth of the American Dream by D.L. MAYFIELD. Copyright © 2020 by Danielle Mayfield. Published by InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL. www.ivpress.com

Devotion

At the start of her four years at University of Portland Diana Salgado Huicochea ’20 felt overwhelmed and alone. Though a cradle Catholic, Diana had never attended Mass celebrated in English, and, unable to respond to the prayers, she felt like an imposter. Yet she returned, took pictures of the missal, and after finishing homework, practiced responses aloud nightly until she memorized them. Attending daily Mass, joining campus ministry, and being open to God’s grace and love are what Diana believes give her courage to embrace new experiences, success in academics, and passion for service.

As the 2020 recipient of the Thomas A. Gerhardt Award for Service and Leadership, Diana serves “not as a duty, but out of love for my community,” she explains. Among her positions of

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leadership, Diana was confirmation coordinator at her home parish, tutored at her former high school, and volunteered at Rose Haven shelter for women and children. At UP, her volunteer work included mentoring other first-generation (FGEN) students and attending the Civil Rights and Border Immersions with the Moreau Center for Service and Justice. Diana also acted as a student coordinator for the Moreau Center’s Rural and Urban Immersions and for UP’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

This summer, Diana will enter the Echo graduate service program at University of Notre Dame, earning a master of arts in theology while serving in a parish or school in Lafayette, IN. Of her continued devotion to service, Diana says, “Seeing the impact that you can actually make, if it changes the life of one person, that’s more than enough.” —Anna Lageson-Kerns ’83, ’14

60s

1964 Lane Powell attorney Bob Maloney ’64 has been appointed National Chair of Membership for the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), whose members are made up of chief justices of each state’s supreme court, general counsel from leading companies throughout the from major plaintiff and defense law firms throughout the country. The central resource for state court judges and court professionals provides nationally accumulated expertise, knowledge, and information to assist state courts in reaching better resolutions.

1967 Mick Johnson ’67 was featured in an article by the Bonneville Power Administration titled “The 50-Year Engineer” on February 21, 2020. It might be more accurate to say “The 53-Year Engineer” since Mick started his career at BPA right after leaving The Bluff in 1967. He shows no signs of stopping. “I like it, or I wouldn’t have stayed,” he says. “People ask me how I do it, how do I work at the same place for 50 years? It’s easy. You get up and go to work about 11,000 times.” He’s spent the bulk of his career working in labs “measuring things and breaking things,” as he says, and over those 50 years he’s gone from slide rules to

US, and prominent lawyers punch card computers to today’s modern technology. Mick and his wife have three grown children, one of whom has worked 25 years at BPA. Mick sings baritone in his church choir and spent 35 years as a soccer referee. Congratulations, Mick, and good luck with the remainder of your career!

1969 David Allstot ’69, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Oregon State University, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the highest professional honor in the engineering field. David’s research has helped transform telecommunications, and he is the holder of ten patents. His long and illustrious career includes positions with Tektronix, MOSTEK, Texas Instruments, Carnegie Mellon University, Arizona State University, the University of Washington, and University of California Berkeley. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to “engineering research, practice or education” and to “the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology.”

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For the Those among you who have Students attended a Rock the Bluff concert, a mainstay event at UP since 2012, probably didn’t know you have Sean Ducey ’13, ’19 MBA to thank for the tradition. He was only a junior when he founded the annual concert and learned that event planning and behind-thescenes work was his calling.

Of course, it was tough to accept that all the events this spring and summer couldn’t happen as planned. Sean is now associate director in the University’s Office of Events, a role he’s held for the past five years, and he helps to plan and execute events like Commencement, Orientation, Parents and Families Weekends, and Reunion.

For Sean and his team, the pivot to an online Commencement involved a lot of detail work, and all of it was for the graduating seniors, which fits with Sean’s events philosophy: he puts relationships and logistics on an equal plane.

“I do what I do so that students will have a great experience. An event might take hours upon hours [really months] to prepare, even if it’s really short,” he says. “There’s so much that goes into every event that people will never see—and honestly there’s no reason for them to see—because that’s what our job is.” As for the future, in-person Commencement? He’ll be working on that too, and for the same reasons.

As a lifelong Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, Sean likes to be prepared. While he shies away from being called an earthquake preparedness expert, his comprehensive earthquake kit is packed and at the ready, and he gives informal and impromptu talks about creating an earthquake kit on a budget. —Amy Shelly ’95, ’01

70s

1970 Thomas Ethen ’70 was featured in the Spokane Spokesman-Review in an article about his innovative techniques for inspecting commercial business roofs using thermal imaging. He does it using his FAA designation of “Remote Pilot in Command”—in other words, a drone pilot. According to the article, “As the sole proprietor and employee of Western Unmanned Aerial Systems, Thomas has spent the past four years working with commercial businesses, helping them to identify how best to treat leaking and damaged rooftops. He runs the home-based business in Nine Mile Falls, WA.” Quite a jump from his past careers in longhaul trucking, political lobbying for the automotive and food-processing industries, as well as commercial photography and business partnership in a custom cabinet shop in the Sacramento area.

1975 Cindy Kassab ’75 was featured in an article titled “Some Things You May Not Know About Your Driver on the 43 Taylors Ferry Bus Line” in the February 24, 2020 edition of the Portland Tribune. “Out of thousands, only 10 operators in TriMet’s 50-year history have ever been given the Gold Grand Master Award,” the article begins. “It’s a good bet that none of the other nine is anything like the latest recipient, Cindy Kassab.” To win the award, a TriMet driver needs a perfect driving record for 2,000 miles each year, and must meet a series of requirements from “excellent customer services” to “no warnings, reprimands or citations” to “following standard operating procedures” to “no preventable accidents.” Cindy aced them all. She is also a noted nature photographer and avid skier.

80s

1982 Gregory Malarkey ’82 has been promoted to president of Malarkey Roofing Products in Portland, OR. “I’m proud to assume this position within the company that my grandfather started in 1956, and humbled to lead an organization staffed with enthusiastic, dedicated, and talented individuals,” says the venerable Mr. Malarkey, who most recently served the company as senior vice president. An industry veteran, he has also held leadership roles within the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, the Asphalt Roofing Environmental Council, and Asphalt Institute. Greg lives in Beaverton with his wife, Mardee, and boisterous household.

00s

2000 Chris Lattner ’00 was named senior vice president of platform engineering at SiFive, a semiconductor company with 16 design centers worldwide.

Here for You When 1st. Lt. Beth Biggs ’18 received her orders on March 29, she was ready. She was in the Army ROTC program during her time at UP and is now part of the Oregon Army National Guard 141st Brigade Support Battalion’s COVID-19 response team, distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout Oregon. “I was one of the first 14 on this mission out of our hub in Wilsonville; now we have 175 soldiers on board,” she says.

Through a partnership between the Oregon Military Department, multiple state agencies, and seven County Assistance Teams, Lt. Biggs provides face masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and more to 36 counties, 11 tribal nations, and more than 800 assisted living facilities and hospitals in Oregon.

When Governor Kate Brown ordered 140 ventilators shipped to New York’s overwhelmed hospitals, Lt. Biggs’s team packed them in boxes sealed with “Oregon is Here for You” stickers. “Watching those get loaded to head to the airport, knowing that they would all be used—that’s why I’m here.”

Lt. Biggs has family in assisted living facilities, so this work is especially meaningful to her. “Knowing I’m not only impacting the community, but seeing the impact on my family as well, it’s why I’m in my uniform, it’s why I raised my hand for the National Guard,” she says. “We help at a community level, and we’re here for our state at any time, in any crisis.” —Karen Bridges

“Lattner brings 15 years of leadership in software engineering and machine learning infrastructure, leading teams at Apple, Tesla, and most recently, Google,” according to an announcement by SiFive. Chris holds a PhD in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from University of Portland.

2002 Darin J. “DJ” Widmer ’02 has a new role as global sales director for ICD High Performance Coatings. This latest career move comes after a long series of executive business development roles at start-ups and growth-stage companies in multiple industries, ranging from medical devices and SaaS (Software as a Service) to sustainable products and services. ICD develops glass coatings and other materials for use in solar and automotive industries, with an eye toward sustainability and climate change solutions.

2005 Marshall University professor Stephen M. Underhill ’05 has published The Manufacture of Consent: J. Edgar Hoover and the Rhetorical Rise of the FBI with Michigan State University Press. Underhill examines how longtime FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover incited the Red Scare to undermine presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, as well as Roosevelt’s New Deal program. Underhill was the lead reference person for declassified FBI and Department of Justice documents at the National Archives at College Park, MD, from 2007 to 2012. He filed FOIA requests to declassify records from the FBI to document Hoover’s domestic propaganda campaigns in the mid-20th century, indicating that Hoover utilized the power of his position to steer US culture away from social democracy. The book also explores Hoover’s ties to fascist leaders of the time. Underhill is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Marshall, with an emphasis on rhetoric grounded in the interplay of history and politics.

2006 Jenni Kuker ’06 has joined the team at Canyonlands Healthcare, a nonprofit primary health care provider, in Globe, AZ. Jenni is certified in ostomy management from Emory University, in wound management from the University of Washington, and is a certified medical surgical nurse. She was also a public health volunteer for the United States Peace Corps in Zambia for two years.

2007 Trish Skogland ’07 has been appointed vice president of sales and supply for Crowley Fuels LLC, a petroleum transportation, distribution, and sales company serving more than 280 communities throughout the state of Alaska. She is responsible for the oversight of fuel sales and supply for customers across the entire state. Trish has spent the last 12 years in the oil and gas industry in Alaska and previously worked in the international trading industry.

10s

2010 Gabriel Twining ’10 has been promoted to the position of lead advisor and chief personnel officer at Financial Plan, Inc, a fee-only financial planning firm in Bellingham, WA. Before he joined Financial Plan in 2013, Twining worked in Tacoma as a process improvement consultant for CHI Franciscan Health.

2012 Natalie Schlappi ’12 was named Teacher of the Month (January 2020) by the Rotary Club of Renton, WA. Natalie works as an Integrated Kindergarten Teacher at Honey Dew Elementary School and has taught both integrated kindergarten and general education kindergarten in the Renton School District for seven years. Congratulations, Natalie!

2013 Biology graduate Claire Couch ’13 is one of 12 students from around the country to receive the Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award from the Ecological Society of America. The award provides graduate students the opportunity to receive policy and communication training in Washington, DC, before they meet lawmakers. Claire is a PhD candidate in integrative biology at Oregon State University. Her study systems include African buffalo, bighorn sheep, and elk, and her work includes a wide array of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and bioinformatics. She recently founded the Student Science Policy Club at OSU to help bring together young scientists who want to make a difference.

2019 We’re keeping our eye on Pilots cross country standout Nick Hauger ’19, who made his pro debut with a fifth-place finish in the 2020 USATF Cross Country Championships in San Diego in February. According to a press release, “Hauger, a twotime NCAA Division I All-American at Portland, signed professionally with Team Hoka One One in the summer and has been living in Flagstaff, Arizona, working at a burger joint and training with the Northern Arizona Elite team.” You’d better make sure you have a vegan patty set aside for Rob Conner, Nick. You never know when he’ll make a surprise visit.

Dagan Kay ’19 hasn’t let much grass grow under his feet since graduating from UP’s Entrepreneur Scholars program. He’s taken his class venture, Produce Mate, and officially launched it on Kickstarter. “Produce Mate is a startup dedicated to helping reduce food waste and the massive impact it has on our planet (and our wallets!),” he writes. “We make an antimicrobial kitchen mat that helps extend the life of fruits and vegetables, saving the average family up to $300 worth of wasted produce every year!”

Ameera Patel ’19 is working as an external auditor at Deloitte & Touche LLP and busily preparing for her CPA exam, according to the Pamplin School of Business’s Grad Gazette.

Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the families of the following individuals. Requiescat in pace.

William Rich Reed ’48 passed away on January 28, 2020, in Sisters, OR. He enlisted in the Army in 1943, switched to the Army Air Corps, and received orders to join US forces overseas just days before World War II ended. In 1946, he married his childhood sweetheart, Hannah Lou Freeman, and they had two sons, Bill and Mike. William founded the highly respected W.R. Reed & Company General Insurance. Hannah Lou predeceased William after 67 years of marriage; their son Bill passed away as well.

Fred A. Allehoff ’49 died on October 29, 2019, in Redmond, OR. He was a member of the first graduating class of Portland’s Central Catholic High School. He served in World War II in the Army Air Corps. After graduation he began his career with the Bonneville Power Administration as a high voltage and design engineer. He retired as executive vice president of S&C Electric Company and promptly started his own company, Allehoff & Associates. Survivors include six children, nine grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Marvin J. Urman ’49 passed away on February 12, 2020. He was awarded an academic scholarship to University of Portland and graduated with honors in biology. After earning his MD degree in 1951, he met and married Lois Silverstein. He held many leadership roles as a medical staff leader in the Providence medical system and as president of the Multnomah County Medical Society. Marvin served as medical director of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon until his retirement in 1991. “He has always been known for his caring spirit, loving personality, quick wit, and good sense of humor,” according to his family. Survivors include Lois, their three children, and four grandchildren.

David L. Cannard ’50 passed away on October 28, 2019. He joined the US Navy and trained as a radio technician, but WWII ended before he was deployed. He taught elementary school in Portland and married Virginia Kelly after meeting her as a fellow teacher at Laurelhurst School. They started a life insurance business in Vancouver, WA, and over the years David threw himself into community, civic, and business causes. “The next time you visit the Columbia River Gorge and take in its spectacular views, go for a hike, or stop for some freshly caught salmon, think of Dave Cannard for a moment,” his family advises. “He was one of the founders of Friends of the Columbia Gorge.” Survivors include his brother, two children, two grandsons, and a large extended family.

Inez Luella Becic, beloved wife of John Becic ’52, passed away on November 26, 2019. She met John at the age of 16, and they were married in 1954. She is survived by John and their four daughters, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

John Arnold Clarke ’52 died in Beaverton, OR, on January 19, 2020. At UP he was an active member of the ski team. In 1954 he married Nancy Jane Barlow, and they raised a family of five children, resulting in 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. After retiring from Safeway, John sold real estate and managed rental properties. His wife, Nancy, and daughter Janice predeceased him.

Barbara Ann (Gartrell) Quickstad ’52 passed away peacefully on February 22, 2020. She worked as a clinical supervisor and instructor at St. Vincent’s Hospital, where she met her future husband, Dr. Quentin Quickstad. Since 1961, Barbara was renowned as a “professional volunteer” for her work with local, state, and national medical auxiliaries, earning Honorary Life Memberships and other awards. She was a member for almost 60 years at First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder for seven years. Barbara was preceded in death by Quentin in 2016 and is survived by one sister, four children, and one great-grandchild.

Malachi “Mac” Kane Campbell ’57 passed away on February 11, 2020, at his home in Hermiston, OR, surrounded by family. He grew up on a sheep and cattle ranch in Lonerock, OR, and spent his entire life working closely with livestock and the people who worked in the industry. He used his accounting degree from UP in his long career as a farm and ranch real estate broker. According to his family, “Mac was a natural cattleman who had a gentleness that animals responded to. He had a curious mind and was open to new ideas and had a strong faith, which he lived but never imposed on others. To sum it up, he was a good man.” Survivors include his wife, Veronica; six children; and one granddaughter.

Please remember Richard Kaptur ’57 and his family in your prayers on the loss of his beloved wife, Geraldine Kaptur, on February 9, 2020. “Gerri, also known as ‘Non’ by her grandkids, was warm and loving and engaged everyone she came across with compassion. She was the ultimate wife, mother, grandmother, and friend,” according to her family. Survivors include Richard, their three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Gayle David Barrow ’61 died at his home in Federal Way, WA, on March 31, 2020. After earning his degree in engineering science, he started his career in aerospace with Boeing. “Mr. Barrow was a sci-fi fan, so working on space programs was right up his alley,” according to his family. His

career spanned 40 years and included the Lunar Orbiter (his favorite) from 1960 to 1969 and the International Space Station from 1994 to 2000. Survivors include his best friend and longtime companion, Mary Noia; his sisters Connie and Renee; and nine nieces and nephews.

Donald “Don” Charles Fazzio ’62 passed away on January 14, 2020, in Vancouver, WA. He liked to joke that his psychology degree helped him in customer service during his long career in the fruit and produce business. Don sold his business and retired in 2005. “He was the ‘Don’ of his family, often providing advice and comfort to many, and was loved and cherished by all,” according to his loved ones. Survivors include his wife, Sally; four children; and three granddaughters.

Beverly Jean Watts ’63 died on February 5, 2020. She married Pete and traveled the world, thanks to the military. They put all four kids through college, moved to Gearhart, OR, in retirement, “then lastly,” according to her family, “to Lake Oswego, where she received a call, a sort of offer she could not refuse. The assignment came with a huge signing bonus: a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in quite a while.” Survivors include three children and two grandchildren. Pete and their youngest, Dave, predeceased her.

David Guasco ’66 passed away on April 16, 2020, after a long illness, in Vancouver, WA. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1962 and went on to UP. He served proudly in the US Air Force, retiring as a Major after 21 years. After earning an MBA from University of Puget Sound, he taught mathematics at Central Catholic for 12 years. David and his wife, Marlene, later relocated to Sunriver, where he became an ordained acolyte in the Sunriver Catholic Church, joined the Knights of Columbus, and supported Habitat for Humanity. David is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marlene Amato Guasco; two sons from a previous marriage, Michael ’90 and Edward ’93; three children from Marlene’s previous marriage; and eight grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Francis “Frank” Harry Zeck Jr. ’66 passed away on August 27, 2019. He was part of a military family and had attended 17 schools before going to college. He was commissioned into the US Air Force in 1965 and served a tour of duty in the Vietnam War, receiving the Bronze Star. Frank practiced dentistry in Lisbon, ND, for 30 years. Frank is survived by his wife, Dian; their two sons, including Brian ’96; three grandchildren; and his brother, Don ’69.

Donna Jane Kurilo ’70 died after a short and painful struggle with cancer on January 25, 2020, in Gresham, OR. A business major at UP, she returned to school and completed a BS in nursing in 1994. She retired from OHSU in 2014 as an ICU nurse educator. Donna was an active member of the Mazamas, the Persimmon Country Club, and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. According to her family, “Donna’s energy, enthusiasm, and love for life CONTINUED ON PAGE 47

Brent Stevens McCarter January 29, 1955–January 26, 2020

Brent Stevens McCarter ’78 passed away peacefully at his home on January 26, 2020, three days before his 65th birthday. Brent graduated from University of Portland in 1978 with a bachelor’s in communications and theater arts. In 1975, Brent’s friends and campus community were shocked to learn that he had suffered a spinal cord injury in an automobile accident. “Brent’s injury left him technically a quadriplegic,” according to his family. “However, he never let this define or limit him as he completed his education, had a successful career in counseling, and diligently worked out every week.” Brent returned to UP for graduate work and earned his master’s in counseling psychology. He spent nearly 30 years helping others in vocational rehabilitation, treatment of chronic pain, and drug and alcohol counseling. His passion for fitness and competition led him to participate in regional and national wheelchair racing and sled skiing events. Brent was a familiar sight around the University neighborhood, tooling about with his beloved dog Bo tucked in his lap, a frequent visitor to UP campus events, and a warm, gentle, cheerful man who always had time to chat and let you pet Bo. Survivors include his brother and sister, niece and nephews, and many friends.

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In Remembrance of Amy Dundon-Berchtold

July 7, 1946–March 16, 2020

The University of Portland community is still struggling with the heartbreaking news of the death of regent and benefactor Amy King Dundon-Berchtold, who passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020, from complications following a stroke. A visionary industrial real estate investor, Amy, along with her beloved husband Jim Berchtold ’63, created the University’s Dundon-Berchtold Institute for Moral Formation and Applied Ethics, which offers classes, public events, and student-faculty research support. Amy and Jim then provided the lead gift for the University’s first new academic building in 25 years, Dundon-Berchtold Hall. Their generosity has transformed the UP campus and enhanced the University’s ability to live out its mission, with classrooms, faculty offices, formal and informal gathering areas, and state-of-the-art teaching resources.

Amy’s remarkable 40-year career buying, selling, and renovating properties in California started with the sale of her own house. At a time when she was one of few women—if not the only woman—in the industrial real estate field in Orange County, she managed properties and real estate transactions for 15,000-square-foot industrial spaces. As her business grew, she realized that, in order to conduct business according to her own high ethical standards, she would have to work for herself. Stunning success led her to become a dedicated philanthropist, contributing not only to UP but also the Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove, the University of Southern California (her alma mater), the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, and many, many other worthy causes.

Amy was elected to University of Portland’s Board of Regents in 2013 and received an honorary doctorate from UP in 2019.

We also remember Amy for her part in what is arguably one of the most heartwarming love stories of all time. After losing her husband Ed to brain cancer in 2008, Amy met Jim Berchtold, who had recently lost his wife, Marg, to the same disease. Their shared tragedies soon led to a beautiful, loving marriage of nearly 10 years. To see Jim and Amy in each other’s presence was nothing short of a reaffirmation of the joys and heartbreaks and wonders to be found in a life fully lived.

Please keep Jim and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

spilled over into everything she did with family and friends.” Survivors include her husband, Maurice “Mo” Haagenson, and a sister and brother. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Fred and Agnes Kurilo Scholarship Fund at University of Portland.

Anne Kathleen Sorley ’70 died on February 22, 2020, in Edmonds, WA. She taught nursing at University of Washington and worked for World Concern in Haiti, Central and South America, the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, and India. She also worked as a nurse midwife and conducted heart research at Seattle Veteran’s Hospital. Survivors include her longtime hiking partner, John Corder; three siblings; and many nieces and nephews.

Ailish Clohessy-Brandon ’71 died on November 30, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. She married Charles “Duff” Brandon ’85 in 1973 at St. Cecilia’s Church. They were one day shy of celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary. Her teaching career included taking over her mother’s school, Clohessy Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten, for 10 years and working at Findley Elementary in the Beaverton School District. Survivors include Duff, their four daughters, and three granddaughters.

Jacqueline “Jackie” M. Shank ’71 passed away on November 13, 2019. Jackie was active in Portland theater and married Stan Shank in 1952. She taught at Gregory Heights and Ainsworth schools and retired in Pacific City. She published one book, titled Once Upon a Time and All That. Marjorie Coe Thompson ’73 passed away on January 24, 2020, at the age of 95. She married Warren Thompson in 1945, and they enjoyed 72 years together. Marjorie was a registered nurse and was very active with diabetic education programs. Survivors include one daughter, two granddaughters, and five great-grandchildren.

Marilyn Lee Crabbs ’79, wife of the late beloved UP business professor Roger A. Crabbs, passed away on February 7, 2020, surrounded by loving family. Marilyn received an MA in European history on The Bluff, and many members of her family attended UP, four of whom competed on Pilot tennis teams—daughter Janet (Crabbs) Turner ’79 (now serving as financial aid director at UP), son-in-law Doug Menke ’80, granddaughter Kellee (Menke) Hernandez, and Kellee’s husband Ramiro Hernandez ’03. Also graduated from The Bluff were granddaughters Kim Turner ’15 and Kristen Turner ’17. Marilyn faithfully supported UP for many years, facilitating and attending the monthly retired faculty luncheons at Bauccio Commons until December 2019. Her smiling presence will be greatly missed.

Alyce Kazuko Sato ’79, an influential and beloved nurse and Idaho State University faculty member, died on December 15, 2019, in Pocatello. Alyce first practiced as a licensed practical nurse and then went to Idaho State University for her BSN in 1969 and master’s in curriculum development in 1976, and then a master’s degree in nursing at UP. She worked at hospitals in Pocatello and became the in-service education director at St. Anthony Hospital. That prompted Alyce’s interest in teaching, and she joined the nursing faculty at Idaho State University, where she taught for 28 years and retired as professor emeritus. In 2006 she was named an Idaho Nursing Legend and also received the Distinguished Career in Nursing recognition by the March of Dimes. We offer our prayers and condolences to Alyce’s family and our admiration and gratitude for her life of learning.

David Lewis Nollette ’84 died on February 24, 2020. He was the first male student to attend Marylhurst before his days on The Bluff. He had a long career in facilities management for the Parkrose School District, Portland Public Schools, and Intel. After retiring, he wrote two books and loved restoring his 100-year-old houses. “He was a thoughtful family man, planner, and volunteered extensively in the community. Religion was monumental in David’s life,” according to his family. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Felicia; their three children; and four grandchildren.

K. Roya Behbehani ’85 passed away on April 22, 2020, after a courageous battle against brain cancer. She was born in Tehran, Iran, and came to America to attend Lewis & Clark College on a full scholarship, then earned her MBA at UP. She worked many years in banking while she completed her degree and was vice president of advanced markets and development for Weststar Financials in Beaverton, OR. Roya is survived by her husband, Mohammad Hossein Avishan; two children; two grandchildren; five siblings; and her mother.

Daniel Theodore Flores, beloved husband of Marlena Flores ’89, passed away on January 27, 2020, in Milwaukie, OR. Born to immigrants from Spain, he grew up in New York City and served his country in World War II and the Korean Conflict. “Dan’s loves were Marlena, reading, nature, music, baseball, Italian sausage, friends, family, and his home here in Milwaukie,” according to his family.

Retired much-loved UP theology professor Mary Connelly LaBarre ’87 passed away on November 16, 2019, at Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst in Lake Oswego, OR, after a long illness. According to Mary’s family, “She died surrounded by love after facing a rare brain disease with courage and grace. Throughout her years she embraced life with joy and a beatific smile. It seemed sunshine walked beside her.” Mary met her husband, Jerry, in Washington, DC, on a blind date to a Georgetown Law School social. Following her dream to become a college professor, Mary earned her master’s degree from UP and her doctorate from Seattle University. Mary is survived by Jerry, their children, two grandchildren, and her two sisters and six brothers. In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances be made to St. Andrew Nativity School or The Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon.

Jerry March 20, 1931–March 16, 2020

McElligott Please keep Janet McElligott ’83 and her family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of her father, Lt. Colonel Lawrence J. “Jerry” McElligott ’53, who passed away March 16, 2020, in Miami, FL, at his home from natural causes. His wife, Maryan, whom he married in 1956, preceded him in death in 1993, and his second wife, Arlene, died in 2000. Jerry is survived by his eight children, 22 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and the everexpanding, multipronged UP McElligott legacy family. Growing up in Heppner, OR, and the McElligott stronghold of Ione, OR (there were so many McElligotts on the local school basketball team the announcers would often have to say, “And McElligott passes to McElligott...McElligott fakes and takes the shot...rebounded by McElligott...”), Jerry came to Portland and graduated from Central Catholic High School and UP. He then joined the US Air Force flight program, serving in Texas, Missouri, Newfoundland, New York, California, and many other locations. His work with the Air Force Science and Technology program and distinguished service during the Cuban Missile Crisis led to his selection as a candidate for the third astronaut class at NASA. A minor medical issue kept him from taking his slot on the Apollo 13 mission—a fact his children did not learn until recently, to their amazement. Jerry was not one to brag. He had two tours of duty in Vietnam and is honored on the United States Air and Space Museum’s Military Wall of Honor. Returning to his roots in Ione after retiring in 1973, Jerry quietly went about serving his community with the same dedication he always demonstrated for his country. Thank you so much, Colonel McElligott, and rest in peace.

Bret D. Hokkanen ’90 died on January 13, 2020. He was an investment professional for 37 years, most recently as sales director for Hood River Capital Management. His love for the outdoors led him to serve on the board of directors of LEAP Wilderness Adventures and on committees for the Portland Golf Club and The Multnomah Athletic Club. Survivors include his beloved wife, Lin; two sons; father; and two siblings.

Vivian June Gowan ’91 passed away on January 19, 2020, in Tigard, OR. Her professional nursing career was focused on cardiac care. “Vivian spent her life as an example of breaking beyond boundaries and projecting her vision and passion to instill the same in others,” according to her family. Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Roland Garrison; one stepdaughter; two grandchildren; and a large extended family.

FACULTY, STAFF, FRIENDS

Former UP associate dean and history professor James Michael Boyle passed away on January 16, 2020, at the age of 94. A career military man, Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was training to be a pilot when World War II ended. He met the love of his life, Sylvia Theresa DesMarais, and they had three children. Over the course of his Air Force career, Jim flew the F89 in Oxnard, CA, and the Super Constellation at McClellan Air Force Base. He then spent six years teaching at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, also completing his PhD in history at St. Louis University. After the academy he flew C-131 cargo missions in Vietnam for one year and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. From 1969 to 1973, he was commander of the Air Force ROTC at University of Portland. When he retired from the Air Force, he served as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1973 to 1981. Sylvia passed away in 2007; he also was preceded in death by son Jimmy and son-in-law Sam Quiring. “He loved his family, his God, and was a good-natured Irishman who loved to laugh,” according to his family. Survivors include his daughters, Mary Jankowski ’72 and Martha Quiring ’78; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may contribute to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Pius X Parish or to University of Portland.

Rowena Bramlette ’88, former associate vice president for budgeting at UP, passed away after an extended battle with cancer on January 23, 2020. In a message to the campus community, University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, CSC, wrote: “Rowena was a person of extraordinary warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit. In the course of her work she had the opportunity to interact with every division and department across campus. She was a dear colleague and friend to so many at UP, and she will be deeply missed. Please join me in offering condolences to Rowena’s husband, Rod, and her family.”

Resilience

Kenechi “Kene” Anigbogu ’18 was a member of the 100th group of American Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Morocco. His Peace Corps service was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kenechi (far left) at a life-skills training with youth from Guigou, Morocco.

AS THE WORLD goes through unprecedented times, we are all being pushed to develop resilience. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco, I saw amazing examples of resilience every day, and what stood out to me was the resilience of young people. For a year and a half, I worked as a youth development specialist in the small city of Afourar. In the rural areas that I visited, it was not uncommon for me to see youth walking on the side of the road, walking for miles to get their education. In Afourar, I marveled at the determination of the girls that I worked with. Despite not having much support for their athletic interests, they continued to show up regularly. Members in the community noticed the consistent attendance, which led to designated girls’ time at the sports center and a new girls’ soccer team. The willpower that these children displayed each day inspired the resilience that I would later call upon during my service.

As an African American, I wasn’t what most Moroccans were expecting when they heard that an American would be coming to live in their community for a couple of years. So this led to some unwanted attention, harassment, and even just negative energy emitted in my direction. In my opinion, enough of this kind of attention is liable to wear anyone down, but when I thought about the youth traveling long distances to get to school every day, I knew that I could find the resilience within to block out some of the negativity and focus on having a positive, fruitful service.

When I left for Morocco in September of 2018, there was no way that I could have expected a return to the US under these circumstances. Despite the tough times, I find that I can find inspiration in the resilience of others, like that of the Moroccan youth, or by simply reflecting on the blessings in life. —Kenechi Anigbogu

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Among the many theatrical, literary, and musical event cancellations this spring was a delightful children’s fairy tale, The Dragon, by the Irish playwright Lady Augusta Gregory, a contemporary of W.B. Yeats, directed by Angela Van Epps ’20. According to prophecy, the Princess Nuala was to be eaten by a dragon on her 18th birthday, though naturally she has other plans.

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