From the Nominator

"Most alumni know the basic story of our young university—that it was founded by and for soldiers returning from World War II, swept away by a great flood in 1948, and then rose again in Portland’s Park Blocks to become the most diverse and accessible university in Oregon. So, for our 75th anniversary, we sought out the small stories. 

Our spring cover feature “Pieces of History” takes a new look at Portland State’s past through 21 objects and artifacts. Over 14 pages, readers learn about everything from the towering copper beech tree our library curves around to the presidential medallion that the university motto first appeared on. Readers gain new perspective on the people who lived our history and made PSU what it is today. This feature was a reader favorite, prompting letters filled with memories, as well as numerous mentions as the best story of the year in our spring reader survey."

From the Judges

A great example of way to engage readers with a milestone anniversary. Judges enjoyed that there are so many entry points for alumni. Well-written and researched.