Meet the best-selling author of Water for Elephants

Sara Gruen

o c to ber 21– 2 3 , 2011

Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants has become one of the most beloved and best-selling novels of our time. Readers fell in love with the story of Jacob, a young man tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers circus, and Rosie, the untrainable elephant. This New York Times best-seller is now available in 44 languages and has over 3 million copies in print worldwide. The movie version starring Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, and Robert Pattinson debuted in April 2011.

Sara Gruen’s most recent book is Ape House, starring the amazing Bonobo ape. When a number of apes are kidnapped from a language laboratory, their mysterious appearance on a reality TV show calls into question our assumptions about these animals who share 99.4 percent of our DNA. A devoted animal lover, Gruen’s intense study of communications techniques with apes gave her rare access to the Great Ape Trust in Des Moines, Iowa. The award-winning author lives in the south with her husband, sons, and her favorite animals.

Keynote address Friday, October 21, 7:30 pmSmith Memorial Student Union, PSUTickets: $20

VIP Sponsor reception with Sara GruenFriday, October 21, 5:30 – 7:00 pmShattuck Hall, PSU

The Benefits of Becoming a Sponsor

Become a PSU Weekend Sponsor and meet Sara Gruen, PSU President Wim Wiewel, and the Saturday speakers in person at our VIP Reception in the beautiful Shattuck Hall. This is our official PSU Weekend kick-off and your passport to a spectacular weekend! Sponsorships begin at just $125 and include the VIP Sponsor Reception and preferred seating. Reservations required. Register online at pdx.edu/alumni, call 503-725-4948, or return the form included on page 11.

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Celebrate PSU the week of October 19-23. Join us for a stellar week of activities that emphasize lifelong learning, philanthropy, and leadership! All activities are open to alumni, faculty, students, parents, and the Portland community.

2011 Simon Benson awards DinnerWednesday, October 19 Oregon Convention Center

This event with keynote speaker Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D., Secretary of state (2005-2009), honors the philanthropy of the William Fur-man Family and the Mark Family. For reservations contact Debbie Hutchins, 503-725-8135 or debbie.hutchins@pdx.edu. For more info go to pdx.edu/giving/simon-benson-awards-dinner.

environmental Science and Management alumni Presentations Friday, October 21, 1:30 pm Science Building 2, Room 149

ESM (formerly ESR) alumni will be presenting papers related to their professional work in the program’s newly updated lab space. Please con-tact Teri at terim@pdx.edu if you are interested in being a presenter or for more information about the event. Light refreshments will be served.

Celebrate the Opening of the new and Improved ‘Science research and Teaching Center’Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22 Science Building 2

This year PSU Weekend will celebrate the expansion and modernization of Science Building 2—now called the Science Research and Teaching

Center. Please join us for tours and demonstrations. Learn about seed banking, renewable energy, art conservation, discoveries in medical diagnostics, life in Antarctica, undersea volcanoes, and other extreme environments. Look for more information at pdx.edu/clas.

Celebrate the arts in the Platinum LeeD Certified Lincoln HallSunday, October 23 Lincoln Hall

PSU’s School of Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) will hold an arts open house in the newly awarded Platinum LEED, historic Lincoln Hall. FPA invites alumni, Lincoln High School alumni, friends and community partners to celebrate this 100-year-old center of educa-tion and creativity, which now adds preservation and sustainability to its credentials. Join current faculty and students for concerts, exhibits, department updates, building tours and more. See FPA website for more details at pdx.edu/fpa.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovations Tour Saturday, October 22, 1 pm

Join Ian Stude, PSU Transportation Options Manager, and find out what strides PSU has taken to be one of the most bike and pedestrian friendly campuses in the nation. For more information and to register for this tour visit pdx.edu/alumni.

Celebrate alumni night at the PSu Viking Football GameSaturday, October 22, 5:05 pm JELD-WEN Field

The PSU Vikings will play the Willamette Bearcats in the newly reno-vated JELD-WEN Field. Tickets can be purchased at the Portland State Ticket Office located in Smith Memorial Union, or for more info go to goviks.com.

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9:30 am

Brew to Bikes: Portland’s Artisan Economy Charles Heying, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Nohad Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning (Toulan School*)

Author Heying will provide a brief overview of his book and discuss a few of Portland’s signature artisan sectors (brew, bikes, fashion, food) and their contribution to our economy.

Seed Banks: Causes and Solutions to the Current Mass extinction Ed Guerrant, Ph.D., Professor of Ex Situ Plant Conservation, Department of Environmental Science and Management

The Berry Botanic Garden moved its world-famous seed bank to PSU in 2011 in order to preserve some threatened and endangered plant species. Conservation Director Guerrant says saving seeds is as old as civilization and as new as the daily headlines.

2012 election Predictions: Safe Bets and Bold PostulationsMelody Rose, Ph.D., Vice Provost, Professor of Political Science, Hatfield School of Government (Hatfield School**)

This highly regarded political scientist will discuss elections and provide some previews.

Blue Planet, Green neighborhood: Sustaining urban Places by engaging CitizensVivek Shandas, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Toulan School *, Institute of Sustainable Solutions

This discussion will focus on efforts by PSU faculty, students, and staff to improve the places we live through citizen engagement using technology, information, and other resources.

Bibliophiles Buy Vinyl: The Future and Past of PublishingDan DeWeese, MA ‘03, Writing Center Coordinator, Propeller Books Editor

Everyone involved in publishing is going through changes caused by the Internet and digital reading devices. This timely lecture will review the nature, products, and strategies of contemporary publishing.

10:30 am

Searching for Paradise, Searching for Home: a novel Written between Two CitiesDiana Abu-Jaber, Ph.D., Professor of English

This well-known and engaging author (Crescent, The Language of Bak-lava) will talk about the literary background of her newly-published novel, Birds of Paradise, including a short reading from the book.

Pushing Pedalers: What Drives Bicycling? Jennifer Dill Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Toulan School*, Director, Oregon Transportation, Research and Education Consortium Lynn Weigand, ‘07, Ph.D., Director, Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation

What motivates people to ride a bicycle for transportation or recreation? Find out what PSU researchers are learning about how policies, infrastructure and programs are encouraging bicycling.

Islamophobia: an alternative History of raceLeerom Medovoi, Ph.D., Director of the Portland Center for Public Humanities

What is at stake in some people calling Barack Obama, our first black president, a Muslim? This fascinating talk will look at the multi-century history of Islamophobia and anti-semitism and how we connect race and religion.

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Saturdayart and Social PracticeHarrell Fletcher, Ph.D., Assoc. Professor, Department of Art

The founder of PSU’s Art and Social Practice Program describes this emphasis on participatory, public art works and outlines some excit-ing examples involving history and social engagement.

Genetically Modified Foods and How they Grow: Science, Policy, and Public engagementLisa Weasel Ph.D., Assoc. Professor of Biology

Genetically modified foods have been the source of significant global controversy. Based on fieldwork, this talk will explore the controver-sies surrounding GM food relating to food security, human health, and the environment.

Prehistoric Geoarchaeology of the Oregon CoastCurt Peterson, Ph.D., Professor of Geology

This senior geologist examines the implications of regional tectonic strain, sea level rise, and sediment supply in cultural site occupation and discusses preservation potential and long-term impact on the Oregon coast.

11:30 am

Biodynamic Wine MakingRudy Marchesi, Winemaker, Proprietor, Montinore Estate, Forest Grove

How much do we know about biodynamic wine making and why does it matter? Join Rudy Marchesi as he guides you through the experience of producing (and tasting!) this well-crafted wine.

Leading in Sustainable Business Allison Dennis, Executive Director, Center for Global Leadership in Sustainability, School of Business Administration

Find out how leaders on the front lines of sustainable business and community development are meeting the challenges of sustainable ways of working and living.

afghanistan: What’s next? Grant Farr, Ph.D., Assoc. Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Join this Afghanistan specialist to review recent events from the perspective of the Afghan people.

Toward One OregonEthan Seltzer, Ph.D., and Carl Abbott, Ph.D., Professors, Toulan School*; Beth Emshoff, Metro Specialist, OSU;

Richard Clucas, Ph.D., Professor, Political Science, Hatfield School**; Michael Hibbard, Professor Emeritus, UofO

Are we, urban and rural Oregonians, joined by more than just our choice of license plates? Join the authors of Toward One Oregon (OSU Press, 2011) for a spirited discussion of the state of our Oregon urban and rural union.

Stieg Larsson’s Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series and the new World OrderMarcia Klotz Ph.D., Assist. Professor of English

This expert in gender and history will suggest that in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, sexual violence against women is the evil threatening contemporary society and the understanding of human rights.

*Nohad Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning ** Hatfield School of Government, both in PSU’s College of Urban and Public Affairs.

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REGiSTRATiON FOR PSU WEEKEND

Friday Keynote Speaker Tickets are available for purchase starting September 1 through our website pdx.edu/alumni or by calling the Office of Alumni Engagement at 503-725-4948.

Saturday Seminars Seminars are offered free of charge, however we urge you to pre-register by October 17 so seating is available for all. Walk ups are welcome but seating is limited. Please register for your seminars on our website at pdx.edu/alumni or call the Office of Alumni Engagement at 503-725-4948.

Transportation and Parking We encourage participants to take public transportation. PSU is served by bus, streetcar, and the MAX green and yellow lines. Parking is available in Parking Structure 1 ($5) at SW 6th between Harrison and Hall Streets, and Parking Structure 3 ($3), 1631 SW 12th.

Seminar Day Information Booth 8 am – 1 pm Second Floor, Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 238

Free coffee and sweets will be available on Seminar Day from 8 am to Noon

Name(s): __________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________ State: _____ Zip: _______________

Daytime phone: ____________________________________________________

E-mail: ___________________________________________________________

Check enclosed made payable to PSU Alumni Association for: $_________

Charge my: Visa Mastercard

Exp. Date:_________________ 3 digit security code (on back of card):__________

Card #: ____________________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________________

Please sign me up for _______ ticket(s) to the keynote lecture with Sara Gruen on Friday night. ($20 per person)

i will attend the free PSU Weekend lectures on Saturday.

I would like to become a PSu Weekend sponsor, with privileges to attend the ViP Sponsor Reception, and preferred seating at the keynote lecture. Sponsor benefits and information are provided at www.pdx.edu/alumni.

Platinum ($1,000 +) Diamond ($500) Gold ($250) Silver ($125)

Yes! I’d like to attend PSu Weekend

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Please return this form with your payment by October 17 to PSUAA, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207, fax 503-725-5074, or email the form to alum@pdx.edu. For more information, call 503-725-4948.

PSU Weekend is sponsored with private funds by the PSU Alumni Association, in cooperation with the PSUAA Board of Directors and the Office of Alumni Relations. Special thanks to our community partners, sponsors, and contributors; our distinguished speakers; and our volunteer committee members.