FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2001

Stamp Release No. 01-028

Postal Service to Issue Stamped Postal Card Honoring the University of Portland's 100th Anniversary

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the University of Portland with the issuance of a stamped postal card May 1, 2001, in Portland, Ore., as part of the Historic Preservation series.


The 54th postal stamped card in the Postal Service's Historic Preservation series, the University of Portland stamped postal card will be dedicated on Portland's Campus, Waldschmidt Hall, at 11:00 a.m. at a first day of issue ceremony. The ceremony is free and open to the public.


The 20-cent stamped postal card will be available that day at the ceremony and at Portland post offices. Starting the following day, the stamped postal card will be available at other Oregon post offices and at Postal Stores and Philatelic Centers across the country.


"The Postal Service is proud to participate in the University of Portland's centennial celebration," said Robert J. Sheehan, Associate Vice President, Southeast Sales Region, and a 1970 graduate of the University, who will be the dedicating official for the event.


"The University of Portland is proud and honored to be celebrated nationally by the U.S. Postal Service as we open our centennial year as Oregon's Catholic University," said University President, Rev. David T. Tyson, C.S.C. "Since 1901 we have been devoted to superb teaching, a vigorous faith life, and service to others — the central tenets of our mission. Our long and colorful history is a key element of Oregon's story, and to have our signature historic hall brought to the national stage is a wonderful honor and pleasure for the University."


Also scheduled to participate in the ceremony are Dallas Keck, U.S. Postal Service District Manager, Portland District and James Covert, emeritus Professor of History, University of Portland.


Founded by Archbishop Alexander Christie, Columbia University—as it was known then—held its first classes on September 5, 1901. The university was renamed University of Portland in 1935.


The University of Portland is an independently governed Catholic university. Today more than 2,900 students are enrolled in its one graduate and five undergraduate schools. Located just a few miles north of downtown Portland, Oregon, the campus is situated approximately 150 feet above the Willamette River and is commonly referred to as "The Bluff."


Waldschmidt Hall—the oldest building on campus—was constructed in the early 1890s, before the university's inception. Considered the university's signature building, Waldschmidt Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 22, 1977. It was known as West Hall until 1992, when it was renamed in honor of the university's 15th president, Bishop Paul E. Waldschmidt.


The computer-generated illustration of Waldschmidt Hall featured on the stamped card was by John Pirman of New York. This is Pirman first project for the U.S. Postal Service. Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Ariz. was the art director.