The BEacon
Vol. 117, Issue 5 September 25, 2014
Every Thursday
The Student Voice of the University of Portland Since 1935
Pilots continue athletic careers after UP Sports, p. 16
Looking for romance? Dating apps to try Living, p. 9
KDUP expands to include concerts News, p. 3
Inauguration: Poorman takes the helm Nastacia Voisin voisin15@up.edu
Classes will be canceled after 11:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in honor of the inaguration of UP’s new president, Fr. Mark Poorman. Poorman was elected by the Board of Regents in January, succeeding Fr. William Beauchamp, who served as president for 10 years. As UP’s 20th president,
Poorman will oversee the completion of campus projects set in motion by Beauchamp and will guide the University forward with his vision of success. Among his presidency goals are an expansion of the role of ethics on campus and the creation of better ways for students to connect with their post-graduate destinations.
Before UP
Poorman came to UP from the University of Notre Dame, where he held multiple administrative positions and taught theology classes from 1999 to 2010. He grew up in three states: Arizona, California and Illinois. Poorman was ordained a Congregation of Holy Cross priest in 1982.
At UP
Since 2011, Poorman served as executive vice president, overseeing departments such as University operations and affairs, financial affairs and student affairs. He also served as a theology professor and as Schoenfeldt Hall’s pastoral resident. Poorman was a key figure in establishing the Dundon-Berchtold Fund for Moral Development and Applied Ethics. He became the University’s president on July 1, 2014.
Academic Expertise
Poorman has focused his research on moral theology and its pastoral implications. He has also written and lectured about health care and character ethics, pastoral ministry, sexuality and Catholic higher education. At UP, he primarily taught courses on Christian ethics and moral theology.
Inauguration schedule Friday, Sept. 26:
All classes canceled after 11:15 a.m. 11:45 a.m.: Inauguration Mass in the Chiles Center 3 p.m.: Inauguration Ceremony in the Chiles Center, with a reception following in the Chiles Center Plaza
Saturday, Sept. 27:
9 p.m. (approximately): student ceremony after the soccer game in the Pilot House with free food and music.
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: It’s early yet, but what are some of the unexpected challenges and joys of being president? : One great ongoing challenge: To find as many opportunities to promote the mission and people of UP as I possibly can. That work is never done, and I welcome it! Two great ongoing joys: The tremendous sense of support and encouragement from so many UP folks; and the incredible privilege on behalf of the Holy Cross community of serving those folks, who labor every day for the good of our students. : Is there anything that you miss about being a pastoral resident of Schoenfeldt Hall? : I miss the contact with students through random visits to my room, in the hallways, at hall-sponsored events, in passing conversations. I’m very fortunate in that I can continue to celebrate some Masses in Schoenfeldt, along with the other residence halls, in the course of the school year. Presiding at those Spirit-filled Masses is a real blessing!
Courtesy of UP Marketing
: Do you have any favorite places on The Bluff? : I love the view of the Academic Quad from the portico of the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. It’s beautiful, regardless of the weather. The view the other direction from the upper floors of Franz Hall (especially from Dean [John] Watzke’s and Dean [Robin] Anderson’s patios!) is also terrific — the Quad, the West Hills and the city in the distance. And I love being at Merlo Field when students pack the place and the collective energy runs high. : What is something that you would like students to know about you as a person? : My many years of teaching students, being in residence with them, and ministering to them through preaching, presiding and counseling have formed and transformed my own vocation to the priesthood, and I look forward to continuing to rely upon that calling and background in assuming the role of president.
Community remembers Katie Chale as a caring, passionate friend Nastacia Voisin voisin15@up.edu
Photo from Katie Chale’s Facebook profile
Katie Chale (right), a 2014 alum, celebrates with late Spanish professor Kate Regan after her graduation ceremony in May. Chale, who was a good friend of Professor Regan, died last week from injuries sustained in a car accident near Seattle.
They called her their soccer “mom” and loved her laugh. She was admired for her strong leadership and her big heart. Her passion for adventure was rivaled only by her commitment to helping others. Among the many campus groups she participated in – the biology and Spanish communities, the club soccer team and Relay for Life – Katie
Chale, a ’14 alum, was a vibrant presence. Chale, 22, who died Sept. 17 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Vashon Island near Seattle, was informally honored at last Friday’s noon Mass. She is survived by her parents and her brother. “She was fearless but responsible, mature but always knew when to have fun, and incredibly intelligent,” said Katy
Danforth, a friend of Chale’s who played soccer with her. Fr. Art Wheeler, who was the presider and homilist at the Mass, said he saw those traits in Chale during her time working in the Study Abroad office. “She was very earnest about making a difference in terms of helping other people,” Wheeler See Katie, page 2