Three Oregon Governors Celebrate Education at Sold-Out Concordia University Event

by Elisa Klein | Feb 8, 2013 | Events, Features, Fundraisers, Uncategorized | 1 comment

Portland,  February 5th, 2013.  Oregon Governors Atiyeh, Kulongoski and Kitzhaber  were among the 600 Concordia University supporters at a gala to raise funds for student scholarships. Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith had talked education with former Governor Atiyeh,  Concordia President Charles Schlimpert, Oregon Governor Kitzhaber  and former Governor Kulongoski. (Photo credit,  Steve Harmon)

Former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh (center) handed out Concordia’s Governor Victor Atiyeh Leadership in Education Awards to Carilyn Alexander (accepting on behalf of her late husband Dick Alexander) and Ken Thrasher, chairman of Compli.

Richard C. “Dick” Alexander died on Oct. 16th.  He was the Founder of  Viking International and is widely credited with persuading the Oregon Legislature to pump $25 million more a year into Head Start, ensuring that 3,000 more kids attend each year.  Gov. Kitzhaber commented, on Alexander’s legacy saying,  “Dick always put the needs of the community first and served the state of Oregon with dignity. He had a deep commitment and a gentle heart, and his legacy will continue to touch and shape the lives of Oregonians for generations to come.”

Keynote speaker Salman Khan earned a standing ovation when he shared his story of founding and growing Khan Academy to now seven million monthly users. He emphasized its mission to provide “A free world class education for anyone anywhere,” and closed the event by stating his view that “Education should be a right, like drinking water.”

600 attendees filled the Kridel Grand Ballroom at the Portland Art Museum

Concordia University President Charles Schlimpert at the podium.

The second annual Concordia University Governor Victor Atiyeh Leadership in Education Awards, presented by HotChalk Inc, recognized two honorees – Ken Thrasher and the late Dick Alexander – for their leadership in early childhood education in Oregon.

Following the event, 120 iPads used on the tables were donated by presenting sponsor HotChalk Inc., to Faubion School, a local, urban, preK-8 public school adjacent to Concordia University. The iPads will be used by students and educators to help improve access to technology resources for Faubion’s students.

Concordia, Faubion and Portland Public Schools are expanding their partnership to create a national model committed to helping young people fulfill their potential from age “3 to PhD.”

This year’s 2013 Atiyeh Scholars include the following 16 Concordia University students: Anab Abdirahman, Temari Asazuki, Scott Cozza, Marcie Fitzgerald, Megan Haug, Emmanuel Henreid, Feliza Lopez-Sanchaez, Shannon Mackaben, Jennifer McDonnell, Danetta Monk, Damien Ntawumpora, Sable Phillipi, Yuki Rutherford, Naiby Tejero, Angela Tsoumas, and Leily Villela.

Concordia University is pioneering education innovation in the region by preparing the next generation of teachers. The University’s greatest growth over the past few years is in its Masters of Education degree programs online. Now, Concordia’s EdD will launch online and on ground this spring.

ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

Concordia University is a private, nonprofit, Lutheran, liberal arts university founded in 1905 with a mission to prepare leaders for the transformation of society. Concordia is currently Oregon’s fastest growing university with more than 23% enrollment growth in 2012 to more than 3,500 students. For the fourth consecutive year, Concordia was recognized on the U.S. President’s Community Service Honor Roll and as 7^th in the nation in service by Washington Monthly magazine. Its College of Education is committed to preparing the world’s best teachers through its courses in Portland, across Oregon, and online.

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