Portland Pages

17th Annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner

The PSU Foundation raised over $1 million at the 17th Annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner honoring contemporary pioneers.

By Portland Pages January 1, 2017

PSU Trustee and Honorary Co-Chair Peter W. Stott (left) and his wife Julie Stott with Jay Leno.

(l to r): Tom Fink ’71, Dr. Keren Brown Wilson PhD ’83, Marilyn Fink and Dr. Michael DeShane MA ’71, PhD ’77.

PSU senior sociology major Alexandra Van shared her story.

PSU Trustee and past honoree Christine Vernier enjoys the gala.

Sophomore Jean-Luc Toku thanked donors for supporting PSU students, faculty and programs.

PSU senior opera singer Saori Erickson inspired guests.

(l to r): Bank of America Market President Roger Hinshaw, Margaret Hinshaw, Alice Wiewel and PSU President Wim Wiewel.

Keynote Speaker Jay Leno, who pledged $10,000 to PSU after hearing the student speakers, with emcee Steve Dunn.

The PSU Foundation raised over $1 million at the 17th Annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner honoring contemporary pioneers. Since 1999, the gala has raised over $10 million. The Philanthropy Award was presented to Drs. Keren Brown Wilson PhD ’83 and Michael DeShane MA ’71, PhD ’77, and Tom Fink ’71 received the Alumni Achievement Award.

Show Comments