19th Annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner

Nearly 1,100 guests celebrated the 19th Annual Simon Benson Awards Dinner and public launch of the Campaign for PSU

Presented by Portland State University What’s This? January 1, 2019

Grammy Award-winning artist Esperanza Spalding dazzles the audience with her jazz stylings.

Laurie Lomax joins husband Neil Lomax onstage as he receives the 2018 Simon Benson Award for Alumni Achievement.

PSU Foundation board member Hermann Colas, Jr. with wife Roberta (both left) show their support with Bank of America’s Roger Hinshaw and Jessica Hewitt (both right).

Mary and Tim Boyle take the stage to accept the 2018 Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy.

Chemistry student Trine Parsons shares her inspirational PSU story.

KATU anchor Steve Dunn and PSU business student Luis Patron-Diaz welcome the crowd in true Viking spirit.

PSU President Rahmat Shoureshi and wife Azar visit with Esperanza Spalding.

Esperanza Spalding (center) poses with (left to right) Dave Riveness, Dan Ryan, Jessica Elkan, and Bank of America’s Monique Barton.

A $300 million fundraising initiative to support Portland State. Presented by Bank of America, the evening featured performances and conversation with award-winning jazz artist and former PSU student Esperanza Spalding.