University of Portland history

At the request of the archbishop, the Congregation of the Holy Cross assumed ownership of the university in 1902.

The auditorium and stage were remodeled in 1975, and an extensive restoration was completed in 2010. It was built in 1911 in a classical revival style with high Corinthian columns and balcony projections to the South Park Blocks side.

Columbia University achieved junior college status in 1922, and the first junior college class graduated the following year.

In 1925, the College of Arts and Sciences was founded; four years later the first bachelor's degrees were awarded to a class of seven men.

Vanport City was established in 1942 and lasted only six years.

The result was the Vanport Extension Center, which opened its doors in the summer of 1946 offering two years of college study.

Don't get excited." Thus read a bulletin to Vanport City residents from the Housing Authority of Portland on May 30, 1948.

On April 15, 1949, Governor Douglas McKay authorized $875,000 to purchase the former Lincoln High School building on the Park Blocks as a permanent home for the Portland State Extension Center.

As a result, teacher education students provided a majority of the first graduating class of 1956.

In 1967 ownership of the school was transferred from the Congregation of Holy Cross to a board of Regents.