Founded in 1901 and based in the largest city in Oregon, the University of Portland (UP) is a four year Catholic affiliated institution with a comprehensive studies programme. The city itself is a centre of both cultural and countercultural activities in the nation, and has a reputation as having one of the most vibrant music scenes in America.
Academic study at UP is divided between the College of Arts and Sciences, and the schools of Business, Education, Nursing, and Engineering. The college of arts and sciences provides 26 majors and 20 minors in 14 departments, ranging from Physics to Music. Graduate programmes are offered across 7 departments, including four master’s programmes in pastoral ministry.
A recently renovated Clark Library on campus now offers digital lab work, as well as an extensive collection of online material. Completed in 2008, the 100 feet bell tower alongside Christ the Teacher Chapel is the tallest structure in north Portland.
Athletics teams at UP are known as the Pilots, and compete in the NCAA Division I. Soccer has been played at the university since 1910, and home matches are now played at the 4800 seater stadium Merlo Field. Club sports at UP include lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, crew, and water polo.
Notable alumni include US women’s soccer player Shannon MacMillan, aircraft designer Richard Van Grunsven, actor Kunal Nayyar, and neuropsychologist Muriel Lezak. The motto of the university translates as ‘the truth will set you free’. Notre Dame is the sister college of UP, as both were founded by the same Congregation of Holy Cross religious order.
