This year, Beacon reporters talked to students about how their identity impacts their experience on campus, witnessed protests, documented the effects of institutional changes and highlighted students' accomplishments. At the forefront of UP history are those who have the opportunity to witness it firsthand. We have the privilege of being among those select few as student journalists.
The Beacon’s Editorial Board reflected on the work of staff, both past and present, and selected the articles we think made the most impact on campus this year.
Perhaps they represent progress, a shift on our campus created by the passion, resilience and tenacity of our student body. Some represent courage, a moment captured by the vulnerability and bravery it takes to have your voice heard.
We hope to continue telling your stories as we look ahead to another year. Below are ten of the most impactful Beacon articles of 2024 in no given order.
“Anti-abortion speaker draws protests” by Janea Melido
After Vice President of Student Affairs Fr. John Donato sent an email to all students inviting them to Monica Snyder’s “Deconstructing 3 Pro-Choice Myths” presentation, dozens of students flooded Brian Doyle Auditorium to protest the anti-abortion speaker. In the days following, students would voice their opinions on the matter. Three students called on the University to allow for an abortion-rights club or organization on campus. This fall, the Reproductive Justice and Education Club became an official club at UP.
“UP’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter is motivating a new generation of Latino engineers” by Tiffany Marquez Escobar and Samantha Zavala
UP's Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers leadership board.
According to institutional data, Shiley School of Engineering students make up roughly 13% of degree-seeking undergraduates at UP. Within that statistic, only a select few identify as Latino or Hispanic — a broader reflection of the engineering industry itself, where Latinos make up 9% of the workforce. UP’s SHPE chapter aims to empower Latinos in STEM to reach their career goals by offering professional development resources such as resume workshops, career fairs and other similar events. Their goal is to open the door for more Latinos to pursue a successful career in STEM.
“Two campus buildings vandalized with words ‘Palestine’ and ‘Free Palestine’” by Camille Kuroiwa-Lewis
About a week after this article was published, pro-Palestinian protestors began to occupy Portland State University’s library. UP never experienced a protest on this level, with political activism related to the Israel-Hamas war remaining largely peaceful until Franz was vandalized with “Palestine” and “Free Palestine.” However, later, it was revealed that those responsible for the vandalism had no connection to UP.
“Students collaborating with Don’t Shoot PDX learn and educate through archival research” by Riley Martinez
Inspired by a 2021 text by scholar Michelle Caswell titled “Urgent Archives,” the Liberated Archives was created by UP students Murphy Bradshaw and Kerri Osumi and advised by sociology and social work instructor Lizz Schallert. The Liberated Archives zine featured a collection of commentary, letters, photographs and even clippings of Beacon articles dating back to the early 1960s, highlighting the history of racial injustice and collective resistance in Portland and at UP. In collaboration with Don’t Shoot PDX, a nonprofit organization promoting social justice and civic engagement, students and collaborators highlighted how history meets the present in the fight for social justice.
“The KDUP renaissance” by Netty Jurriaans
After the COVID-19 pandemic, KDUP faced several challenges, leaving the radio station's future uncertain. From the permanent shutdown of “The Shack” to losing equipment, KDUP staff persisted, and eventually, in the spring, they would make a comeback and be on air again. The KDUP radio is available twenty-four hours daily for all ears — students, faculty, Portland locals and beyond.
“President Kelly and other panelists reflect on their identity, experiences and sense of belonging in Black at UP discussion” by Kimberly Cortez
Near the end of Black History Month, President Robert Kelly, Dean of the Pamplin School of Business Michael DeVaughn, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Tshombé Brown, Professor of Sociology & Social Work Anita Gooding and UP students AJ Jatta, Olivia Outley and Xavier Hayward, joined at the Diversity Center to reflect on their experiences, identity and more. It was the first time the UP community heard Kelly open up about what it’s like to be a Black layperson as president and an honest dialogue about the state of inclusivity on campus for Black students.
“Increased financial aid post-COVID contributing to 7.2% operating deficit” by Riley Martinez
Since the 2022-23 academic year, The Beacon has been documenting the financial state of the University as it enters a post-COVID world where gaining and retaining students at an affordable price continues to be a challenge. As UP’s financial health continues to trek through treacherous waters, understanding and breaking down its financial state remains pivotal as the effects start to trickle down to the student experience.
“UP beach volleyball triumphs in the program’s inaugural home game” by Julianna Pedone
Despite being a Division I team, UP’s women’s beach volleyball team never had official beach volleyball courts designated solely for the team’s use. That changed when the women’s beach volleyball played its first-ever home game in program history on the Tom & Meg Names Family Foundation Beach Volleyball Courts. As part of the University's 35-acre expansion of River Campus, players and supporters celebrated this momentous milestone excitedly.
“UP changes its protest policy amid heightened political activism across the country” by Kimberly Cortez and Julianna Pedone
After a turbulent semester of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which led to more than 3,100 arrests and violent confrontations between police and protestors, UP joins dozens of colleges and universities across the country, refining and tightening their protest policies. While the new policy was a collaborative effort between administrators, staff and student leaders, severely gray areas remain, highlighting the difficult balance between free speech and protest in the current political landscape.
“New Center for Gender and Sexuality opens for the UP community” by Tiffany Marquez Escobar
At UP, queer history is filled with grievances, strife, joy and vibrancy. LGBTQ+ students have advocated for support and resources from the University for years, and the opening of the inaugural Center for Gender and Sexuality marks a moment of progress for the LGBTQ+ community on campus.
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