Where: Portland, Oregon

When: 2022-2023

Role: Equity Researcher & Community Engagement Specialist (as part of Opsis Architecture)

Photos/Graphic Credit: Opsis Architecture

Design of a new 68,000 sf building to support formation and community-building opportunities for students, prospective students, and alumni. The Welcome & Engagement Center is intended to create a new front door to campus, with a new admissions area that invites prospective students to discover the campus. The University’s mission to serve will be enhanced by a new location for the Moreau Center for Service and Justice. The WEC will be a place for students to access the resources, support, and involvement, with a new home for Student Activities. Flexible, multipurpose meeting and gathering spaces will create a hub for performances, keynotes, panels, and events. Given the rich history of creativity, innovation, and athletics, the University of Portland will also create a new state-of-the- art Hyperflex e-sport gaming and production lab.

The engagement process focused on listening to students’ needs, interact with Student Clubs, explore spatial feelings on campus, and identify critical services and resources to support student engagement and to create a building that promotes a sense of welcome, safety and belonging on campus.