Introduction
Portland State University (PSU) is a public research university located in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1946, PSU is the only public university in the state of Oregon. With over 30,000 students enrolled, PSU is one of the most popular universities in the Pacific Northwest. PSU is known for its commitment to sustainability, research, and innovation. It is also home to some of the most interesting facts in the world of higher education. Here are 20 fun facts about Portland State University that you may not have known.
1. PSU is the First and Only Urban University in Oregon
Portland State University is the only public university in Oregon that is located in an urban setting. This makes PSU unique among Oregon universities, as it provides students with a unique learning experience that is not available at other institutions. PSU is located in the heart of downtown Portland, which allows students to take advantage of the city’s many cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.
2. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Newspaper
The Portland State Vanguard is the world’s largest student-run newspaper. Established in 1946, the Vanguard is the official newspaper of Portland State University and is published twice a week. The Vanguard is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the publication, including writing, editing, and layout.
3. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Radio Station
KPSU is the world’s largest student-run radio station. Established in 1969, KPSU broadcasts 24 hours a day and is dedicated to providing the Portland community with unique and diverse programming. KPSU is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the station, including programming, engineering, and promotion.
4. PSU is Home to the World’s First Student-Run TV Station
Portland State University is also home to the world’s first student-run television station. Established in 1975, PSU TV is a student-run television station that broadcasts on the campus cable system. PSU TV is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the station, including programming, production, and promotion.
5. PSU is Home to the World’s First Student-Run Magazine
The Portland State Magazine is the world’s first student-run magazine. Established in 1975, the magazine is published twice a year and is dedicated to providing students with an inside look at the university. The magazine is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the publication, including writing, editing, and layout.
6. PSU is Home to the World’s Oldest Student-Run Theater
The Portland State University Theater is the world’s oldest student-run theater. Established in 1966, the theater is dedicated to producing high-quality theatrical productions. The theater is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the productions, including writing, directing, and acting.
7. PSU is Home to the World’s Oldest Student-Run Film Festival
The Portland State Film Festival is the world’s oldest student-run film festival. Established in 1975, the festival is dedicated to showcasing the best student-made films from around the world. The festival is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the festival, including programming, promotion, and judging.
8. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Government
The Portland State Student Government is the world’s largest student-run government. Established in 1975, the Student Government is responsible for representing the interests of PSU students and advocating for student rights. The Student Government is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the organization, including policy-making, budgeting, and programming.
9. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Business
The Portland State Business Association is the world’s largest student-run business. Established in 1975, the Business Association is responsible for providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable business experience through internships, workshops, and networking events. The Business Association is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the organization, including marketing, finance, and operations.
10. PSU is Home to the World’s Oldest Student-Run Environmental Group
The Portland State Environmental Action Coalition is the world’s oldest student-run environmental group. Established in 1969, the Environmental Action Coalition is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability on campus. The Environmental Action Coalition is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the organization, including advocacy, education, and activism.
11. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Food Pantry
The Portland State Food Pantry is the world’s largest student-run food pantry. Established in 1983, the Food Pantry is dedicated to providing food and other essential items to students in need. The Food Pantry is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the organization, including fundraising, distribution, and outreach.
12. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Library
The Portland State Library is the world’s largest student-run library. Established in 1946, the Library is dedicated to providing students with access to a wide range of books, journals, and other resources. The Library is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the library, including cataloging, circulation, and reference.
13. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Museum
The Portland State Museum is the world’s largest student-run museum. Established in 1979, the Museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting artifacts from the university’s history. The Museum is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the museum, including curation, conservation, and exhibition.
14. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Art Gallery
The Portland State Art Gallery is the world’s largest student-run art gallery. Established in 1976, the Art Gallery is dedicated to displaying the work of local, national, and international artists. The Art Gallery is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the gallery, including curation, promotion, and exhibition.
15. PSU is Home to the World’s Oldest Student-Run Sustainable Living Program
The Portland State Sustainable Living Program is the world’s oldest student-run sustainable living program. Established in 1975, the Sustainable Living Program is dedicated to educating students about environmental sustainability and providing them with the tools and resources to live a more sustainable lifestyle. The Sustainable Living Program is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the program, including research, education, and advocacy.
16. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Entrepreneurship Program
The Portland State Entrepreneurship Program is the world’s largest student-run entrepreneurship program. Established in 1975, the Entrepreneurship Program is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to start their own businesses. The Entrepreneurship Program is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the program, including mentorship, networking, and business development.
17. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Social Justice Program
The Portland State Social Justice Program is the world’s largest student-run social justice program. Established in 1975, the Social Justice Program is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity on campus and in the community. The Social Justice Program is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the program, including advocacy, education, and activism.
18. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Music Festival
The Portland State Music Festival is the world’s largest student-run music festival. Established in 1975, the Music Festival is dedicated to showcasing the best student-made music from around the world. The Music Festival is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the festival, including programming, promotion, and judging.
19. PSU is Home to the World’s Largest Student-Run Technology Conference
The Portland State Technology Conference is the world’s largest student-run technology conference. Established in 1975, the Technology Conference is dedicated to exploring the latest trends in technology and providing students with the opportunity to network and learn from industry experts. The Technology Conference is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the conference, including programming, promotion, and judging.
20. PSU is Home to the World’s Oldest Student-Run Health and Wellness Program
The Portland State Health and Wellness Program is the world’s oldest student-run health and wellness program. Established in 1975, the Health and Wellness Program is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to lead healthy and balanced lives. The Health and Wellness Program is staffed by students, who are responsible for all aspects of the program, including research, education, and advocacy.”