Former Portland State President Dan Bernstine passed away late last week at the age of 69.
Current PSU President Wim Wiewel issued a statement on Sept. 26. The statement reads as follows:
“Dear colleagues,
I am sad to announce that our former president, Dan Bernstine, passed away late last week at his home at age 69.
Dan left an impressive legacy in his 10 years as president of Portland State, and he will be remembered for his quiet, strong leadership in time of extraordinary growth for the university.
During his service from 1997-2007, enrollment grew by about 70 percent, new buildings and renovations were completed across campus, and he helped pave the way for millions of dollars in private support. His most lasting impact may be giving more students access to higher education, a mission we continue as fall term begins today.
After leaving PSU, Dan served as president of the Law School Admission Council in Pennsylvania.
With his characteristic modesty, Dan was always the first to praise the hard work of his colleagues, but we all know that he deserves great credit for his many contributions to PSU.
I send my deepest condolences to his many friends in Portland and his children, Quincy and Justin.”
Plans for a campus memorial are pending.