Portland State University School of Business

Elle Frazier, a marketing major and student athlete on the women’s soccer team, was the “2024 Oregon State Champion for Certiport’s Microsoft Excel (Office 2019) exam” and competed in Certiport’s 2024 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship, held at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista Hotel in Orlando, Florida, from June 17-19, 2024.

The event featured multiple days of professional development alongside the national competition. Many of the Excel skills showcased in the competition are taught in BA 216 by Kathy Black. Congratulations, Elle!

“The skills I learned in BA 216 set me up for success for my future academic and professional endeavors. The opportunity to attend the Microsoft National Championship was invaluable and I am so grateful I get to carry all that I learned from this experience into my future career. I want to extend gratitude to the school of business for all of their support”.

Check out how Cass Hausserman, Carlos Mena, Elizabeth Almer, Talya Bauer, and Shruti Koley kicked off summer.

John played on the PSU football team for 3 years. He earned two bachelor's degrees, one in Finance, and one in Management & Leadership. He also holds a certificate in Real Estate Property Management, a master’s in Real Estate Development, and a graduate certificate in Real Estate Investment & Finance. Last August John started his own company called Frost Development, which specializes in multi-family acquisitions, buying, renovating, and selling multi-family properties and soon he will start at CBRE as a financial analyst.

“Portland State provided us a proper mix of academics that created an atmosphere where I felt comfortable starting my own company. Being a Viking was huge to me. Being a part of a team and community was helpful in all facets of my life.”

Dr. Ji Woon (June) Ryu and her research team have recently been published in the Journal of Applied Psychology for their article, "Taking a Heavier Toll? Racial Differences in the Effects of Workplace Mistreatment on Depression."

The article explores the intersection of mental health and race in the workplace, examining how workplace mistreatment affects employees differently based on their racial background. Dr. Ji Woon dives into more of her research in the Healthy Works podcast episode, Mistreatment Isn't Created Equal. Listen to the podcast at https://open.spotify.com/episode/3AllADiTzmMwZoE28qGD4X.

Congratulations to Dr. June Ryu and her team for this achievement in their field.

As the 2024 Researcher of the Year, Marta Stelmaszak Rosa dives into her strategy of the intersection of people and information technology in the workplace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzn-URjLeYQ

Read and learn about Marta's strategies and initiatives at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/dr-marta-stelmaszak-rosa-school-business-researcher-year.

Marta Stelmaszak Rosa, Researcher of the Year for the School of Business, Portland State, 2024 Marta Stelmaszak Rosa, 2024 Researcher of the Year for the School of Business, discusses how organizations can make sure they are responsible, sustainable, a...

Map the System finished its term with a friendly systems-mapping competition where participants presented their understanding of the system they chose, and highlighted existing efforts to intervene in the system as well as any levers of change. They also illustrated the complicated relationships between factors that contribute to regional challenges, and identified areas for innovation.

Map the System is a graduate program where students develop practices, habits, and tools to think through complexity and visualize complex systems. Map the System was created by the University of Oxford, and is delivered in partnership with colleges and universities around the world. Congratulations to the winning team!

Interested in learning more: https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/map-the-system/home

Windy played on PSU’s women’s golf team for five years, she graduated with a BA in business accounting (summa cm laude) and a master’s of science in finance (MSF). Currently, she works as a audit senior at Deloitte.

“Portland State gave me an opportunity to finish both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the U.S. without having to cost a fortune, which would be really expensive for me. I really enjoyed my experience at PSU, exploring the city, making friends from around the globe, and building connections with corporations in Portland.”

Pics of the Week: Commencement Candids

Juneteenth holds significance in American history as it celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and symbolizes their enduring struggle for freedom and equality. It's a day to celebrate resilience, strength, and the contributions of African Americans to the U.S. despite facing immense challenges.

Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward achieving a more just and equitable society – reflecting on the progress made while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Each of us has a role to play in this ongoing endeavor, whether through advocacy, education, or community engagement.

Juneteenth is not just a historical event but a call to action—a day to recommit ourselves to the principles of justice, equality, and freedom for all people. It invites us to honor the past, engage with the present challenges, and work toward a better future for all.

On June 6 students, faculty and community members gathered for the 1st Annual School of Business Senior Capstone Showcase.

Students presented their community-based insights, discussed the challenges they encountered, and offered recommendations for local Portland businesses. Alongside the Business Capstone projects, colleagues and students from University Studies and the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science participated, sharing their capstone work and exploring opportunities for future collaborations.

Commencement 2024: Graduates and Friends

Commencement 2024: Graduates and Their Families, Part Two

Commencement 2024: Graduates and Their Families, Part One

Commencement 2024: Graduates and Their Kids

Commencement 2024: Moms, Dads, and Graduates

Today is the day. Congratulations 2024 Business graduates!

Meet Sheryl Livermore, master of science in global supply chain graduate. Sheryl was selected as a class of 2024 Commencement speaker.

"There are new things to learn, it's not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about embracing the unknown and constantly challenging yourself to reach new heights. Engaging in this program was a way for me to constantly challenge myself and uplift my stride to get more out of life.”

Read about Sheryl's journey at The School of Business here: https://www.pdx.edu/business/2024-commencement-student-stories

Pics of the Week: Finals and Commencement
1. A family walks the Park Blocks this morning to the Viking Pavilion for Commencement.
2. Families gather for the Portland State College of the Arts graduation today. Congrats grads!
3. Last-minute pics for this Public Health grad.
4. Snacks and nature helping to clear the mind during finals.
5. Staying focused to get through the last day of finals

Meet Emily Dinh, accounting and finance graduate. Emily was selected as a class of 2024 Commencement speaker.

“I am more than grateful and proud of myself! Not only can I prove to myself all of my hard work paid off, but I can also give this spotlight to my family, friends, and mentors, who have supported and believed in me. My parents are flying from Vietnam to see me after four years, and one of the best presents I can give them is the achievement of my education.” Read about

Emily’s journey at The School of Business at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/stepping-out-comfort-zone.

The School of Business was a proud sponsor of the 8th Annual B Corp Leadership Development Conference PNW on June 7th. This year’s theme was Progress on Purpose. The conference celebrated the growing impact and collaboration among local Portland B corps as a model for what’s possible.

Abby Chroman, director of the Business Minor and Social Innovation programs, was able to attend and speak at the event and represent The School of Business. Abby explains, “Being at this conference The School of Business had a chance to share our insights, participate in meaningful conversations about the evolution of the B Corps movement, and network with values-aligned business leaders from the region.”

Meet sisters Ida Kiros, MRSE ’24, and Frewine Kiros MRED ’23, who are reshaping the real estate landscape in Portland to foster greater opportunities and inclusion. Their efforts and knowledge from the help of the Center for Real Estate, Portland State University, has landed them into leadership roles. Ida is now a development coordinator at Home Forward while Frewine serves as a development associate at Adre.

PSU Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) Graduates Broaden the Commercial Real Estate Industry. Frewine and Ida Kiros are two trailblazing Portland State University Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) graduates diversifying the commercial real estat...

Congratulations to Talya Bauer for being elected to the Academy of Management Fellows Group. Each year, 10 individuals across all divisions are selected out of 19,000+ member of the Academy of Management to be formally recognized.

The purpose of the Fellows Group shall be to recognize and honor members of Academy of Management (AOM) who have made significant contributions to the science and practice of management, and to provide opportunities for fellowship and a forum for discussion among persons so recognized and honored.

Meet Seshu Bharathi Katari, master of science in finance. Her time at The School of Business taught her the importance of creating a community. "The interactions with peers and mentors have taught me that business success often comes from dedication to learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas." Read the rest of Seshu’s story https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/resilience-amidst-skepticism.

Meet George Triplett, master of applied data for business graduate. When looking into next steps after undergrad, George was able to connect with people at Portland State to find a clear path toward pursuing his master's. “When I was looking at master's degree programs that the university offered and setting up conversations with faculty and alums, it became clear to me how valuable a degree from the PSU School of Business would be going forward.”Read the rest of George’s story https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/balancing-it-all.

Meet Veronica Peterson, MBA/MSF graduate. Once Veronica started graduate school at The School of Business, she became inspired by leaders within the business community. “I think a significant benefit of continuing formal education is being able to immerse yourself in new experiences constantly, be that through campus groups or elective classes, and be able to take the time to explore your passions and interests and figure out how to turn them into a career.” Read the rest of Veronica's story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/exploring-different-avenues.

Meet Astrid Galvez, MT graduate. Throughout her time at The School of Business, Astrid learned the importance of adaptability and resilience, which has been crucial in preparing her for her future. “In the dynamic accounting world, things rarely go exactly as planned. Through various courses and practical experiences, I discovered that being able to adapt to changing circumstances and recover from setbacks is essential for success.” Read the rest of Astrid’s story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/journey-marked-perseverance.

The School of Business is on TikTok! Look us up on the app by searching .

Meet Rosa Garcia Arreloa, MBA/MSF graduate. Determined to build a great life for her daughter, Rosa worked hard to achieve it. Many people in her life encouraged and supported her in pursuing education. “I’m a single mom, and making enough money to support us and ensure my daughter doesn't have to work through college is a main motivator for me. I want her to have a much easier life than I did.” Read the rest of Rosa's story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/building-better-future.

Meet Neal Rusk, MBA graduate. Business is a passion for Neal and he has always planned to earn an MBA. “There are a lot of people and companies out there harnessing the systems of business to drive positive change, and I wanted to return to school to develop the tools needed to join that effort.” Read the rest of Neal’s story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/harnessing-system-drive-positive-change.

Olivia Dean transferred to Portland State from a junior college, and got the opportunity to play softball for three years at PSU. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business leadership and management. Today, Olivia works at Portland State University working for game operations as an assistant coach for the PSU softball team.

“Portland State has given me the opportunity to feel confident in the workforce by giving care and support to their students and student-athletes. For future students, be willing to make connections in your field, there are so many great people you will meet through The School of Business and I believe it is important to have support through your journey.”

Pics of the Week: End of Year Celebrations!
1. Student organizations celebrate with end-of-year awards!
2. Student employees celebrate a year of hard work and achievements.
3. Student Services and Advising teams bond over a fun bowling night.
4. MBA capstone team shines during their presentation at the Tillamook County Creamery Association headquarters.
5. UG Capstone students feeling happiness after their presentation yesterday.

Meet Amhed Al-Kindi, global supply chain graduate. To prepare for the real world, Ahmed found his capstone class invaluable, providing him with the professional experience needed to feel confident after graduation. “I think my capstone class was the most valuable thing that prepared me for the real world because it presented real-world challenges to solve and work on.” Read the rest of Ahmed’s story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/journey-through-business-and-beyond.

Meet Lydia Schuh, master of science global supply chain management graduate. After graduating from Florida State, Lydia embarked on a career in logistics, accumulating over 18 years of experience in supply chain management. “I decided to pursue the MSGSCM program as I realized I was at a plateau in my professional career, with limited avenues for growth and cross-functional development. My goal was to continue to challenge myself and further my education in supply chain.” Read the rest of Lydia’s story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/take-leap.

Meet Marie Gomez, finance, business technology and analytics and global supply chain graduate and certificate in real estate property management. During her time at The School of Business, Marie gained valuable insights into the power of networking, which has been instrumental in preparing her for her future endeavors. "I understood that acquiring the knowledge and skills in business management would better equip me to effectively lead and grow the family business when the time comes for it to be passed down to me.” Read the rest of Marie’s story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/gaining-competitive-advantage.

Meet Mariam Almitawah, accounting graduate. Mariam believes business is pivotal in shaping societies; it’s about innovation, strategy, and most importantly making change. She saw the dynamic nature of what business could do, not only for personal growth, but also the ability to contribute to societal progress. “PSU’s reputation for having an outstanding business school sealed my decision, as I knew it would provide me with the tools to succeed on a global scale.” Read the rest of Mariam’s story at https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/bridging-gap-between-dreams-and-reality/.