Willamette University unveils new Graduate & Professional Center in the heart of Portland

Just in time for the start of the fall semester, Willamette University officially opened its new Graduate & Professional Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Portland attended by local elected officials, representatives from the Portland Metro Chamber and Ecotrust, and leaders from across Willamette's campuses.

In the newly renovated space located just two blocks from the university's Pacific Northwest College of Art, students in Willamette's top-ranked graduate programs in business management, computing, and data science will enjoy a dynamic and modern center for collaborative learning and teaching.

The Willamette Graduate & Professional Center marks the university's latest strategic investment in serving as a hub for knowledge and developing innovative leaders within the city of Portland.

"A flourishing city needs a strong higher education sector. But we also believe that a strong university - a university that can develop students who are ready to turn knowledge into action - needs to be in a flourishing city," said Willamette University President Steve Thorsett. "The ability to expand our reach and our vision into Portland is an exciting chapter for Willamette, and I think it will increasingly be recognized as an exciting chapter for Portland as well."

Members of the Portland business community and public sector celebrated the move. The Portland Metro Chamber assisted with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and presented Willamette with a proclamation declaring August 26, 2024, "Willamette University Graduate Center Grand Opening Day in Greater Portland."

"Willamette University truly lives by its motto: Not unto ourselves alone are we born. It educates future leaders with a global perspective and a passion for serving the community," said Ben Forstag, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Portland Metro Chamber. "And by opening this new campus in the heart of our city, the university is demonstrating its commitment to the community here in Portland."

Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez BA'97, JD'00 praised Willamette's commitment to downtown Portland. The undergraduate and College of Law double-alum also explained how his Willamette experience prepared him for a life of public service.

"Willamette is where I got to meet my wife, play soccer, and engage socially and intellectually," Gonzalez said. "I am forever grateful for what Willamette has done for my life, and I am ecstatic that they're choosing to double-down on the city of Portland."

In the short video below, get a sneak peek at one of three classrooms at the center. Designed for collaboration, these rooms feature flexible seating and plenty of screens for facilitating teaching and learning.

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