Portland philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer gifts PSU $10 million for campus’ arts scene

Jashayla Pettigrew
·2 min read
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Just as Portland State University vies to replace the Keller Auditorium with its own venue, the institution has announced a major gift that will help it affirm itself as a “downtown arts destination.”

On Tuesday morning, PSU revealed the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation donated $10 million in support of the campus’ arts scene.

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Half of the donation will fund construction for the Schnitzer School of Art, Art History and Design, which was recently renamed after the family due to their support of the university. The new building is set to open in the South Park Blocks in 2026.

Another $4 million will go toward operations at PSU’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, which aims to make art more accessible by offering free admission to the public.

The remaining $1 million will cover new signage, lighting and outdoor art on the university’s campus.

Jordan Schnitzer, the real estate developer and art collector behind the huge donation, hopes the money will benefit not only PSU students — but also residents across the Portland area.

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“My grandparents, my late parents Harold and Arlene Schnitzer and I believe in the importance of education,” Schnitzer said in a statement. “Education not only helps us have a great quality of life, but helps us get better jobs and build our communities. An arts education is the best background to think creatively, to learn to be innovative, to help build our workforce and economy, and most importantly, help solve society’s great challenges!”

According to PSU, the Schnitzers have been the university’s “most generous benefactor family” with a total of $21 million donated over the years. Previous gifts include the Judaic Studies program created by Harold and the new Lincoln Hall glass tower funded by Arlene.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler were among the attendees at PSU’s announcement event. In late summer 2023, the governor formed the Central City Task Force — that the mayor serves on — designed to boost the downtown economy.

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“The success of Portland State University is integral to the vision we share for downtown, and I greatly appreciate Jordan Schnitzer for his commitment to the arts, to PSU and to the City of Portland, the economic engine of the state,” Kotek said in a statement.

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