Portland State University School of Business

The School of Business proudly recognizes Sophia Mecklem, a Human Resources Management 2026 graduate whose journey reflects a commitment to people-centered leadership and professional growth.

Sophia’s interest in HR began during her management role at a retirement community, where she gained hands-on experience in hiring, onboarding, and employee relations. This experience shaped her understanding of HR as both a strategic business partner and an advocate for employees, leading her to pursue Business Administration with a focus in HR Management at PSU.

Sophia also served as Vice President of External Relations for the HR Management Association, where she helped strengthen connections between students and the Portland HR professional community, expanding access to mentorship, networking, and career readiness opportunities.

She also contributed to community initiatives such as mock interview programs with the Portland Workforce Alliance, Dress for Success events, and workforce readiness efforts supporting local students.

Through these experiences, Sophia developed a strong foundation in Human Resources and a clear post-graduate path, including plans to pursue the SHRM-CP certification.
The School of Business celebrates Sophia’s achievements and contributions and wishes her continued success in her career.

Read more: https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/celebrating-undergraduate-class-2026

Through strategic connection, mentorship, and shared experiences, Atmos students continue to defy expectations, overcome barriers, and create meaningful futures for themselves and the professional communities they enter.

From driving excellence in the classroom to securing top-tier internships and taking on critical leadership roles, these individuals consistently inspire us with their determination and commitment to professional growth. Their journeys are a powerful reminder that success is defined by resilience and the courage to move forward.

As we close out the academic year, we proudly celebrate every accomplishment, every milestone, and every student who makes the Atmos community a cornerstone of our institution. The future of business is bright, and we look forward to watching these leaders shape what's next. 🎓✨

The future of the workforce is being shaped right here at The School of Business. As we approach the end of the academic year, it is a privilege to recognize the students who are raising the bar for excellence. True leadership extends far beyond the classroom - it is demonstrated through initiative, professional growth, and a commitment to making a tangible impact on our community.

Last night, the Beta Gamma Sigma PSU Chapter came together to honor these values at our year-end celebration. BGS represents the highest academic recognition a business student can receive globally, and seeing our community gather to celebrate these achievements was incredibly inspiring.

To all of this year’s honorees: Your dedication, work ethic, and leadership do not go unnoticed. You embody the very best of our institution, and we look forward to watching your continued success as you enter the professional world.

Join us in congratulating the Class of 2026 Beta Gamma Sigma inductees and award winners.

Today, President Ann Cudd and Provost Shelly Chabon hosted a listening and conversation session with students at The School of Business focused on the student experience at Portland State University.

The discussion created space for students to share feedback, discuss challenges, and contribute ideas that will help shape the future of PSU. Conversations like these reflect the university’s continued commitment to listening, collaboration, and student success.

Yesterday, The School of Business Career Center hosted a networking social event, bringing together students, mentors, employer partners, alumni, faculty, and staff for an evening of connection and community.

As the Career Center’s final networking event of the academic year, students had the opportunity to strengthen industry connections and build confidence in their networking skills ahead of summer opportunities. This year also marked the first time alumni from across The School of Business community joined the event, creating even more opportunities for meaningful conversations and professional connections.

Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support our students throughout the year.

Yesterday, The School of Business was filled with the powerful sounds and movements of Inner Mongolian tradition. While it was a stunning display of artistry, the event served a deeper purpose. In a globalized marketplace, "business as usual" requires more than technical skill, it requires cultural intelligence.

Events like these are vital for understanding
the heritage of international partners to build deeper trust, exposing students to diverse perspectives that spark innovation and creative thinking and understanding that successful international trade is rooted in mutual respect for one another's history and values.

A huge thank you to the artists and the Oregon China Council, we are preparing our community to lead with awareness and integrity on the world stage.

Closing the Rural Gap: Why Commercial Real Estate Expertise Matters Outside the City

In rural Oregon, specialized commercial real estate expertise can be hard to find, but for Ukiah Hawkins, that gap was a calling.

As a certified residential appraiser based in Tillamook, Ukiah realized that to truly serve his community, he needed to scale his skills. Now, he’s leveraging Portland State University’s MSRE program to bring high-level CRE valuation and asset management back to the coast.

The best part? He’s doing it without leaving his business or his family.

* Remote-First: Rigorous graduate study designed for the rural professional.
* Immediate Impact: Applying classroom financial modeling to local coastal markets.
* Career Pivot: Transitioning from residential to commercial without the urban commute.

👉 Read how Ukiah is proving that professional advancement doesn't have to mean leaving home. https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/scaling-beyond-residential-how-remote-learning-transforming-rural-valuation

Thanh Evoniuk, a graduate of Portland State University’s Master of Science in Finance program, brings a people-centered approach to advising clients through major financial decisions such as homeownership, long-term planning, and uncertainty.

At PSU, she built a strong foundation in finance and accounting while developing a deeper understanding of the human context behind financial decision-making. Surrounded by peers balancing work, family, and academics, she learned to see finance as a practical tool that directly impacts people’s lives.

Her involvement included Beta Alpha Psi, competed in the ACG Cup, and supported initiatives focused on accessibility and community engagement, including multilingual financial reporting projects with the City of Portland.

These experiences continue to shape her professional approach today, emphasizing clarity, collaboration, and people-first decision-making.

Read more: https://www.pdx.edu/business/news/finding-meaning-finance

Strong industries are built through mentorship, access, and community.

The School of Business invites alumni, partners, and members of the business community to join us for the Women in Finance Forum on May 27 from 4-7 p.m.

This event brings together finance professionals and students for meaningful conversations about career growth, leadership, representation in the industry, and the evolving future of finance. Attendees will have the opportunity to share insights, expand their networks, and help support the next generation of business leaders.

While the forum highlights women in finance, the event is open to all and aims to foster broader dialogue, connection, and opportunity within the finance community.

We hope you’ll join us in investing in future talent and strengthening connections between industry and higher education. Learn more and register: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Join-us--Third-Annual-Women-in-Finance-Forum.html?soid=1123998408209&aid=3495uNSMlN8

Please join us in welcoming Maya Hills to the Student Success team at The School of Business. As our new retention & recruiting coordinator, Maya will play a key role in supporting high school and community college outreach, coordinating Welcome Week, and advancing several important student success initiatives. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the impact she will make across our community.