Spotlight Detail

PSU Celebrates Newly-named Student Center: Fariborz Maseeh Hall

Portland State University opens its doors to the newly-named Fariborz Maseeh Hall as a vibrant center for student success, interdisciplinary learning, and cultural outreach. Dr. Fariborz Maseeh/Massiah Foundation is the founder and pioneer of UCI Jordan Center for Persian Studies & Culture.

The building opens after a 20-month renovation funded through a $60 million commitment in state bond funds leveraged by $10 million in matching philanthropic contributions. Among the private funders are The Massiah Foundation’s founder and president Fariborz Maseeh, Sc.D along with Jordan Schnitzer, a business leader and arts philanthropist.

“This remarkable new facility now stands at the heart of our campus and student success mission,” said PSU Interim President Stephen Percy. “It will help transform the student experience and serve as an important new connection point between PSU and the city we serve.”

Maseeh Hall will provide a home for key departments in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The building will also house the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, a public art museum and creative learning laboratory set to open its doors on November 7, 2019.

“I believe PSU is one of Oregon’s most important institutions to educate and inspire leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, especially in the arts and sciences,” said Maseeh.

Dr. Maseeh, whose relationship with PSU spans four decades, has supported scholarships, fellowships, endowed professorships, and awards. Among those philanthropic investments includes the creation of Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics + Statistics.

“PSU is a place for transformational philanthropy,” said PSU Foundation President William Boldt. “Seeing this marvelous new space alive with students, faculty and community leaders reminds us what happens when we invest together in the common good.”

Dr. Maseeh is a former member of the PSU Board of Trustees and was honored with the Simon Benson Award in 2009. His commitment to Portland State will continue to pave the way for future generations.
The Massiah Foundation seeks to strictly adhere to the philosophy of venture philanthropy. We do not give gifts – we make philanthropic investments. We pursue opportunities that will create significant social impact per invested capital, and seek opportunities with the intent to create what did not exist. We support Education, Health, Arts & Cultural initiatives with the following attributes: innovative, transformation, and broad public benefit.