Seminary Celebrates 75 Years

Portland Seminary marked its 75th year with a gathering in May at the George Fox University campus in Newberg. The celebration, “Lighting the Way Since 1947,” featured music, dinner and speakers, along with photos from its rich history.

Founded in 1947, Western Evangelical Seminary merged with George Fox College in 1996 to form George Fox University, changing its name to George Fox Evangelical Seminary. In 2017, it became Portland Seminary, retaining its focus on providing a spiritually formative and intellectually engaging education.

Also this spring, a Portland Seminary alumna, Tammy Dunahoo, was named executive dean. Dunahoo, an ordained minister with more than 40 years of ministry and church leadership experience, will take the reins from MaryKate Morse, who will remain at the seminary as a professor.

“Her love of Christ and the church, her communication and executive leadership skills, her international church and denominational network relationships, and her vision for theological education make her the right person for this role,” says Morse of Dunahoo. “Portland Seminary has been lighting the way for those called to ministry since 1947, and she will guide us into what the Spirit has for us next.”