Terry Chung, Class of 1964
Terry Chung, Class of 1964: Terry is the heart behind the Portland Chinatown Museum. As founding president of the Portland Chinatown History Foundation, he helped turn a longtime dream into reality when the museum opened its doors in 2018. Located in a restored building in Old Town, the space is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Chinese American experience in Portland.
Chung, a lifelong Portlander and community advocate, stepped up when it became clear that the history of our Chinatown was disappearing. Once the second-largest Chinatown in the country, Portland’s Chinese community had been pushed to the edges by urban renewal and shifting demographics. Chung and a group of elders knew something had to be done. With exhibits like Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Two Chinatowns, the museum brings that history to life. Visitors walk through recreated storefronts—a laundry, a herb shop, or even an opium den—to get a real sense of what life was like for early Chinese immigrants. The museum also shines a light on the racism and exclusion they faced, and the resilience they showed.
For Chung, the museum is just the beginning. He’s a strong voice for protecting Old Town’s cultural roots and wants to see it grow into a vibrant, multicultural hub that honors all the communities that have shaped it; Chinese, Japanese, Indigenous, Jewish, and more.
Thanks to Terry Chung’s passion and persistence, Portland’s Chinatown has a place where its story can be told and a future that still feels alive.
Chung, a lifelong Portlander and community advocate, stepped up when it became clear that the history of our Chinatown was disappearing. Once the second-largest Chinatown in the country, Portland’s Chinese community had been pushed to the edges by urban renewal and shifting demographics. Chung and a group of elders knew something had to be done. With exhibits like Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Two Chinatowns, the museum brings that history to life. Visitors walk through recreated storefronts—a laundry, a herb shop, or even an opium den—to get a real sense of what life was like for early Chinese immigrants. The museum also shines a light on the racism and exclusion they faced, and the resilience they showed.
For Chung, the museum is just the beginning. He’s a strong voice for protecting Old Town’s cultural roots and wants to see it grow into a vibrant, multicultural hub that honors all the communities that have shaped it; Chinese, Japanese, Indigenous, Jewish, and more.
Thanks to Terry Chung’s passion and persistence, Portland’s Chinatown has a place where its story can be told and a future that still feels alive.
Thomas Lauderdale, Class of 1988
Thomas Lauderdale, Class of 1988 and Harvard Class of ’92, has spent the last three decades proving that classical training and quirky creativity can go hand in hand.
As the founder and pianist of the beloved genre-bending band Pink Martini, Lauderdale has built a global following with music that’s as inclusive and joyful as it is
sophisticated.
Lauderdale grew up in Portland, where he was a piano prodigy from an early age. At Harvard, he studied history and literature, played piano in dorm rooms and concert halls, and was known for his sharp wit and bold style. After graduating, he initially planned to go into politics...instead he started a band.
Pink Martini began in 1994 as a one-off performance for a political fundraiser. Wearing a vintage cocktail dress, Lauderdale led a band that was meant to entertain and energize. The response was so enthusiastic, he decided to keep going. Soon after, he invited a college friend, China Forbes, to join as lead singer—and the rest is history.
Today, Pink Martini performs all over the world, playing everything from jazz and classical to samba and pop, often in more than 20 languages. Their signature song, “Sympathique,” was a surprise hit in France!
Still based in Portland, Lauderdale continues to lead the band with passion, humor, and a belief in music’s power to bring people together. Whether collaborating with international artists or performing with symphony orchestras, he’s built a career on joy, elegance, and global connection.
Three decades in, Lauderdale and Pink Martini are still going strong; still throwing one heck of a party.
As the founder and pianist of the beloved genre-bending band Pink Martini, Lauderdale has built a global following with music that’s as inclusive and joyful as it is
sophisticated.
Lauderdale grew up in Portland, where he was a piano prodigy from an early age. At Harvard, he studied history and literature, played piano in dorm rooms and concert halls, and was known for his sharp wit and bold style. After graduating, he initially planned to go into politics...instead he started a band.
Pink Martini began in 1994 as a one-off performance for a political fundraiser. Wearing a vintage cocktail dress, Lauderdale led a band that was meant to entertain and energize. The response was so enthusiastic, he decided to keep going. Soon after, he invited a college friend, China Forbes, to join as lead singer—and the rest is history.
Today, Pink Martini performs all over the world, playing everything from jazz and classical to samba and pop, often in more than 20 languages. Their signature song, “Sympathique,” was a surprise hit in France!
Still based in Portland, Lauderdale continues to lead the band with passion, humor, and a belief in music’s power to bring people together. Whether collaborating with international artists or performing with symphony orchestras, he’s built a career on joy, elegance, and global connection.
Three decades in, Lauderdale and Pink Martini are still going strong; still throwing one heck of a party.
Bryan Butcher, Jr., Class of 2008
Bryan Butcher Jr., '08: Bryan is a math teacher at Beaumont Middle School in Portland, was named Oregon’s 2024–25 Teacher of the Year. A Portland native and 2008 Grant alum, Butcher graduated magna cum laude from Atlanta’s Morehouse College and joined Teach for America before beginning his eight-year tenure at Beaumont. Known for his focus on respect, effort, and high expectations, he creates a classroom where students feel safe to ask questions and take academic risks.
“Bryan exemplifies the impact committed teachers can have,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “He creates a space where students feel safe, supported, and proud.” And Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, called Butcher “a champion for his students” who builds community and confidence through creative, student-centered teaching.
Sponsored by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery, the Teacher of the Year Award includes a $10,000 prize for Butcher and $5,000 for Portland Public Schools. He will also represent Oregon educators and take part in national professional development. “My goal,” Butcher said, “is to help students recognize they already have the foundation to succeed. Rapport leads to learning.”
“Bryan exemplifies the impact committed teachers can have,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “He creates a space where students feel safe, supported, and proud.” And Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, called Butcher “a champion for his students” who builds community and confidence through creative, student-centered teaching.
Sponsored by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Lottery, the Teacher of the Year Award includes a $10,000 prize for Butcher and $5,000 for Portland Public Schools. He will also represent Oregon educators and take part in national professional development. “My goal,” Butcher said, “is to help students recognize they already have the foundation to succeed. Rapport leads to learning.”