Alumnus makes $10 million bequest to the University of Cincinnati
Patrick and Malle Portway support Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy
A $10 million gift from the estate of Patrick, BA ’63, and Malle Portway will advance the work of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy (CCSP) at the University of Cincinnati and provide programs and opportunities for its students. The center is part of the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The CCSP, led by Richard Harknett, PhD, chair of CCSP, professor and director of SPIA, has been recognized for its work on national and defense cyber strategies. The center focuses on the approach of cyber persistence in securing cyberspace from foreign adversaries, criminal activity, and misuse that can harm our economy, political institutions, and society.
In addition to its research-based policy influence, the CCSP collaborates with and supports the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, a state-funded platform hosted at UC. Its mission is to advance cybersecurity education, workforce and economic development throughout Ohio.
The generosity of the Portways will provide funds that advance cyber security knowledge and practice through the following unique programs:
- Students will work with CCSP and international researchers through the Portway Cyber Strategy Student Research Fellows program. Fellows will travel to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia.
- Industry and government experts will visit campus and share cyber security problem-solving with UC students and faculty.
- A motion graphic cyber awareness series will provide education to the general population.
Patrick Portway, BA '63. He and Malle Portway are advancing the work of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy.
“Patrick and Malle are positioning our students and faculty to tackle cyber insecurity in new, innovative ways,” said Harknett. “I am humbled and grateful for their gift, which will make a tremendous impact and support our efforts to advance cyber security here and around the world.”
The center’s work connects to Patrick’s career and Malle’s heritage; her family escaped Estonia during World War II.
A UC Army Reserve Officer Training Corps member, Patrick worked in Army Intelligence after he graduated from UC, serving in the 116th Counterintelligence Corps Group, in Washington, D.C. Notably, Patrick was part of the security detail for President Lyndon Johnson’s inauguration. He became a management intern at the General Service Administration, in automated data and telecommunications administration after active duty. When Patrick left government service he worked as manager of strategic marketing at Xerox and was a congressional liaison for Boeing.
Patrick and Malle are positioning our students and faculty to tackle cyber insecurity in new, innovative ways. I am humbled and grateful for their gift, which will make a tremendous impact and support our efforts to advance cyber security here and around the world.
Richard Harknett, PhD chair of CCSP, professor and director of SPIA
Patrick was an innovator and realized the potential for video-conferencing well before Zoom became a household word, publishing the book "Teleconferencing & Distance Learning" in 1992. In 1980, he formed his own company, Applied Business TeleCommunications and ran TeleCon, the largest conference on teleconferencing and distance learning, until 1998, when he sold his company.
Patrick credits his UC education in physics, political science and Russian Studies for his success.
“UC accelerated my time in the military and my career,” Patrick said. “We’re excited about Richard, the program and its ties to Estonia.”
The Portways are long-time university supporters and have also established scholarships at the College of Arts and Sciences.
Featured image at top: UC College of Arts and Sciences Hall. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand.
Next, Now
With its focus on innovation and impact, Next, Now: The Campaign for Cincinnati is where ambition meets action. At the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, we’re driven by next; thinking bolder and dreaming bigger to create the tomorrow we envision, today. Learn more at nextnow.uc.edu.
Related Stories
Flexible program options allow social work students to study at their own pace
April 16, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Accerated Master of Social Work (MSW) program gives students the opportunity to save time and money while obtaining their degree for an in-demand career field.
Village Life partners with UC International to support Global Scholars
April 14, 2021
Two students from Tanzania receive Global Opportunity Scholarships and get a big Bearcat welcome!
Construction management student finds niche in leadership roles
April 14, 2021
Construction management student Phillip Stoll made the most of his time at the University of Cincinnati by participating in construction competitions, leading organizations like the Construction Student Association and mentoring younger students. Stoll, who was named Undergraduate Engineer of the Month by UC College of Engineering and Applied Science, will graduate this spring with a job offer from a former co-op employer.
UC’s summer semester offers students short sessions, flexibility
April 12, 2021
Coming into the summertime of 2020, Sumedha Kappagantula was considering ways to make the most her opportunities during what is usually a break from the academic rigor of her traditional school year. As a Biomedical Engineering major in the UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Kappagantula is minoring in Chemistry and Biological Sciences, taking classes through the College of Arts and Sciences. She thought summer semester would be a great time to get ahead in her coursework, and move her degree forward.
First cohort accepted for Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist pilot program
April 21, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist Program gives students fast-track path to becomming an RDN while giving them exceptional internship experiences.
Local music spotlight: CCM Jazz students in The Wonderlands band release new single
April 19, 2021
UC College-Conservatory of Music Jazz Studies students in a local band, The Wonderlands, release a new single and music video that's making waves on the internet.
CCM's Graduate Student Association wins GSA of the year award
April 21, 2021
Earlier this month, the University of Cincinnati’s Graduate Student Government recognized the College-Conservatory of Music’s Graduate Student Association (GSA) with its GSA of the Year award. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions that the group has made to the quality of graduate student life within the CCM and UC communities. This year’s GSA consists of Maria Seffrin, president; Caitlan Truelove, vice president; Muning Wang, secretary; and Matt Coffey, treasurer. The Graduate Student Government also recognized Truelove with the Graduate Student Award for Exemplary Scholarship.
With the flip of a tassel, A&S grads celebrate success
April 30, 2021
By: Joí Dean UC’s College of Arts and Sciences salutes this year’s more than 1,000 graduates, who completed their fourth-year studies in the face of a pandemic and prevailed to celebrate in the first in-person commencement in more than a year. Here, A&S 2021 seniors reflect on their experiences, and how A&S helped them on their individual paths to success.
College of Nursing online program offers career-changing opportunities
April 27, 2021
Arna Robins, a College of Nursing student who lives in the Pacific Northwest and worked for years as a flight nurse, went through the Interactive Case Studies program as part of her quest to become a nurse practitioner in order to have a more personal experience with patients.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.