1.Holly Madison
The model and television personality attended Portland State pursuing a major in Theater and Psychology. Though she did transfer to Loyola Marymount University to complete her studies, we know the Astoria native will always be a Viking at heart.
2. Mike Richardson
Since founding awarding winning Dark Horse Comics in 1986, Mike Richardson’s Milwaukie based comic studio remains one of the most influential publishers in the industry. In honor of his numerous accomplishments, Portland State University bestowed Richardson with the Outstanding Alumnus award in 2006.
3. Princess Salwa Aga Khan
Born Kendra Spears in Seattle, Washington, Salwa Aga Khan attended Portland State to study Sociology but ultimately completed her BA at the University of Washington. After moving to New York City she enjoyed success as a fashion model, working with labels such as Gucci, Christian Lacroix, and Valentino.
She was married to Prince Rahim Aga Khan on the 31st of August in 2013 in Geneva.
4. Mark Dacascos
As a skilled martial artist and successful actor, Mark Alan Dacascos has enjoyed great success both on and off screen. After being discovered on the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown, Mark began a successful career portraying martial artists on television and film. In "Cradle 2 The Grave", he even went toe to toe with Jet Li.
5. Sara Jean Underwood
Born in Portland, Oregon, the model, actress and former host of G4’s "Attack of the Show!" attended Oregon State University as well as PSU.
6. Esperanza Spalding
Grammy award winning musician and composer Esperanza Spalding became the first Jazz Musician to take home the award for Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy awards. Spalding triumphing Justin Beiber, Drake, Mumford and Sons, as well as Florence and the Machine.
7. Bree Schaaf
Bree Schaaf is a skeleton racer and bobsledder who participated on the US bobsled team during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Her athleticism skill as a volleyball player earned her a scholarship to Portland State University where she played the sport at a collegiate level.
8. Carolyn Davidson
Ever wonder who designed the signature “swoosh” logo for Nike? Then graphic design student, Carolyn Davidson, that’s who. When Nike co-founder Phil Knight noticed Davidson in class, he asked her to give designing the logo a shot. Which brings us to our next entry...
9. Travis Knight
Son of Nike CEO, Phil Knight, Travis is an animator, film executive, and current President and CEO of Laika, Inc. Laika is the animation studio responsible for films "The Boxtrolls", "ParaNorman", and the award winning adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s "Coraline" (on which Travis was lead animator). The Portland State graduate runs Laika Entertainment from it’s headquarters in Hillsboro, Oregon.
10. Courtney Love
Multi-talented Courtney Michelle Love was huge in the punk and grunge scenes of the 1990’s. Her time in Portland was spent with multiple short-lived bands, until forming Hole in 1989. Though not a regular student, Love studied English and philosophy at Portland State University.
11. Steve Gaynor
Steve Gaynor is a game designer and writer best known for his work on "Bioshock Two" and "Bioshock Infinite". He is co-founder of the indie game developer, Fullbright.
