Recently, I had the privilege of introducing Tom Potter—Portland’s beloved former Mayor and Chief of Police, at a ceremony recognizing him for his lifetime of public service. Tom was receiving Cleveland High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award and joined the ranks of prior honorees like Nike Founder and former CEO Phil Knight, US Secretary of Commerce John Bryson, entertainer Mel Blanc and author and humanitarian Kilong Ung.

I first met Tom and his wife Karin years ago while I was serving as Portland State University’s student body president. It was at the Roots Festival, a multicultural celebration of diversity, which I was a part of hosting and organizing. All we’d asked is that his office issue a proclamation supporting our efforts to promote inclusiveness. Tom’s office went much further.

Both Tom and Karin spoke at the festival, and it made an enormous impact on our student leaders. Tom has played a big role as an advocate for youth. His exceptional achievements in law enforcement are unprecedented, followed by his role as Executive Director of New Avenues for Youth, which serves at-risk and homeless youth. He led Portland as Mayor to produce a children’s bill of rights. “Our Bill of Rights: Children and Youth” was a product of the youth of Portland to advise community leaders on exactly what kind of support and access they needed to reach their full potential. It was adopted as an advisory document by the Portland City Council and Multnomah County Commission.

It was through my various connections with Tom that we discovered our mutual Cleveland High School connection. I was having coffee with Tom and Karin when she mentioned his upcoming award—and suggested it was a great opportunity to bridge our generations.

On March 3^rd 2013, I was happy to pay tribute to a man that has made an astounding and lasting impact on the entire City of Portland and Northwest region.