MarkoPDX

About Me

I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where I developed a taste for barbecue, Italian-American cuisine, and jazz and blues music. I served in the Naval Air Reserves as an Aviation Hydraulicsman. At 26, I decided it was time to get serious about finishing my degree. I earned a B.S. in Mass Media and Film Studies from Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State University). By a turn of fate, I ended up working in telecommunications after school and have been working in that field since 1999.

Boredom eventually set in, so I decided to work on another degree and earned a Master of Science in Management (M.S.M.) from Baker University, with extra classwork for an emphasis in International Management. That scratched the itch for a while, but eventually, the ennui of Midwestern life brought about a change I had been contemplating for 15 years. In 2016, I moved to Portland, Oregon, and still enjoy living there today.

The University Club of Portland

A Portland institution since 1898, the University Club of Portland is a private social club in downtown Portland, Oregon. The historic building is elegant and inviting. I love to spend time there, whether working or socializing with fellow members. I can also be found taking advantage of some quiet time to read in the library.

I enjoy joining friends for dinner and drinks at the club, and I participate in some of the affinity groups the club offers, such as the Downtowners' affinity group, the Murder Mystery Book Group, and the Magic: the Gathering affinity group. I also serve on the club's Library Committee and have been a member since 2024.