A cove in the Willamette River that is part of University of Portland's Franz Campus has been named Kuffner Cove in honor of James J. Kuffner '88, MBA. Kuffner is a longtime University of Portland administrator who has served in a variety of roles since 1985.
 
In 2008, Kuffner spearheaded the purchase and acquisition of the 35-acre Triangle Park property (now known as the Franz Campus). Since then he has helped oversee the University's environmental rehabilitation work and permitting process as it prepares the Franz Campus for development.
 
Kuffner Cove will be the future site of a new dock for the Rowing team as well as an innovative salmon resting area that will be overseen by the University's environmental sciences department.
 
"Jim played an instrumental role in the acquisition and development of the Franz Campus and has been the connection between vision and implementation that allowed the river campus to go forward," said University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. "The University of Portland is pleased to name Kuffner Cove in honor of Jim's leadership, service and perseverance on the transformative Franz Campus project."
 
Two New Endowments
Kuffner's family has also established two endowments to honor Jim and his wife Kathy's longtime dedication to the University. Their family includes daughters Maureen Briare '92, '04 M.M. and Teresa Noethe '01; sons James, Andrew '96, and Joe '05; and fourteen grandchildren (including Raina Briare '17, Natalie Briare '20, and Caitlin Briare '22).
 
The James J. Kuffner '88 MBA Endowment will support Franz Campus beautification projects like landscaping, benches, lighting, and other amenities that will help make the Franz Campus an inviting and welcoming place for the community. The Kathleen E. Kuffner '88 M.Ed. Endowment will support the Chapel Choir of the University's Campus Ministry department.
 
About Jim Kuffner
Born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y., Kuffner first found his way to the West Coast in the 1960's while enlisted in the U.S. Army. After serving in Okinawa, he was stationed at Fort Lewis near Tacoma, Wash. and enrolled as a student at Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) upon his discharge.
 
He met his wife of 51 years, Kathy, in college. They were soon married and settled in Oregon with their young family.
 
Kuffner began his career at the University of Portland in 1985 after serving at Portland City Hall on the staff of Mayor Frank Ivancie and in Salem for the State of Oregon.
 
Jim served more than 25 years as director of human resources before becoming assistant vice president for community relations and special projects. He has been closely involved in the University's work with the University Park Neighborhood Association, City of Portland, State of Oregon, Environmental Protection Agency, and many other governmental agencies. During his career Kuffner helped UP acquire more than 60 properties paving the way for development of the West Campus athletic & residence hall complex. In 2004 he received the Miltner Award, the University's highest administrative honor. The late Brian Doyle, famed editor of Portland Magazine, penned Kuffner's Miltner Citation. Though retired from full-time work, Jim continues to serve in an advisory role for the University's ongoing development of the Franz Campus.
 
A dedicated fan of all Pilot sports, he has helped raise thousands of dollars for the baseball program by helping organize golf tournaments and serving as auctioneer at several Diamond Dinners. You will regularly find him and his family in the stands of Merlo Field, the Chiles Center, and Joe Etzel Field cheering the Pilots on to victory.