Jules Kopel Bailey ‘01

Update 2/6/2009: Jules Kopel Bailey was recently elected to the Oregon House of Representatives.

It was only after Jules’ father, a Lewis & Clark College graduate request that he take a campus tour on Palatine Hill, that Jules considered staying in his hometown for college. The campus’ beauty and the amazing professors swayed Jules into remaining in Portland and attending L&C.

What attracted Jules to L&C as a prospective student continued to impress him as a student. “The faculty connections were by far the most valuable part,” says Jules. These connections can be exemplified by the relationships formed between the late Evan Williams — professor and founder of the Environmental Studies program — and his students, including Jules. Evan Williams and his teachings significantly influenced Jules, who is now involved in the field of economic and sustainable development as a consultant with ECONorthwest.

Jules chooses to make his annual gift in memory of his favorite professor, Evan Williams. Jules recalls, “I remember Evan taking me aside on graduation day and telling me that every year he gave to his alma mater, even if it was just a little bit.” Jules has since adopted a similar attitude towards giving. “Even if it’s only $25 a year, it’s the principle of saying ‘Thank you, and we support the difference you are trying to make.’”

Story by Maddy Abulencia ‘09