David Poulshock

What three words would you use to describe L&C?

Many of us from the ’70s remember it as “Happy Jack’s Day Camp.”

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

The tipping point was a letter from L&C swim coach Mike Hosakawa, inviting me to be on the team even though I wasn’t that great of a swimmer. That year, he turned me into a distance champion.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Playing in the sandbox! First as a musician, then as an advertising creative, and for the last few decades, as a filmmaker. Plus raising two wonderful kids, and nurturing three fabulous grandkids. And swimming the 11-mile Portland Bridge Swim. Oh, and yeah, a bit of acting on the side.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your career?

My experience and mentors at L&C taught me a way of learning and absorbing the world around me that fuels my creativity. Thinking creatively is key to everything I do.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

To keep an open mind.

What’s your favorite part or most memorable experience of serving on the Board of Alumni?

Giving back to the school through the fruits of my labor and expertise.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

Annual events, newsletters, and staying connected with a few fellow alumni.

Have you been to Alumni Weekend or other programming, like Homecoming, etc.? What did you enjoy about the event(s)?

Connecting with old friends, seeing this uniquely lovely campus grow and evolve (it’s a special place), and meeting current students.

How do you encourage other alumni to give back to the college?

There are many ways we can pay forward the immense value of our shared L&C experience.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

I have a sticker in my editing bay that says, “open your mind.”

Why did you major in history?

A single professor and one class did it: Alan Kittell’s European History truly inspired me, and I immediately switched to history from international affairs.

Where did you find your community on campus?

Well, remember the times: 1966–1970. Vietnam. The Beatles. Timothy Leary. My band of friends consisted of rabble rousers, agitators, artists … striving to make the world a better place.