Made from the heart’

Upon entering Dementro “Debo” Powell’s office in Montgomery Court, you quickly notice his vast achievements proudly displayed on all four walls. Certificates from his involvement with Outside In, a social service agency aiding Portland’s youth homeless, and a white board above his desk scribbled with the phrase “Debo, get your life in order … ” adorn his walls.

Powell is an Area Coordinator for Residence Life at Portland State, and he definitely has his hands full. His job is to help manage all of the Resident Assistants (RAs) on campus, as well as mentoring Portland State athletes. Responsibility over a group of 20-something students may seem like a difficult task, but not for Powell.

“For the most part they’ve been pretty good,” he said, knocking on his desk.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Powell has been involved with residence life for 12 years, four of which have been spent at Portland State.

Powell acquired his undergraduate degree at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, with a major in elementary and special education. He received his master’s degree in student personnel from the same university. He also spent a year teaching fifth grade, with a focus on helping students with reading.

An avid music fan, Powell was brought up singing in church choirs, stating that he has always been very involved in the church. He enjoys giving back to the music community by directing choirs whenever he can. He is also a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was apparent by his matching hat and jersey.

“I was very happy with the [Super Bowl] outcome,” Powell said, referring to the 2009 Super Bowl.

He spent most of his life in Pennsylvania and different areas of the South before making the trek to Portland.

When asked about his move to the Northwest, Powell said: “It’s different, especially from the South. As far as from Pennsylvania, the landscape and things like that are the same. People are nicer here.”

Powell also helps organize the Soul Food Dinner, happening this Saturday. The dinner is a departure from the standard cuisine Portlanders are used to. The spicy, Southern dishes are cooked fresh; he defines the food as “made from the heart.”

Although Powell will not be the one stooped over a hot stove for this Saturday’s Soul Food Dinner, he does enjoy cooking, especially his Southern favorites.

“I try to expose my residents, especially as Area Coordinator … I try to expose them to a little of that cooking,” he said. “They love it, now they’re trying to get me to open up a place.”

The next big event Powell plans to tackle is the annual Haunted House, hosted by Residence Life in Montgomery Court.

This is a student-run production in October, where the halls of Montgomery are transformed for Halloween, with the proceeds benefiting Outside In.

Powell’s move to the Pacific Northwest has been beneficial, for both the students of PSU and for others in the community, and it sounds like he is here to stay.

“I love the atmosphere and the city,” Powell said. “It’s been a good ride so far.”