Marsha Hammack

Marsha Hammack is a kind, thoughtful, and sophisticated woman. Her life has been distinguished by education; travel and an appreciation of foreign cultures; and a refined sensibility to the arts.

While still in high school, Marsha was awarded the opportunity by Chapman College to continue her education through a special program on a cruise ship that encircled the globe. She was able to accumulate college credit and travel the world at the same time. This experience undoubtedly nurtured her life-long passion for education, travel, and an appreciation of foreign cultures.

Marsha attended the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon and, during her coursework there, she was able to participate in exchange programs at the University of Massachusetts as well as in Majorca, Spain. After receiving a bachelor's degree in English, she taught English as a Second Language classes at Portland Community College where she developed close relationships with her students who were from all parts of the globe.

After graduating from Portland State University with a master's degree in English, she accepted a position teaching English at The American School in Quito, Ecuador. This also gave her the opportunity to travel to neighboring Colombia and Peru.

After returning to the United States, Marsha attended Lewis and Clarke Law School in Portland, Oregon earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree. Upon graduation, she was offered a distinguished position with a federal judge in Eugene, Oregon. She later practiced law in Anchorage, Alaska and in Portland, Oregon.

Marsha's appreciation for education continues to this day as she regularly fills in at local libraries in Portland, Oregon.

Although she studied both French and Spanish, she is fluent in Spanish and travels regularly in Spanish-speaking countries including Mexico for which she has a special fondness.

Her travels have taken her around the world and include such far-flung locations as Tanzania, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Canada, Argentina, England, France, Spain, and the lower 48 states of the United States.

As a young woman, Marsha studied piano and ballet. Her appreciation of all branches of the arts continues to this day. She is a patron of the arts in Portland, Oregon, and is particularly fond of the Portland Art Museum and the Portland Classical Chinese Garden.

Marsha is a member of the Unitarian Church and is an avid walker (often enjoying tours of the Hoyt Arboretum and Forest Park in the South West Hills of Portland, Oregon).

Born on May 27, 1953 in Portland, Oregon, Marsha is the daughter of Brice Levi Hammack and Mary (aka, Rita) Margaret Denton (who live in Portland, Oregon). She has a brother, Brice Robert Hammack (who lives in New York City, New York).

Because of her magnitude and genuine acceptance of all people -- without regard to race, culture, education, societal status, or educational background -- Marsha has made the world a better place.

Lovingly submitted by her brother, Brice Hammack

Locate on Walk:

• Stage Wall (Left Wall), 2-4