University of Portland

Man working in front of bookshelves at a desk with papers spread out.

July 2, 2026

From College Presidents to a Mosaic of Father Tom Oddo

Tyler Bieber Author's Post, Biography, Nonfiction, Tyler Bieber activism, activism in religion, American Catholicism, biography writing, book writing journey, Catholic Church history, civil rights, college presidents, Dignity USA, education reform, higher education, leadership failures, LGBTQ+ advocacy, memoir, queer history, religious reform, social justice, Tom Oddo, University of Portland, Vatican II

Follow Tyler Bieber’s journey from writing about college presidents to uncovering the remarkable life and legacy of Father Tom Oddo in this reflective, very cool post.

A sepia‑toned archival photograph of a priest in clerical clothing standing at a podium labeled “The University of Portland,” speaking into a microphone during a formal event.

July 2, 2026

Go Beyond the Archives with Tyler Bieber

Tyler Bieber Against the Current, Author's Post, Biography, Book Publishing, Nonfiction, Transparency, Tyler Bieber Against the Current book, archival research, biography writing, Catholic history, Catholic priesthood, Congregation of Holy Cross, Father Tom Oddo, Historical Research, indie publishing, interview process, oral history, Oregon Historical Society, Pietro Belluschi, Portland history, religious biography, University of Portland

Tyler Bieber goes beyond the archives to share Father Tom Oddo’s story, revealing insights that printed records alone can’t capture.

Father Tom Oddo sitting on the campus lawn with students, 1983. Source: University of Portland Archive.

June 25, 2026

Defining the “New American Catholic”

Tyler Bieber Against the Current, Author's Post, Biography, Book Publishing, Nonfiction, Tyler Bieber 1960s Religion, Against the Current book, American Catholic identity, American Catholicism, biography writing, Book Research Notes, Catholic Church, Catholic community, Catholic education, Catholic history, Catholic priesthood, Catholicism, Church Reform, Congregation of Holy Cross, DignityUSA, Documentary History, faith and culture, faith in modern times, Father Tom Oddo, Historical Research, indie publishing, interview process, LGBTQ+ Catholic Voices, modern Catholicism, Portland history, progressive Catholicism, queer Catholic history, Religion & Culture, religion in America, religious biography, social justice, spirituality, theology, University of Portland, Vatican II

Explore how Vatican II reshaped American Catholicism, inspired social justice movements, and shaped Father Tom Oddo’s identity as a New American Catholic.

June 8, 2026

Father Tom Oddo and Pride | Gallery

Unencumbered Press Against the Current, Author's Post, Biography, Nonfiction, Tom Oddo Gallery, Tyler Bieber archival photos, Barney Frank, Catholic Activism, Dignity Boston, DignityUSA, Elaine Noble, Father Tom Oddo, gay Catholic history, gay rights movement, LGBTQ advocacy, LGBTQ history, LGBTQ rights, Portland history, Pride Month, queer archives, queer clergy, queer faith, University of Portland

For Pride Month, Tyler Bieber spotlights how Father Tom Oddo championed LGBTQ+ dignity and justice throughout his ministry.

May 27, 2026

On Birthdays & Crowdfunding the Against the Current Audiobook

Stephanie Johnson Lawson Against the Current, Biography, From the Publisher's Desk, Nonfiction, Personal Stories, Tyler Bieber Audiobook Kickstarter, Audiobook launch, biography, birthdays, Book Publishing, Catholic social justice, crowdfunding, DignityUSA, faith and identity, Father Tom Oddo, Legacy and remembrance, LGBTQ+ Catholic history, queer Catholic history, University of Portland, Vatican II

A reflection on why birthdays matter, what they stir up, and what’s ahead for the Against the Current audiobook.

January 14, 2026

A “Very Real Threat of Danger”: Homophobia during Tom Oddo’s Presidency

Tyler Bieber Against the Current, Author's Post, Biography, Nonfiction, Tyler Bieber 1980s Catholic universities, AIDS crisis, Bem Sex Role Inventory, Father Chris Johnson, Historical Research, homophobia, Index of Attitudes Toward Homosexuals, LGBTQ Catholic history, Tom Oddo, University of Portland

A newly uncovered 1988 thesis reveals the depth of homophobia among students at a Catholic university during Tom Oddo’s presidency—and the urgent role education played in confronting it.