Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger to Speak on AI, Leadership at George Fox University
Written by Skyler Hamman, Newsberg Reporting Intern
NEWBERG, Ore. — Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger will return to George Fox University on April 8 to deliver a public lecture on artificial intelligence and leadership.
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His talk, “Big Tech & Big Responsibility: F.AI.th, Work, and Preparing the Next Generation—How Industry Leaders Can Foster Ethical Innovation,” will explore AI’s role in today’s world and the ethical responsibilities of technological leadership.
Gelsinger, who retired from Intel in December 2024, has worked in the tech industry for more than 40 years. He played a key role in developing technologies such as Wi-Fi and USB and led Intel’s rise as a global microprocessor leader. In 2019, Glassdoor named him America’s top CEO in its annual employee survey, citing his “visionary leadership” and commitment to workplace culture. Before returning to Intel as CEO in 2021, he led VMware, a cloud computing company.
“Newberg residents will have the opportunity to learn about AI, how to teach ethical innovation to young people, and the connection between faith and leadership,” said Carly Reumann, public relations and communications manager at George Fox. “This lecture is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential minds in technology and leadership.”
Gelsinger last spoke at George Fox in October 2019 while serving as CEO of VMware.
The event is free and open to the public and will be held at 7 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium on the George Fox campus. A Q&A session will follow. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to reserve seats online in advance.
Learn more at George Fox University’s website.
Shoemates Ends Repair Services, Expands Shoe Sales
NEWBERG, Ore. — Shoemates Newberg is discontinuing its shoe repair services as owner Tim McDaniel shifts focus to expanding the store’s growing footwear sales. The change comes after the store’s longtime cobbler retired, leaving repairs increasingly difficult to manage.
“We are stepping up more shoe sales and brands, and for the near future, repairs are on hold,” McDaniel said. “The repairman has taken another direction, so we will not be doing repairs now.”
While McDaniel is considering a new format that may allow Shoemates to continue resoling Birkenstocks and handling basic repairs, the shop will no longer take on other repairs or more time-consuming fixes. The complexity and logistical challenges of managing repairs have outweighed their financial viability, he said.
“Shoe sales alone are growing steadily, and repairs are getting too complex and time-consuming,” McDaniel said. “I can’t justify things the way they now are, and that’s the facts.”
Shoemates’ retail side remains strong, he said, with plans to expand seasonal offerings based on customer preferences in Newberg and surrounding areas. To support that growth, McDaniel is looking to hire a part-time or full-time employee for the Newberg location, with potential shifts in McMinnville as well.
“The absolute last thing I want to convey is that Shoemates is backing out of shoe sales here in Newberg,” he said. “Quite the opposite. There has been healthy, steady growth and community support.”
To celebrate that momentum, Shoemates is planning a “big tent” sale on Saturday, April 19, in the parking area behind the store. The event will feature discounted footwear across a variety of brands, including men’s and women’s styles for different seasons. The event is not set in stone, McDaniel said, but “highly likely.”
“Buying at a real store is more personal—less guesswork, fewer returns,” McDaniel said. “And it gives me a chance to get to know lots of people in and around town.”
Traffic Changes at Mountainview and Villa Road
NEWBERG, Ore. — Beginning March 27, Villa Road will be completely closed at Mountainview Drive, just past the Northwest Christian Church entrance, as construction begins on a new roundabout and traffic interchange. The closure is expected to last until June.
Mountainview Road traffic will be redirected to a temporary roadway, or “shoefly,” starting Monday morning to maintain traffic flow during construction, according to a press release from the city. However, there will be no access to Mountainview from Villa Road. Barricades have been placed at two of the three church entrances on the Mountainview side to prevent traffic from cutting through the church property. Additionally, traffic from Thorne Drive to Villa Road has been designated as local traffic only.
Violations of local traffic restrictions can result in fines, with drivers who ignore signs on Thorne Drive subject to a $265 penalty under ORS 811.265 for failing to obey a traffic control device. Vehicles cutting through the church parking lot may face a $250 fine under City Ordinance 10.10.020 for crossing private property.
The construction is part of the Collina at Springbrook subdivision project, which includes roundabout construction and road widening along E Mountainview Drive between N Center Street and N Alice Way. While E Mountainview Drive will remain open, periodic flagging and temporary closures will occur.
Traffic control will change throughout construction, and access may be restricted to local traffic at times. Residents and businesses will retain vehicle access, but drivers are encouraged to avoid E Mountainview Drive between N Center Street and N Alice Way for the duration of the project if possible.
Learn more at the City of Newberg website.
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