Portland’s new aerial tramcars are no longer nameless. On Monday, Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams announced the names “Jean” and “Walt” for the cars.

KGW photo

One of the new trams unveiled Friday.

A tram naming committee spent two months considering possible names before settling on the new names. The committee chose Jean and Walt from hundreds of suggestions sent in by citizens. Jean honors Jean Richardson, Oregon’s first female engineering graduate from Oregon State University. Walt honors Walt Reynolds, the first African American to graduate from the University of Oregon Medical School, now known as Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU).

Jean Richardson endured gender discrimination during her time at school, as well as the time spent establishing her career. She persevered and graduated from OSU in 1949. Richardson got her first job by offering her services pro bono until her employer deemed her competent and worthy of a paycheck.

Walt Reynolds is a community leader, in addition to being the first African American graduate from OHSU in 1949. The 77 year old continued his solo practice well past the regular retirement age. Reynolds has also served as the president of the Urban League, as well as a mentor to other minority health professionals. He’s also volunteered on numerous projects.

The naming committee also chose the names “Chameffu” and “Chamanchal” for the upper and lower tramcar stations. Chameffu, the upper station name, means “on the mountain,” in the Tualatin language. Chamanchal, the lower station name, means “on the river.”

Tickets for the Portland Aerial Tram grand opening are sold out. “The public response for the grand opening of the Portland Aerial Tram was so positive, there are no reserve tickets left,” said event organizer Gerri Lutes. She said the tickets sold out within two hours of the phone lines opening. The event takes place January 27th and 28th. It will feature rides on the tramcars, as well as music, food, and activities for children.