 When the "Tribune" was launched in 2001, and again as of fall 2012, his planned donation to the city of Portland of part of Ross Island, where his concrete and asphalt company is located, became controversial when industrial contamination was discovered on parts of the island.After receiving his master's degrees, Pamplin began teaching as a lecturer at Lewis & Clark College and went on to become a tenured business professor at the University of Portland.Pamplin has also served on several state and presidential appointed commissions, and college boards of directors.