Mark Y. Zylawy, “Z-Man,” a highly regarded Portland police officer, died January 27,2008 in an accident at the age of 40.  He worked as a district officer in Northeast Portland for 17 years with a passion, dedication and enthusiasm throughout his career.  Officer Zylawy earned the respect of his fellow officers and community members by the way he lived his life – with the values of the Portland Police Bureau – integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and service.  During his career, Officer Zylawy received 30 commendations, two unit citations and the Medal of Valor.

After the tragic death of Mark Zylawy; fellow police officers, private citizens and the business community came together to establish the Z-Man Scholarship Foundation to honor Mark’s years of police service to the community.  The Foundation supports, through scholarships, economically disadvantaged high school students who have shown the determination and focus to be successful in school and to achieve their goals.  The students who are selected have demonstrated a commitment to public service and leadership in their communities.  Each of these students is matched with a mentor from the Portland Police Bureau or other law enforcement agency.  This relationship flourishes through regular one on one interaction and group activities.

Deserving students are awarded a Z-Man Foundation Scholarship to attend La Salle College Preparatory School, De La Salle North Catholic High School, Seton Catholic Preparatory School in Vancouver and City Christian School in Northeast Portland.  These schools were selected because of their proven academic college prep curriculum, their emphasis on community service projects and their ability to supplement the Z-Man Scholarship with additional scholarships.  The Foundation board  is exploring the expansion of our scholarships to other Portland-area academic institutions.