University of Oregon Raises Record $853 Million in Campaign Oregon

More than 90,000 donors contribute to scholarships, faculty, programs and facilities

EUGENE, Ore., Jan. 30, 2009 — Despite beginning and ending during serious economic recessions, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in state history soared past its $600-million goal to raise $853,120,266, more than three-quarters of a billion dollars, University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer announced today.

Thanks to more than 90,000 individual donors, “Campaign Oregon: Transforming Lives” raised $99.8 million for student scholarships and fellowships, $106.1 million for faculty support, $186.1 million for academic and program support, and $138.2 million for improving academic campus facilities. The campaign, which started counting contributions on Jan. 1, 2001, officially ended Dec. 31, 2008.

“Campaign Oregon is a statement of faith in the future; it’s a statement of confidence that this generation can build something that endures beyond our lifetimes and improves the lives of those to come,” said Frohnmayer. “We are honored and humbled that so many people have placed such great trust in this institution to carefully steward their financial gifts. They have built a legacy that will benefit the state, the nation and the world for years to come.”

Frohnmayer, other administrators, campaign volunteers, professors and students all expressed thanks for the extraordinary generosity of campaign donors at events held in Eugene and Portland. Frohnmayer said the successful campaign is one of the university’s most significant accomplishments during his tenure as president, which began in 1994 and ends this June with his retirement.

The campaign’s success extends the university’s ability to fulfill its mission to serve the state of Oregon by increasing student access to higher education; by supporting faculty members whose research benefits business, government and social services; and by enhancing direct social and cultural services for Oregon citizens. It also represents how private giving and state and federal support can be used together to achieve greater results. Examples include the HEDCO Education Building, which will open in June 2009, and the Lorry I. Lokey Laboratories, which opened in spring 2008. Both projects and others received private donations as well as federal and state funding.

“Our entire state is benefitting from the University of Oregon’s record-setting fundraising effort,” said Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski. “The generosity of UO donors exceeded anyone’s wildest hopes. The new student scholarships, increased faculty and program support, and new buildings will improve Oregon’s economic outlook and quality of life for generations.”

Starting an ambitious fundraising campaign in 2001 required a leap of faith by university administrators and volunteers. Frohnmayer credited the volunteer leaders of the campaign — Tim Boyle, vice chair of the Campaign Leadership Committee, the late Randy Papé of Eugene, who chaired the effort, and members of the committee — for having the courage to move forward.