January 30, 2009

It's a Wrap!
This final edition marks the end of Campaign Oregon: Transforming Lives. Thanks to more than 90,000 donors, we raised $853,120,266 million.

From Dave Frohnmayer
On December 31, 2008, the University of Oregon concluded the most successful private fundraising campaign in state history.

University transformed
Despite beginning and ending during serious economic recessions, ambitious campaign soars past $600 million goal.

Campaign summary
Essential facts about Campaign Oregon.

Campus transformed
UO building projects funded in whole or in part by Campaign Oregon.


Photo by Michael McDermott

Dear friends,

On December 31, 2008, the University of Oregon concluded the most successful private fundraising campaign in state history. More than 90,000 individual donors contributed a total of $853,120,266 million, exceeding our $600 million goal by 42 percent. These gifts have propelled the university's quality to a new level of excellence, through student scholarships, faculty support, new programs, and improved facilities.

Although the campaign is over, we are not letting up now. Our focus, drive, and energy will continue to be on building a top twenty-five public research university. To do that requires continuing to increase our private support.

I am profoundly grateful to the wonderful donors who made this campaign a smashing success. The impact of your generosity will continue to grow on this campus for generations to come. Please browse through this website for more information and specific examples of how private gifts can transform a public university.

Warm regards,



Dave Frohnmayer
President, University of Oregon

Despite beginning and ending during serious economic recessions, the most ambitious fundraising campaign in state history soared past its $600 million goal to raise more than three quarters of a billion dollars.

The successful campaign is one of the university's most significant accomplishments during Dave Frohnmayer's tenure as president, which began in 1994 and ends this June with his retirement.

"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," Frohnmayer said. "That's called legacy, and that's powerful."

"Our entire state is benefitting from the University of Oregon's record-setting fundraising effort," said Governor 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.

Postcampaign fundraising goals will be based on a five-to-ten-year academic vision for the university being developed under the direction of James Bean, senior vice president and provost. A final draft of the plan is expected soon.

Campaign Cornerstones: Opportunity, Inspiration, Discovery, Connection

Goal: Raise a total of $600 million
Outcome: $853,120,266 million raised

Goal: Raise $100million for student support
Outcome: $99.8 million raised

Goal: Raise $167million in endowed funds
Outcome: $$362.5 million raised

Goal: Increase faculty support
Outcome: $106.1 million raised ($96.7m endowed)

Goal: Increase academic and program support
Outcome: $186.1 million raised

Goal: Improve academic facilities
Outcome: $138.2 million raised

Goal: Double annual fundraising from $45m to $90m
Outcome: Average of $106 million/year raised

Goal: Increase alumni giving rate from 12% to 18%
Outcome: 17% in FY 2008

Campaign Leadership Committee

The late Randall C. Papé, Chair
Timothy P. Boyle, Vice Chair
Marcia Aaron
Dan Giustina
James W. Bernard
Wan Koo Huh
Gerry B. Cameron
Dody Dornsife Jernstedt
John W. "Rocky" Dixon
Gwendolyn H. Lillis
Cheryl Ramberg Ford
Allyn Ford
Mary Ann Moore
The late J. Peter Moore
Susie Papé
Vinton "Slim" Sommerville
Chester L. F. Paulson
Chris A. Smith
David M. Petrone
William R. Swindells
James Rippey
Shirley Rippey
Donald E. Tykeson

Building Projects Completed