Campaign Oregon passes $400 million

EUGENE, Ore.—(April 11, 2006)—The University of Oregon has passed the two-thirds mark in its campaign to raise $600 million in private gifts, President Dave Frohnmayer announced today.

As of March 31, Campaign Oregon: Transforming Lives has brought in $410.8 million, with a little less than three years remaining in the campaign schedule.

"Our students, faculty and staff, alumni and donors should take great pride in the fact that the University of Oregon has now raised more in private gifts than in any other campaign in university or state history," said Frohnmayer. "But, more important, our generous donors are laying the groundwork for the university’s future."

Frohnmayer noted that the campaign total included $60.6 million raised for student scholarships and fellowships, $47.7 million for faculty support, $172.7 million for programs, and $129.8 million for equipment and buildings.

Forty-six percent of the total raised to date came from out-of-state donors, making the campaign a significant importer of capital into the state. Almost 50 percent of the total came from alumni. Other groups contributing were corporations and foundations, faculty and staff, family foundations, friends and parents.

More than 50 percent of the university's faculty and staff have contributed to the campaign—well above the 30 percent average among comparable universities around the country.

The campaign started in January 2001 and is expected to run through 2008. The public phase was launched in January 2005.

The campaign focuses on four cornerstones:
• Opportunity—increasing student scholarships and fellowships and enhancing the student experience.
• Inspiration—boosting endowed faculty positions and support for academic programs.
• Discovery—enhancing support for faculty and student research and scholarship.
• Connection—strengthening university programs that benefit the community, state, and society.

Besides improving student access and academic programs, the campaign is raising funds for campus building projects that include expansion and renovation of the School of Music and Dance building, a new College of Education complex, new facilities for the theater program, renovation of Condon Hall and Gilbert Hall, and a new integrated science complex, basketball arena, and alumni center.