Opportunity

Family's Gift Makes Dreams Come True

Bernice Ingalls Staton could attend the University of Oregon for only two years in the 1930s because of financial hardship. Before she died in 2004, she made it easier for students in similar straits to get a complete college education.

In 2000, Mrs. Staton and her family committed a transformational gift for need-based student scholarships at the UO.

“I want to help students who absolutely could not go to school without aid,” she said.

Lionel Thomas of Klamath Falls is one such student. He is fulfilling his dream of becoming a concert violinist and music teacher because of a Staton Scholarship. “Thanks to this scholarship, I am able to attend college,” said Lionel. “I will be forever grateful.”