Since 1979, alumni and friends of the University of Oregon have gathered periodically to celebrate exceptional leaders in business, philanthropy, communications, and politics. Last year, our Pioneer Awards event was canceled because of COVID-19.
This year, the event was also a bit different—but no less special. The 2021 Pioneer Awards were virtual. They also coincided with Ducks Give, our sixth annual giving day. More than 1,400 donors contributed to raise more than $1 million and celebrate this year's theme "Thank those who came before, support those who come next."
The Pioneer Award winners we honored over the internet have supported research, innovation, student success, and more at the university. And they have given generously in other ways too.
The 2020–21 Pioneer Award winners were Kenda, BS ’74 (biology), and Kenneth Singer; and Linda, BS ’74 (psychology), and Scott Andrews, BS ’74 (management). The list of ways their gifts have advanced our university is impressive.
That diverse list of philanthropic impact includes the addition of Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall to our university. This welcoming center in the heart of campus is more than a beautiful, functional building. It’s also home to the UO’s new approach to academic and career advising.
Tykeson Hall offers services for students in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as those exploring majors. And it offers all students a place to develop a plan for success.
The list of contributions from this year’s Pioneer Award winners also includes support for research in human physiology. For example, UO scientists are exploring insights that could help athletes as well as cardiac patients. Thanks to these gifts, Hayward Field includes the new home for our Department of Human Physiology—and innovative research facilities that unite athletics and academics.
In addition to their philanthropic support for these important initiatives, as well as other areas of the university, both the Singers and the Andrews have contributed their time and expertise to the university and their communities.
Linda and Scott Andrews
Scott Andrews enrolled at the UO as a first-generation college student, began studying architecture, then settled on business. He went on to earn an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In 2018, he stepped down as president of Melvin Mark Properties and executive vice president of Melvin Mark Brokerage Company but remains a principal and broker. Founded by Linda’s grandfather, Melvin Mark is one of Oregon’s leading commercial real estate companies.
Scott and Linda’s two sons, Peter and Paul, both work for Melvin Mark. Scott has served the Portland community as chair of Prosper Portland (formerly the Portland Development Commission), chair of the Portland Business Alliance, president of the Multnomah Athletic Club, and chair of LifeWorksNW. Linda currently serves on the board of the Portland Art Museum and the education committee at Portland Center Stage at the Armory.
The Andrews have given generously to the Lundquist College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Design, the Duck Athletic Fund, and other areas. Their support for the construction of Tykeson Hall has helped the university create an innovative student resource for academic and career success.
Scott served on the UO Foundation Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2017 and the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors from 1996 to 2003. He is currently serving on the Lundquist College of Business Board. Linda is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors.
Kenda and Kenneth Singer
Our other two Pioneer Award winners, Kenda and Ken Singer, both retired after successful careers in medicine. Their gifts to the university have been transformative, and they are actively involved with their private foundation, which grants college scholarships to local high school seniors.
Ken Singer graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and studied medicine at Columbia University. He was an orthopedic surgeon with the Slocum Center starting in 1972, and was the orthopedic surgeon for the Ducks for more than 30 years. A past chief of staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, Ken has also served on various local boards, and was active on a national level in medical education. He has served on the UO Foundation Board of Trustees since 2017.
Kenda Singer studied biology at the UO, and went on to the Physician’s Assistant Program at Duke University. She worked as a physician’s assistant in Eugene in primary care, women’s health, and dermatology.
The Singers have given generously to the UO Libraries, the Oregon Humanities Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, Judaic Studies, and other areas. They have endowed chairs in the Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library, as well as the Department of Human Physiology, where Ken has long been a courtesy faculty member. The Singers were lead donors for the human physiology labs in the newly renovated Hayward Field.