Oregon President Karl Scholz remarks at the inaugural Family Advancement Council reception help at the Ford Alumni Center on October 25.
Family Advancement Council launches
The council, supported by the Parent and Family Engagement and Philanthropy program, connects families with UO leadership on key issues.
At a vibrant reception in the Ford Alumni Center for parents visiting campus during homecoming and family weekend, University of Oregon President Karl Scholz welcomed inaugural members of the Family Advancement Council (FAC) and shared insights into "Oregon Rising," the university's audacious new strategic plan. He emphasized the vital role of parent and family donors in realizing this vision and expressed the university's eagerness to have their support and involvement.
"A day like today has put the wind in my sails," said President Scholz.
Following the president’s remarks, the FAC announced that Brooke and Aaron Shelby of Dallas, Texas as the Council’s inaugural national chairs. They, like many parents, have developed a strong bond with the UO community and are eager to further connect with other parents to make a meaningful impact. 
Family Advancement Council's Inaugural National Chairs, Aaron and Brooke Shelby of Dallas, Texas, pose with their son Pierce and the Oregon Duck at the recent FAC reception.
"Watching our son explore the many academic opportunities at UO, as well as receive encouragement and support from the faculty and staff has been reassuring to me as a parent. It is exactly what we had hoped for him when he embarked on his educational journey," said Aaron Shelby, co-chair.
"We could not be happier with our experience: our son is happy, we have been welcomed by administration and faculty, and we truly feel like UO is our second home” added Brooke Shelby, co-chair. “We are looking forward to meeting and sharing with other parents about the FAC and how membership is impactful."
Launched this fall, the Family Advancement Council unites UO parents and families to connect with UO leadership on key campus issues, support student success initiatives, and bring their unique perspective to planning and fundraising. Members of the Council are asked to contribute at least $5,000 annually to the Duck Family Fund, or in alignment with their personal giving interests. The Parent and Family Engagement and Philanthropy team proudly supports the FAC, working alongside members to foster community, drive innovation, and enhance student opportunities.
“This is a pivotal moment for the Parent and Family Engagement and Philanthropy program at UO,” said director Amy Swank. “Brooke and Aaron bring remarkable passion and vision to their role as national chairs, and their leadership will inspire and unify our community as we launch the Family Advancement Council.”
Brooke Shelby adds that they are honored to take on this leadership role.
“We are passionate about UO, and we are committed to assisting President Scholz and his faculty to continue to rise to new heights in delivering exceptional education and experiences to the students," said Shelby. “We feel confident this can be done by partnering with families to share the vision and the need.”
We invite you to learn more about the Family Advancement Council, their goals, and how you can get involved.