Remembering Susie Yancey Papé

The University of Oregon community mourns the passing of Mary Susan “Susie” Yancey Papé, whose more than five decades of extraordinary generosity, warm heart, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the university she loved. Revered for her leadership as a devoted alumna, visionary philanthropist, business leader, and steadfast advocate, Susie paired transformational giving with a gracious and welcoming presence that made her a beloved member of the UO community.

Her generosity, leadership, and vision are visible throughout the University of Oregon. Alongside her late husband, Randy Papé, and later through the Papé family and The Papé Group, Susie advanced the Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, elevated UO Athletics, and strengthened academic and cultural pillars such as the Lundquist College of Business, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and the Ford Alumni Center.

“Susie had a powerful presence and was a tireless champion for the University of Oregon,” said UO President Karl Scholz. “Together with Randy, she dedicated her time, talent, and treasure to the university from the moment they graduated, a lifelong commitment that never wavered.”

In 2022, alongside her sons Ryan, BS ‘97 (business) and Jordan, MBA ‘06, the family made a gift that launched the Papé Family Innovation Center at the Knight Campus, a lasting tribute to the family’s belief in the power of uniting science, business, and entrepreneurship.

“Susie had an extraordinary gift for building meaningful relationships. Her warmth, wisdom, and generosity touched everyone she met, and she inspired others through her thoughtful guidance and unwavering encouragement. The Knight Campus, and I personally, were privileged to know her as a visionary philanthropic partner and dear friend.”

—Robert Guldberg, PhD, Vice President and DeArmond Executive Director of the Knight Campus  

Susie and Randy made their first gift to the UO in 1972, the year they both graduated from the university. This initial act of generosity marked the beginning of their lifelong legacy of support. Susie’s contributions to the UO extended well beyond philanthropy. She served an eight-year tenure on the University of Oregon Foundation Board of Trustees marked with service on several committees and as President of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Board of Directors. She also played a key role on the leadership committee for the UO’s 2001 to 2008 comprehensive campaign, lending her time and wisdom to help guide the university’s ambitions.

In recognition of her lifetime of generosity and leadership, Susie and Randy received two of the university’s highest honors together: the Presidential Medal in 1998 and the Pioneer Award in 2005.

Susie’s ties to Oregon ran deep, tracing back to family roots that reached the state by covered wagon—her ancestors settled in the Prineville area in 1841. Susie’s father, Robert Yancey, attended the UO on a baseball scholarship. After the Yanceys sold the family ranch and moved to Salem, Susie spent summers at her grandparents’ home in Prineville. She gave back generously to the Eastern Oregon community that had given her so much during her early years.

She met her husband, Randy, at a UO homecoming football game during her senior year. This marked the beginning of a partnership that would shape both their lives and the university they cherished.

When Randy passed away in 2008, Susie stepped into leadership of The Papé Group, carrying forward not only the multi-generational family business but also the couple’s shared devotion to their alma mater.

The family’s support for Athletics included countless initiatives over the years. Because of their lifelong dedication, Phil and Penny Knight named the Randy and Susie Papé Field and Complex in her and Randy’s honor.

“We sit at a very special table because of Susie,” said UO Athletics Director Rob Mullens. “We certainly wouldn’t be where we are without her outstanding dedication to the University of Oregon and the state of Oregon.”

In 2017, they established the Randall C. Papé Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, currently held by Professor Andrew Nelson.

The Papé family’s bond to the UO remains vibrant across generations. All three sons—Christian ‘01 (political science), Ryan, and Jordan—are proud alumni, as are their spouses, and now two of their grandchildren are Ducks. Ryan currently serves on the Lundquist College of Business Board and previously served on the UO Alumni Association Board from 2013 to 2018, continuing a family tradition of engagement and leadership that began when Randy and Susie first met on a fall afternoon at Autzen Stadium.

Susie is survived by her three sons, their spouses, and eight grandchildren. She also leaves her siblings, Sara Lee and Bob Yancey.

A celebration of Susie’s life will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Ford Alumni Center. All those who knew Susie are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Susie’s name to Crooked River Roundup Foundation or the University of Oregon Foundation.

The University of Oregon community extends its deepest gratitude and condolences to the Papé family.