Four UO employees share why they choose to give back
Story by Mark Wang and Korrin Bishop
Photos by Andy Nelson
It’s often said that people make the place. During Ducks Give, the University of Oregon’s annual day of giving, employees demonstrate that truth by investing in the campus community they help build every day.
Each year, employees volunteer as Ducks Give ambassadors, serving as trusted voices within their networks to encourage others to join them in supporting the university. Every ambassador has a personal reason for participating. For University Advancement employee Alicia Lewis, it’s the Vivian Olum Child Development Center, where her child attends and where her advocacy has inspired hundreds of gifts and thousands of dollars in support over the last two years.
Together, employees like Alicia help foster a culture of generosity that helps the UO community flourish through meaningful investments in the programs and people they care about most. In 2026, employees joined 131 total ambassadors who raised more than $94,000—with the campaign ultimately generating nearly $1.5 million for schools, colleges, and programs across campus.
Below, meet four UO employees who flourish by giving back—and who help shape the university’s future in the process.
Henry Houston
Henry Houston, MA ’17 (global studies), has been the communications coordinator for the UO College of Arts and Sciences for the past three years. He views giving back to the UO as an act of securing a liberal arts education for generations to come.
“Higher education institutions like the UO are facing huge issues, one of the big ones being dwindling financial support from state and federal government,” he said. “And that’s a big problem for society, as a liberal arts education has played a huge role in societal advancements as a whole and for the individual.”
To Henry, Ducks Give is an accessible way for the UO community to support education with gifts of any amount. As a College of Arts and Sciences alum, he donates to the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages. But Henry also recommends supporting the Experiential Learning Opportunity Fund, which helps get students out into the world to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom.
“What students learn in college will stick with them forever,” he said. “The friendships, the networking, the life-changing talks from visiting faculty. Those coupled with a better understanding of the human condition and a foundation for lifelong learning can’t be taken away from us.”
For those thinking of being a Ducks Give ambassador in 2027, Henry encourages you to “imagine how great it’ll hit when the Ducks somehow win a National Championship, and you can say you’re a Ducks football fan and Ducks education fan.”
Anna Cole
Anna Cole, BA ’15 (art), has worked as the assistant director of donor recognition and reporting for four years and has served as a Ducks Give ambassador for just as long.
“I keep coming back because it’s a powerful way to stay connected to the university and make an impact in a meaningful, personal way,” she said.
Each year, Anna has leaned more into storytelling to inspire others to join her. She shares photos that reflect her connection to Oregon and enjoys the spirit and momentum of the day.
“It’s really fun to see how many people across the UO community show up for Ducks Give,” she said. “There’s a noticeable energy on campus. I also love seeing students get exposed to philanthropy and understand the impact it can have. It’s a great reminder that giving back is part of what makes this community thrive.”
In 2026, Anna inspired 110 gifts to the UO through her ambassador link. A firm believer in expanding access to education, she directed her own gifts to student scholarships, including Opportunity Through Excellence and PathwayOregon.
“I also supported the Oregon Rising Fund, which gives the university the flexibility to invest in key presidential initiatives,” she said. “It’s exciting to be part of something that helps the university and our community continue to grow.”
Anna emphasized that you don’t need to be an expert fundraiser to make a difference: “Share why Oregon matters to you and people will respond!” she said. “I love reflecting on how the UO has always been a big part of my life. I’m proud to be an alum, grateful to work here, and happy to see my colleagues give back to our shared community.”
Michelle Jacob
Michelle Jacob is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and is a professor of Indigenous studies and the co-director of the Sapsik’ʷałá Teacher Education Program at the UO. After ten years with the UO, she sees how giving helps to bring the community together.
“Students need our support and participating in Ducks Give is a way to make sure the next generation is supported as much as possible,” she said. “I joyfully give to our Sapsik’ʷałá Program and the Many Nations Longhouse; both are important and welcoming places for Indigenous students and community members.”
Michelle worked for many years with the Sapsik’ʷałá Program’s Distinguished Elder Educator, átway Tuxámshish Dr. Virginia Beavert (Yakama).
“She always encouraged us in our work in Indigenous teacher education, and reminded us, ‘We need more teachers!’” Michelle said. “I carry these beautiful memories with me to continue to find ways to support our amazing students who are fulfilling our Elder’s dream of more Indigenous teachers in classrooms all across Indigenous lands.”
Anita Kolendar
Anita Kolendar, development and external relations project manager for the Lundquist College of Business, views the power of Ducks Give from multiple angles.
“As a staff member and as a Duck parent, I’ve had a front-row seat to the difference that giving makes in students’ lives,” she said. “Every year, I sign up to be an ambassador because I’ve seen firsthand that it works.”
She shared how she sees students navigating more challenges than ever: financial pressure, a changing higher education landscape, and a competitive job market.
“At the same time, I’ve watched programs like Women in Business or the UO Real Estate Investment Group open doors for students who might not have had them otherwise,” she said. “Now is exactly the time to show up because the need is real and the impact is immediate.”
Anita is passionate about multiple areas of campus, but two she supported this year were Women in Business and needs-based scholarships. She’s seen the Women in Business student group provide transformative representation and access to professional networks for young women building their careers. And she believes that financial barriers should never be the reason a student can’t finish their degree.
She encourages others to trust that their voice matters and that the ripple effect of being a Ducks Give ambassador is worth it.
“When faculty, staff, alumni, and students come together, it reinforces that this is a community that takes care of its own,” she reflected. “It builds a culture where generosity is contagious, and where people feel the pride of knowing they helped open a door for someone who needed it, regardless of the size of their gift.”