Stories

With a unique 4+1 model, hands-on classroom experience, and donor-funded scholarships, UO’s Educational Foundations program is shaping the next generation of public-school teachers.

At 86, Alan Eliason is centering generosity in his life—supporting educators, bilingual classrooms, and UO students through planned giving.

This past November, nearly 200 Ducks gathered at the Erb Memorial Union for the 10th annual UO Board Summit to align around shared priorities and renew their commitment to the university’s future. From board meetings to spirited tailgate celebrations, these dedicated volunteers advance the UO’s mission through service on advisory boards, mentorship, regional engagement, and ongoing support for campus initiatives. Read four stories of Ducks who continue to give back long after their student days. 

In its first year, the DuckFluencer program has united Ducks everywhere—sharing UO stories, earning prizes, and spreading Oregon pride online.

One of the youngest donors in UO history, Wren Hoffman shows how one small act of generosity can make a lasting difference in the Duck community. 

Since 2021, the Portland Internship Experience has connected UO students with mission-driven organizations, creating career pathways while enriching the local community. Meet the 2025 cohort. 

From meeting at the UO’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History to building its research and education programs, the couple’s philanthropy ensures a lasting impact. 

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s commuter-style program at the historic Applegate House makes fieldwork accessible while preserving Oregon’s cultural heritage.  

For Carol Long, donor support made it possible to return to school, attend an archaeology field school, and pursue a career in forensic anthropology. 

Claudine Lundgren’s childhood love of Disney cartoons came full circle when her art gave Oregon fans their favorite mascot tees of the 1970s and 1980s.