UO blasts past fundraising campaign goal

University collects $853 million through seven-year effort

The Portland Tribune, Jan 30, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

The University of Oregon said Friday that it had raised $853.1 million through its seven-year “Campaign Oregon,” leaving its $600 million goal in the dust.

University President Dave Frohnmayer said the money would be used for academic programs and improving campus facilities.

More than 90,000 donors raised $99.8 million for student scholarships and fellowships, $106.1 million for faculty support, $186.1 million for academic and program support and $138.2 million for improving academic campus facilities.

Besides its Eugene campus, the university has set up programs in Portland's White Stag Building.

The campaign, which started counting contributions on Jan. 1, 2001, officially finished at the end of last year.

Starting an ambitious fundraising campaign in 2001 required a leap of faith by university administrators and volunteers. Frohnmayer credited the volunteer leaders of the campaign: Tim Boyle of Washington County’s Columbia Sportswear and vice chairman of the Campaign Leadership Committee; and the late Randy Papé of Eugene, who led the effort.

Frohnmayer said the campaign’s success didn’t mean the university would no longer need donations or private support.

“Our focus, drive and energy will continue to be on building a top 25 public research university,” he said. “To do that requires increasing private support as well as increased state support. Although the campaign is over, we are not letting up now.”

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