EUGENE, Ore. — (Aug.19, 2013) — Giving to the University of Oregon surpassed the $200 million mark during fiscal 2012–13, a banner year highlighted by a large increase in gift commitments providing student, faculty and research support. Individuals, companies and foundations contributed 41,460 gifts and pledges helping propel the university’s endowment to a record level.
“I am grateful to our alumni and friends whose commitment to the University of Oregon is unwavering, and whose generosity will advance and affirm our institution’s position as a top-tier research university,” said UO President Michael Gottfredson. “I'm delighted to see this reflected in such strong growth in support of our students, faculty and research.”
“The increase in giving to many areas of the university is a result of matching the needs of the institution with the desires of our supporters,” said Michael Andreasen, vice president of advancement. “This extraordinary support from University of Oregon alumni and friends all over the world is a testament to the generosity and enthusiasm that has always defined us as Ducks.”
The $200,054,995 in contributions supports students, scholarships, athletics, capital infrastructure, faculty and research, and represents the second highest one-year giving total in UO history. Commitments of $85,772,471 were designated for faculty support and academic programming, advancement of research activities conducted at the UO, and scholarships and student aid. Two-thirds of all donors made gifts toward academic purposes and 12 percent were first-time contributors to the university.
Jon Anderson, chair of the UO Foundation’s Board of Trustees, said every contribution makes a difference. “Each gift sends a message of encouragement to our students and appreciation to our faculty and staff,” Anderson said. “There is something special about the University of Oregon. We find ways to work together—and as a result the university is becoming stronger than ever.”
Supporters made commitments of $48.3 million for endowment designation, which provides a stable source of ongoing funding. The UO’s endowment, managed by the UO Foundation, reached an all-time-high market value of $550 million as of June 30, returned 13.8 percent for the fiscal year and is the largest endowment at any of Oregon’s public universities.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is among the 108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.
MEDIA CONTACT: Julie Brown, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu
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