Lifetime Trustee Celebration
LIFETIME TRUSTEE CELEBRATION 2026
On February 26, 2026, the OSU Foundation celebrated three new Lifetime Trustees, the Foundation’s highest recognition for outstanding volunteer service:
Celia Strickland Austin
College of Health, ’76
Co-founder and co-owner of Rain Dance Vineyards and Rain Dance Ranch
Ruth Beyer
College of Liberal Arts, ’77
Senior vice president and general counsel, Precision Castparts
Tad Davies
College of Business, MBA ’78
Retired certified public accountant, co-founder of The Davies Group
The Lifetime Trustee award is given to trustees who distinguish themselves by their expertise, dedication and generosity over their years of volunteer service. Through their exemplary careers, service and giving, each has made a lasting impact on the Foundation and Oregon State University. They set a high standard for the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees.
The Lifetime Trustee award was established in 2006 and first honored Joan Austin, ’05 (honorary alumna), co-owner of A-dec Inc.; Bob Lundeen, ’42, retired chairman of Dow Chemical Company; and building contractor R.C. Wilson, ’50; see the full list of recipients. Lifetime Trustees are nominated by the Committee on Trustees and elected by the Board of Trustees. Lifetime Trustees have demonstrated exemplary commitment to both the OSU Foundation and the university and have leadership stature both inside and outside the OSU community.
Lifetime Trustees are invited to all board meetings as non-voting members and invited to special events. Each receives a medallion they are encouraged to wear at Foundation gatherings such as the President’s Dinner.
Enjoy celebration photos in the slideshow below
