Become a Beaver Leader
Recent Alumni* are honored as Beaver Leaders at the following giving amounts:
*This applies to your first OSU degree only. For couples, this applies to the earliest degree among the spouses.
OSU's Inner Circle of Donors
The Beaver Leadership Circle is a generous community of alumni, family, friends, faculty and staff. Together, Beaver Leaders are determined to launch the next generation forward and make a difference in the lives of OSU students.
Previously called President’s Circle, Beaver Leadership Circle recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more to Oregon State University each academic year, and new alumni giving generously. Because your pride and passion for OSU mean so much to us, we are committed to continuing to evolve and better reflect that passion.
- Help OSU students succeed and pursue their desired careers.
- Make it possible for OSU to work toward a healthier, happier, more sustainable future.
Transform ideas into reality and inspire others to do the same.
And, as a Beaver Leader, you will get to know other Oregon State insiders who care deeply about the future.
Enjoy exclusive opportunities including the following:
- Livestreamed conversations with university leaders and faculty experts
- Pre-registration or discounts for Foundation events
- Special communications about what your gifts help accomplish
Make a gift and make a difference to the OSU programs and projects that mean the most to you — from liberal arts,
to athletics, to science. Become a Beaver Leader today.
Thank you for making a difference
Last academic year, Beaver Leadership Circle donors joined other OSU supporters to create life-changing opportunities throughout the university with gifts under $50,000.
24,313 alumni, friends, parents, staff, faculty and students made gifts at this level, totaling $30,687,265 to benefit programs, departments, scholarships, athletics and other projects they care about. Over 20% of these donors made their very first gift to Oregon State!
2023-24 Highlights
Beavers Fight Hunger: 600+ donors gave over $185,000 to support students facing food insecurity. In addition to providing food for immediate use, the OSU Basic Needs Center and the OSU-Cascades Food Pantry assist with textbook access, laptop and calculator lending and long-term food accessibility.
Dam Proud Day: In 24 hours on 4/24/2024, the OSU community made over 9,130 gifts totaling over $2.7 million to 100+ programs and projects: over a thousand more gifts and more than $500,000 above last year.
Finish in Four: OSU is committed to becoming a university where every student graduates. Toward that end, donors are contributing to a new initiative called Finish in Four, which combines four-year renewable scholarships with support programs for Oregon students with greatest financial need. The first cohort of students is starting this fall.
OSU Athletics Fund for Excellence: Under the Beavers Unite rally cry, donors showed their support for our student-athletes, who strengthen OSU pride and the campus experience for all members of our community.
PRAx: A university dream more than a century in the making, the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts opened in spring 2024 – supported by Friends of PRAx, annual donors who help activate the power of creativity at OSU and bring transformative arts to our communities.
Women’s Giving Circle: Members of this dynamic group of leaders pooled their gifts and awarded $102,020 to 14 OSU programs – from a mentorship program for future teachers to a forestry clothing “library” where students can access essential field gear.
ABOUT THE BLACK AND ORANGE AWARDS
Alumni Fellows
The Alumni Fellows recognition program was established by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in 1988 to recognize eminent alumni that distinguished themselves in their professions and communities. Individuals are nominated by their graduating college, campus unit or department at Oregon State University.
Criteria and nomination form for Alumni Fellows.
E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award
Established by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in 1981 in tribute to an extraordinary man and his contributions to OSU and the State of Oregon. The award honors OSU alumni who make significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments and careers bring acclaim to the university.
E.B. Lemon, ’11, served OSU for more than 70 years. His call for a “permanent alumni home on campus” was one of three primary reasons for the Memorial Union’s construction. Heavily involved with the OSUAA and OSU Foundation, his legacy includes creating the publication that is now the beloved Oregon Stater.
Criteria and nomination form for the E.B. Lemon Distinguished Alumni Award.
Joan Austin Honorary Alumni Award
Established by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in 2005 and permanently renamed the Joan (“Jo-Anne”) Austin Honorary Alumni Award in 2014, this award recognizes those who have contributed greatly to OSU and the Alumni Association,
yet have not received a degree from OSU. Like its first recipient and eventual namesake, these individuals have given so tirelessly of their time and resources to the university that it is obvious that they are Beavers at heart.
One of Oregon State's most beloved friends and supporters, Joan (“Jo-Anne”)
Austin died June 5, 2013, in Newberg, Oregon, where she lived with her husband of nearly 60 years, Ken Austin, a 1954 alumnus. The Austins co-founded A-dec, the world's largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturing company, and when they
found themselves able to help meet critical needs in society, in their hometown, and at Ken's alma mater, they did so with great enthusiasm and generosity. Austin Hall, the new home of the OSU College of Business, bears their name.
Criteria and nomination form for the Joan Austin Honorary Alumni Award.
Dan Poling Service Award
Established by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in 1989 to honor dedication and service to Oregon State University. The award is presented to an OSU supporter who exemplifies Dan Poling's sustained service to the university.
Dan W. Poling, ’28, was an influential dean of men, faculty member, mentor, teacher and friend. He served the university and the welfare of students for more than five decades. “Dean Dan” to many alumni, the two-time OSU graduate remained enthusiastically engaged in alumni affairs throughout the years.
Criteria and nomination form for the Dan W. Poling Service Award.
Martin Chaves Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions
to OSU Athletics, the Martin Chaves Lifetime Achievement Award is named after the four-year letterman who was the captain of the 1942 Rose Bowl team. A former president of the Beaver Athletic Student Fund, Martin Chaves was an influential booster
in various fundraising activities.
Read for more information about the Martin Chaves lifetime achievement award.
Jean & C.H. "Scram" Graham Leadership Award
Established in 2000 by the Oregon State University Alumni Association in appreciation of Jean and Scram Graham's leadership and loyalty to OSU. The award honors individuals who promote the alumni association.
Jean, ’36, and C.H. “Scram” Graham, ’35, poured their hearts into advancing Oregon State. Their fundraising efforts helped build Reser Stadium, Gill Coliseum and the CH2M HILL Alumni Center. Scram served as the director of alumni relations for nearly two decades.
Criteria and nomination form for the Jean and Scram Leadership Award.
Don and Shirley Wirth Young Alumni Award
Established in 2006 and permanently renamed the Don and Shirley Wirth Young Alumni Award in 2017, the award recognizes alumni, age 35 or younger, for exceptional achievements in career, public service and/or volunteer activities, which bring credit to Oregon State University. Don Wirth, a 1961 OSU graduate, was executive director of the OSUAA for 21 years and is widely credited with getting the CH2M HILL Alumni Center built. He and Shirley Wirth, a 1963 graduate, worked tirelessly for decades to increase alumni involvement and services at the university.
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