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OSU PRESIDENT'S DINNER

November 6, 2024

 

 

In a program inspired by Oregon State University’s strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared, more than 300 guests celebrated the impact of philanthropy at the 2024 OSU President’s Dinner. The Nov. 6 gathering at the Portland Art Museum honored 24 new members of the Harris Society as well as donors who have crossed the $5 million, $25 million and $50+ million thresholds. 

The Harris Society, which honors donors with cumulative gift commitments of $1 million or more, has grown to 527 households and organizations, including 39 who have given $5 million or more.

 

Photo of President Jayathi Murthy speaking at the President's Dinner

 

Following welcome remarks by Shawn L. Scoville, OSU Foundation president and CEO, the foundation’s board chair, Penny Atkins, ’79, and immediate past chair, Eric Schoenstein, ’88, led the recognition of new Harris Society members. 

Xiulei “David” Ji, the Bert and Emelyn Christensen Professor in the College of Science, Mitch Canham, ’11, the Pat Casey Head Baseball Coach, and Peter Swendsen, the Patricia Valian Reser Chair of Visual, Performing and Design Arts, described the impact of endowed faculty funds.

Student speakers Madalyn Gragg, Devon Padilla and Amari Carter shared their stories. “To me, prosperity means having the freedom to do what you’re passionate about – so you can give your best to the world,” Gragg said. “You help me do that. Thank you.” 

 

“You’ve helped make OSU a force for good in the world.”

OSU President Jayathi Murthy (pictured above) thanked donors for their partnership. “It truly fills my heart to see you all here. Because of you, the last four years have been the best fundraising years in the university’s history. Your vision and generosity have challenged us to imagine, to aspire to unprecedented achievements. We are so grateful,” she said. “Whether it’s in engineering, science, the arts and humanities or athletics, you’ve helped make OSU a force for good in the world.”


Video highlights from the program

 

Opening video: "We must dream of behalf of our students"

The evening began with a video featuring President Jayathi Murthy with alumni Jen-Hsun Huang, ’84, ’09 (Hon. Ph.D.), and Steven Jackson, ’20.

 

Update on Believe It campaign progress

Believe It campaign co-chairs Ruth Beyer, ’77, Jon DeVaan, ’85, ’11 (Hon. Ph.D.), and John Stirek, ’82, share university highlights made possible by campaign donors, from research and educational initiatives to facilities including Reser Stadium and the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts.


Advancing research and technology: OSU's partnership with HP

HP was honored for reaching the $50 million milestone in giving. In this video, three speakers — Sue Richards, Global Head of Print Microfluidics, Technology & Operations, HP Inc.; Brian Wall, OSU Associate Vice President of Research Innovation for Economic Impact; and OSU alumna/HP engineer Ashley Mason, ’09, ’12, ’17 — describe the company’s partnership with the university.


Creating a healthy, resilient world: OSU's partnership with the Packard Foundation

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation has reached the $25 million milestone. Jane Lubchenco — Deputy Director for Climate and the Environment, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy — tells about the work they support.