Carlyn Schreck, director of Campaign Oregon: Transforming Lives, has a challenge for the University’s faculty and staff.
She has pledged $25,000 to the University that will be released if at least 50 percent of the faculty and staff give money to the University by March 3. Schreck’s donation has been matched by Randy and Susie Pape for the lump sum of $50,000.
“People keep asking me, ‘How can you afford this?’ I tell them that this is a priority for me,” said Schreck, a 1995 University graduate. “Higher education has always been a big part of my life, and it continues to be so.”
The faculty and staff can give gifts of any amount to count toward the 50 percent, and they also may choose the exact area that they want to support. So far, more than one-third of the University faculty and staff has already contributed.
“The faculty and staff do so much every day to make the University a special place,” said Randy Pape, chairman of Campaign Oregon. “The fact that so many UO employees also contributefinancially is impressive to potential benefactors.”
When the campus faculty reaches the 50 percent mark, the $50,000 will be distributed to those areas that received funds from members of departments that had more than 50 percent participation.
“It’s a little confusing,” said Ed Dorsch,associate director of development communications. “For example, if a biology professor decided to give money to KWAX, and at least 50 percent of the biology department donated to the University, then KWAX would receive part of the $50,000.”
Schreck said her program is designated to spread money to all corners of the campus. It also encourages each department to reach the 50 percent mark.
Schreck’s department, the University’sdevelopment department, has already reached 100 percent participation, as has the University administration, President Dave Frohnmayer said.
Frohnmayer said he and his wife are giving to the music school building fund in honor of his mother. The gift will go toward the refurbishment of the building’s fireplace to what it looked like in the 1920s when his mother attended the school.
“There has been programs like this in the past at the University, but I don’t think any have been as well organized as this effort,” Frohnmayer said. “This keeps bringing out so many great human interest stories – I know a guy that gave $10, and that is all he had to give.”
Schreck said she receives $5 every year from a nun, also a University alumna, who collects change and bottles to fill the gift.
“People ask me what I think the most meaningful gift is, and I say it’s that one,” she said. “We hope everyone will give what they can. I see every day how the cumulative giving of many adds up. Participation isreally what counts.”
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