In the most successful private fundraising effort in the history of the University and the state, the Oregon Campaign received $58.5 million in gifts and pledges during the 1999-2000 fiscal year.
Higher than the previous record-breaking year 1995-1996 by 12 percent, the University received a total of 37,000 different awards from 21,000 donors. The total far surpassed the goal, which was set at between $49 million and $50 million.
“It’s one of those great examples of teamwork,” said Duncan McDonald, vice president for Public Affairs and Development. “There are so many factors which come into play.”
According to McDonald, potential donors look at many factors including where money is going in the school and the efficiency of the operation. Also, he added that giving is up on a national level.
“Three years ago, the average gift was $1,700,” McDonald said. “Now it’s $2,700. That speaks volumes.”
Rande Pape, who served as president of the University Foundation during the record-setting year, said in the same release that the giving is a “bold statement of support for the University’s vision.”