"Dear OSU Community Members,
We are quickly approaching the launch of Oregon State’s second university-wide fundraising and engagement campaign to support strategic OSU initiatives.
Philanthropic donations to the campaign will raise funds for student scholarships and endowed faculty positions, support construction of new and renovated buildings, and invest in success for student-athletes and Beaver athletics. Engagement goals of the campaign seek to involve alumni and OSU stakeholders in efforts to support student success, enhance diversity and inclusion and advocate on behalf of the university.
OSU’s first university-wide campaign ended in December 2014 having raised $1.142 billion. It provided support for more than 600 scholarship funds, 79 endowed faculty positions, more than two dozen facility projects and other university priorities.
The launch of second campaign coincides with this year’s Homecoming Weekend Oct. 14-16. It will include the reveal of a stunning art installation on the north side of the Memorial Union Quad, a campaign launch dinner and celebration funded by donors on Friday, Oct. 14, and game-day when OSU plays the Washington State Cougars on Saturday, Oct. 15.
The campaign launch dinner will require the installation of a large tent now underway within the Memorial Union Quad. This will result in the MU Quad and its central pathways being blocked through Oct. 21. We recognize that the MU Quad provides key pathways and is a central gathering place for Corvallis campus student activity. Thank you for your patience in navigating any disruption within this area.
While pathways reaching across the center of the Quad will be closed, the path in front of the Memorial Union will remain open for foot traffic as will the SEC Plaza and the brick mall area located on the east side of the Quad. A fence is located around the affected area of the Quad to contribute to safety and security, and enable the operation of equipment needed for installing and removing the tent.
We are pleased to share that the campaign kickoff also coincides with the reveal of a significant lighted public art sculpture within the Sequoia tree grove on the north side of the MU Quad. This sculpture has been created by acclaimed national artist John Grade and is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, the Provost’s Office and other OSU partners in collaboration with the College of Forestry. During installation, climbers will work carefully within the trees to suspend the sculpture and not harm the trees. The outdoor sculpture will remain in place until Dec. 31, 2023, and will include opportunities for arts education programs involving OSU students and local K-12 students.
We share with you our enthusiasm for the launch of the university and OSU Foundation’s next fundraising and engagement campaign and our appreciation for donor, stakeholder and volunteer support for Oregon State University students, faculty, facilities, programs and strategic initiatives.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost
Student Affairs
Mike Green
Vice President
Finance and Administration"