Oregon State University supporters from coast to coast celebrated the impact of philanthropy at the OSU President’s Dinner on October 26, 2021. 

Following last year’s livestream event, this was the first President’s Dinner with two audiences: one live at the Portland Art Museum and one virtual. The two groups interacted through a chat function on the event platform, and their comments made it clear that all participants, near and far, were united by love for OSU.

The OSU Foundation was pleased to host the event, with MCs Lamar Hurd, ’06, and Cathy Marshall, ’82, leading a program filled with inspiring stories of students and faculty interspersed with introductions to 25 new members of the Milton Harris Society, honoring them for lifetime gifts and commitments surpassing $1 million.  

OSU Foundation President and CEO Shawn L. Scoville highlighted the tremendous impact philanthropy is having in all corners of our university, and OSU Interim President Becky Johnson discussed OSU's work related to the pandemic and climate impacts, aided by donors who invest in faculty. “I’m proud that OSU is a leader in providing access to affordable higher education among top research institutions,” she continued. “This year’s entering class is the most diverse in our history. About one-fourth of Corvallis students and one-third of OSU-Cascades students are the first in their families to attend college. Much of this would not be possible without your support, and I’m profoundly grateful for your generosity.”