Beavers from all 50 states and 21 countries give to OSU during a 24-hour show of generosity

Dam Proud Day brings record-breaking support of students

On Dam Proud Day 2025, Oregon State University community members made over 11,000 gifts totaling over $3.4 million for university programs and funds in a celebratory day engaging the entire university community. Led by the OSU Foundation, the annual day of giving set records for the fifth year in a row.

The April 30 celebration supports the Foundation’s $1.75 billion Believe It fundraising and engagement campaign. In addition to giving to their favorite programs, students, university employees, alumni, parents and other donors enjoyed in-person and livestreamed events in Corvallis and Bend.

“I can’t tell you how exhilarating it is to feel our community’s outpouring of support on Dam Proud Day,” said OSU President Jayathi Murthy. “The energy, heart and generosity of thousands of Beavers underscore OSU’s commitment to removing barriers for students and fostering a community of learning, discovery and inclusive excellence. Thank you to everyone who participated.”

Hailing from all 50 states and 21 countries, donors supported over 200 funds, more than 80% of which directly benefit students. For the first time, more than 50 student clubs and every Oregon 4-H county program participated in Dam Proud Day. Donors gave more than $1 million to support 21 sports and programs in OSU Athletics as well.

Over 250 challenge gifts, together surpassing $1.5 million, incentivized donors to give to unlock additional support for their chosen funds.  

OSU President Jayathi Murthy and her husband, Sanjay Mathur, made a $25,000 challenge gift that benefits the university’s Finish in Four program. This year’s giving day spotlighted the initiative —which is designed to boost graduation rates in alignment with OSU’s Prosperity Widely Shared goals — alongside the OSU Athletics Fund for Excellence.

OSU Foundation Board of Trustees current, future and past chairs and the co-chairs of the Believe It campaign offered a record $175,000 in challenges to further incentivize friendly competition among the participating programs and reward the day’s top-performing projects. The Trustee Challenge was funded by: campaign co-chairs (and former board chairs) Ruth Beyer, ’77; John Stirek, ’82, and his wife, Kate Stirek, ’83; and Jon DeVaan, ’85, ’11 (Hon. Ph.D.), and his wife Stephanie DeVaan; plus board chair Penny Atkins, ’79, and her husband, Gary Atkins; chair-elect Dave Underriner, ’81, and his wife Barbara Underriner; and past chairs Eric Schoenstein, ’88, and his wife, Kelly Douglas; and Tom Toomey, ’82.  

“Dam Proud Day has never been just about raising money — it’s a platform to celebrate our community and show the world the incredible impact we can make together in just 24 hours,” said Shawn L. Scoville, OSU Foundation president and CEO. “We were thrilled to engage so many student organizations and give these future alumni a firsthand experience of the generosity and spirit of Beaver Nation.”

On the Corvallis campus, students gathered for a street fair-style celebration at the Student Experience Center (SEC) Plaza featuring dozens of university groups with giveaways, games and free Beaver Classic ice cream. Students could raise funds for their favorite programs through activities such as a new 5K race sponsored by the College of Forestry and by answering OSU trivia questions. Beavers from around the globe tuned into an all-day, livestreamed talk show filmed at the SEC Plaza.

In Bend, faculty, staff and students gathered all day at Bruckner Courtyard and the Edward J. Ray Hall for free refreshments, music, games and more.  

The OSU Foundation launched Dam Proud Day in 2019. Over the years, OSU’s giving day donors have given nearly $12 million to support the university’s programs and people.

Join Beavers in making a difference in May through Days of Service and save the date for the next Dam Proud Day: April 29, 2026.