EUGENE–More than 21,000 donors propelled the University of Oregon to the biggest fundraising year in its history–$58.5 million in gifts and pledges during the 1999-2000 fiscal year.

The total is nearly 12 percent higher than the previous one-year record of $52.3 million set in 1995-96, at the height of The Oregon Campaign, according to Duncan McDonald, vice president for Public Affairs and Development. The Oregon Campaign, which raised $255.3 million in five years, still stands as the most successful public or private fundraising effort in the state of Oregon.

"Everyone at the UO–every citizen of our state–owes a debt of thanks to the thousands of alumni and friends who are making long-term commitments to enhancing and growing our university," says UO President Dave Frohnmayer.

Randy Papé, who served as president of the UO Foundation during the record-setting development year, calls the historic giving "a bold statement of support for the university's vision."

"It’s wonderful that so many individual donors believe in the University of Oregon and in making investments that will provide a better future for our entire state," Papé adds.

The largest single gift in this record year was $12 million from former MediaOne CEO Charles Lillis and his wife, Gwen, of Englewood, Colo. Charles Lillis received his doctorate in business at the University of Oregon. He and his wife provided the lead gift to help finance the expansion and renovation of Gilbert Hall for the Lundquist College of Business.

Funds raised during the 1999-2000 donation year will help the university in a variety of ways. Almost 50 percent of giving supported construction and renovation as well as purchase of instructional equipment; slightly more than 21 percent went to cultural and extracurricular programs; almost 17 percent supported undergraduate education programs and faculty development; and more than 12 percent went to graduate education and research.

McDonald praises the "team effort" of deans, directors, constituency development officers, central development staff, foundation staff and trustees for reaching such a record.

"It is remarkable to see the day-in, day-out commitment of so many people who work so hard to connect our alumni and friends with our university and to make the investments that will guarantee our excellence," McDonald says.

For every dollar raised, he adds, the UO spent about 8 cents in fundraising costs, well below the national average of more than 12 cents on the dollar.

Future plans?

"To move our outreach to even higher levels," McDonald says. "We've proved we can do this. We have the desire, the energy and the loyalty to make this work."

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