That’s because when Artzt headed south to Los Angeles in 1951 to begin his career, he had more than a diploma to show for his efforts at the university. He arrived at his first job with the ability to organize his thoughts quickly and the means to communicate those thoughts directly and concisely.

It is that ability that Artzt credits for his numerous career achievements. And that ability, he says, comes from skills taught by professors who inspired him and encouragement by a dean–Gordon Sabine–who made the link between journalism and advertising and got him "hooked."

Now, having enjoyed a remarkable career that includes being chairman and retired CEO of Procter & Gamble, Artzt has decided "to put something back and say thank you for a quality education." His thank you comes in the form of a $2 million gift to the School of Journalism and Communication’s Office of the Dean.

UO President Dave Frohnmayer says Artzt’s donation and others like his are quite literally transforming the UO from a well-regarded research university to, as a national study reported, "a rising star" among public and private universities across the nation.

"Ed Artzt’s gift is the exclamation point on a very successful Oregon Campaign for the School of Journalism and Communication," says Tim Gleason, dean of journalism and communication. "It will help us complete a major part of the Allen Hall renovation and provide ongoing support for the deanship."

Artzt has contributed $500,000 for the Edwin L. Artzt Dean’s Office. The gift will allow the school to complete construction of the new dean’s office on the ground floor of the east wing of Allen Hall, adjacent to the new main entrance, and to remodel the current dean’s office, making room for much-needed faculty office space.

In addition to the construction fund, Artzt has pledged $1.5 million to support the work of the dean’s office. This gift will provide approximately $60,000 per year to support travel, office staff and other activities in the dean’s office.

"Artzt’s support will help the dean raise the profile of the school across the nation and will strengthen the school’s ability to support a variety of faculty teaching, research and service activities," Gleason says.

Although his donation will fund the leadership of the school, Artzt firmly believes that the school’s future success lies in a continued commitment to teaching the basics of clear, concise communication.

"In discussing the school with Ed," Gleason notes, "I was impressed by his memory of the education he received here and his quiet insistence that we not lose sight of core values and fundamental skills."

It is that same message that Artzt frequently shares with students with whom he has an opportunity to speak.

"If you want to run the show someday–and run it well," Artzt advises them, "you had better learn to think, write and speak–in that order–clearly, forcefully, concisely and to the point."

In honor of the major gift to the School of Journalism and Communication, the endowed dean’s chair will be named the Edwin L. Artzt Deanship.

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