Dear OSU Community Members,
Please join me on Wednesday, April 30, by participating in Dam Proud Day, Oregon State University’s fifth annual day of giving and engagement.
Dam Proud Day is one of my favorite days of the year because the Oregon State community comes together to celebrate and support students, programs and initiatives. This year, I am delighted to report that, for the first time ever, we have more than 50 student organizations participating in Dam Proud Day.
Employee, student, donor, alumni and community engagement is key to Dam Proud Day’s success. I encourage you to:
• Save the date for Dam Proud Day, April 30!
• Participate in events in Corvallis, Bend and online.
• Make a gift (of any size) to funds that personally inspire you to celebrate OSU on this special day.
• Share with your family and friends about what makes you Dam Proud of Oregon State and consider the ways you can support OSU students on this exciting day.
More than 80 percent of Dam Proud Day funds benefit students directly, with the remainder supporting university priority programs and initiatives. I am excited to share that my husband, Sanjay, and I are joining challenge donors who have already made challenges totaling more than $1.2 million. Our first challenge will encourage giving to any project on Dam Proud Day and the second will encourage giving to support student clubs. Once fulfilled, our challenge gifts will support Finish in Four.
Not sure where to direct your gift? Consider these two priority funds.
1. Finish in Four: Increasing the graduation rate to 80 percent is a key objective in the university’s strategic plan. The university’s new Finish in Four initiative helps Oregon students graduate in four years with little to no debt. Your Dam Proud Day gift could further this effort, making a difference for OSU students with financial need.
2. Oregon State Athletics Fund for Excellence: Conference realignment continues to change the landscape of college athletics, directly impacting the vibrant campus life and student experience at OSU. A gift to this fund will strengthen OSU and secure a bright future for OSU Athletics.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this special day. I am especially grateful to the OSU Foundation for leading the way, as well as to university leaders, employees and students who have worked hard to make Dam Proud Day an exceptional OSU tradition.
I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish this year.
Go Beavs!
Jayathi Y. Murthy
President