Annual Donor Report Academic Year 2017–18
President’s Message T
his annual report shares stories of Willamette students who achieved academic excellence, benefitted from career-enhancing internships and engaged in experiential learning — all thanks to you.
become a hub of knowledge and civic engagement. And, students expect us to provide a challenging, rewarding and transformative experience that prepares them for a life of contribution and meaning.
We are pleased to celebrate the milestones of the past year and to recognize your impact on the Willamette community. As we convey our gratitude for past successes, we also think about our future. Higher education is experiencing a shift, and institutions like Willamette are at a critical moment in their history. The challenge before us is to reinforce the best of what we offer, while being prepared for whatever lies ahead.
I am confident we are delivering on these needs, and it wouldn’t be possible without you. Your investment in Willamette enables us to carry out our mission — and embody the meaning of our motto, “Not unto ourselves alone are we born.”
First-generation students and those historically underrepresented in higher education make up a larger fraction of the population on college campuses, and programs are becoming more flexible and interdisciplinary to create powerful, collaborative experiences that prepare students for careers as yet undefined. Families call on us to make a Willamette education possible through scholarships and other financial support. Employers ask us to prepare our graduates for the challenges and problems of tomorrow by testing their skills through research, service projects and internships. The Salem community looks to us to
With your support, Willamette University can do more than just adapt to a changing world — it can flourish. Non nobis solum nati sumus,
Steve Thorsett President
You
build stronger futures As an incoming student, José Fausto ’18 had been weighing acceptance at several colleges in Chicago and New York but found Willamette’s scholarship offer and its location near family irresistible. Without the scholarship — an annual fund established by a member of the university Board of Trustees that supports minority high school students from California — José wouldn’t have been able to attend Willamette beyond his first year. “Students have to continuously juggle a lot of things — how to gain work experience, succeed academically and contribute to the community, all while worrying about their financial burden,” he says. “Scholarships help relieve some of that stress.” Once at Willamette, José wanted to make his experience a success. But as a first-generation student born in Mexico, he didn’t know what to expect from college. Before classes began in August, he joined Ohana, a program through the Jump Start initiative that helps students from multicultural backgrounds bond and develop a sense of community. José also worked at several campus organizations and took on leadership roles. He was a residence hall representative, co-founder and later marketing director for the Residence Hall Association, and an office assistant for the College of Law admissions office.
Those experiences came in handy when Willamette’s alumni office connected José with the vice president of product and analytics at Tripping.com, a vacation rental site in San Francisco. He landed a digital marketing summer internship with the company and covered the cost of travel through the Catherine D. Lutz Internship Fund — one of several funds at Willamette that help students reap the benefits of experience- and resume-enhancing internships. After commuting five hours a day — and taking the initiative to meet with a high-level company investor — José found his hard work paid off. A temporary contract with the company enabled him to gain more real-world experience. Eventually, José aims to become CEO of an international company. If so, he hopes to follow advice a Willamette trustee gave him his junior year: If he becomes a financial success, he should remember how scholarships impacted his life — and pay forward the same opportunity for other students.
José Fausto ’18 used his initiative — and the support of the Willamette comminity — to build a foundation for a successful career.
You support
real-world experience In an experiential learning course, Fangming Wu MBA’18 put to good use the skills she acquired at Atkinson Graduate School of Management.
In her final year at Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Fangming Wu MBA’18 discovered perhaps the hardest part of her MBA — not academics nor tests, but giving away almost $150,000. Fangming took part in the two-semester Not-forProfit Grant Administration course, in which students decide how to distribute investment funds to worthy Oregon organizations. The course, which started in the 2016-17 academic year, gives students real-world experience in not-for-profit management and the consequences of investment decisions. This year, the students received applications from 77 regional nonprofits supporting youth and education, arts and culture, disadvantaged groups, and science and green technology. In teams of eight, they had to call on their MBA skills in finance, marketing, data analysis, strategy and ethics to determine which organizations to support. As in the world of business, they had to meet tough deadlines, hold difficult conversations, learn to compromise — and weigh carefully the impact of making decisions with real money. They analyzed applicants against grant criteria, invited them for interviews and conducted site visits for the five finalists. Along the way, they learned to problem-solve, manage a six-figure budget, complete a long-term project from conception through execution, and experience grant-making, not just grant-writing. Fangming, the leader for the marketing and event student team, says, “I learned to trust my team, as well as the importance of communication and collaboration.”
Such experiential and consequential learning was one of the key reasons why Fangming chose the Willamette MBA, along with small class sizes and three scholarships she received. “I’m grateful for Willamette alumni and friends’ investment in AGSM and in students like me,” she says. “The scholarships I received made my MBA dream come true and encouraged me to be more engaged in the Atkinson community.” A native of China, Fangming packed a lot into her two years in Salem. She held leadership positions in AGSM’s Consulting Association and the school’s chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs; studied abroad in London, Dublin and at the Kedge Business School in France; and volunteered at Willamette Academy and at the local Boys and Girls Club. That same impulse to help and be part of a community drives her interest in a career working for nonprofits. “I want to make a difference and bring the impact of people working together,” she says. “My Willamette MBA is just the beginning.”
You support
students who make a difference
Kevin Gleim JD’18 wanted to pursue a law career so he could help people. Even before he graduated this summer, he achieved just that for Willamette College of Law students. In his first few months at Willamette Law, Kevin became a student liaison to WUPILP (Willamette University Public Interest Law Project). Although most students only become involved with WUPILP after their first year of legal studies, Kevin was so passionate about the organization’s mission that he secured the liaison position. “I want to change or impact the world in a positive way,” he explains, “and the law is a really powerful way to do that.” WUPILP funds fellowships to enable law students to complete unpaid work in the public interest field — for county public defenders’ offices, Legal Aid, nonprofits and numerous other organizations. Kevin also served as WUPILP vice-president and then president, helping increase the organization’s endowment fund, the number of consistent donors and the amount raised at the annual fundraising Bid for Justice Auction. As a result, WUPILP was able to increase its number of summer fellowships, add two fellowships in fall and raise the amount of the grant awards. Kevin’s own interest in public service — particularly in government work — brought him to Salem. He
chose Willamette because of its law and government program, as well as its proximity to the Capitol. Scholarships were also a vital resource. “I knew that I wouldn’t make a lot of money in the public interest field,” he says, “so I am grateful to the generous law alumni and friends for the scholarship support I received that made my graduate education possible.” Willamette Law also provided Kevin with invaluable real-world experience working for the Oregon Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s office. He describes the externship at the Governor’s Office as “very enriching,” explaining, “It was the intersection of law and politics, which is why I came to law school. Plus, I was working with some of the best attorneys in the U.S.” Those experiences also helped affirm Kevin’s interest in transactional law rather than litigation. Once he passes the bar, Kevin will begin work with the Salem firm of Garrett Hemann Robertson, in the practice area of business, real estate and land use. Although a private firm, Garrett Hemann Robertson represents public entities such as cities, counties and school districts. “Law school helped me hone down what I wanted to do,” says Kevin. “I discovered that I love working one-on-one with clients, preventing problems and being proactive.”
Kevin Gleim JD’18 plans to use his Willamette law degree to make a positive impact on the world.
Alexis DeMartini ’18, MBA’19, Monterey, California “After graduating from Atkinson Graduate School of Management, I aspire to make the world a better place by helping companies become more sustainable. I am grateful for and honored by the support from alumni and donors that enables me to learn and use that knowledge to help people.”
Your support
makes a difference
Because of you, a Willamette education is made possible for talented, hardworking students who are inspired by the university’s motto, “Not unto ourselves alone are we born.” Thanks to you, these students will use their Willamette education to lead lives of achievement, contribution and meaning that impact themselves, their communities and the world.
Alice Fontaine ’18, Auburn, California
“Alumni support allowed me to grow and flourish in a place with so many transformational opportunities for students. Without such assistance, I could not have even considered Willamette as a possibility.”
Cody Gregg JD’18 Kennewick, Washington
“Willamette Law helped me accomplish every goal, career trajectory or opportunity to serve others. Financially, I would not have been able to afford tuition without the generous donations made by alumni.”
Samantha Klausen, 1L Salem, Oregon “Willamette alumni care deeply about students, and they demonstrate it by providing financial support, advice, encouragement and networking opportunities. Grateful and inspired, I hope to find similar ways to give back to future law students.”
Kylie Towry ’18 Medford, Oregon “Willamette is such a special community because it’s so supportive. As a student-athlete, I am especially grateful for the support we receive from alumni. Our teams travel often, and seeing friendly Bearcat faces on the road makes all the difference to our morale and confidence.”
Making a dream
a reality
Miranda Piros knew that Willamette was “the perfect school” for her, and she looked forward to following her brother, Grant Piros ’09, in becoming a Bearcat. When she attended a campus tour, Miranda was struck by the welcoming atmosphere and friendly people. She was excited by the small class sizes that would allow her to interact with professors and enhance her learning.
we born,” Ronald and Lila Schmidt ’66, of Portola Valley, California, have established a scholarship to help remove financial barriers that prevent the best and brightest first-year students from attending the university. Last year, the couple funded the Schmidt Scholars Program that will benefit a total of 32 students, or up to eight Schmidt Scholars per year. Each student will receive funding for up to four years.
Then tragedy struck. Miranda’s mother spent months in the hospital with a disease that stole her eyesight and significantly strained the family’s finances. Miranda, of Newberg, Oregon, thought she’d have to give up her dream of Willamette and settle for the more affordable option of community college.
Competition for the scholarship is high. Schmidt students this year held a GPA above 4.0 and fell generally within the top 25th percent of Willamette’s applicant pool. Half held leadership positions with student organizations during high school, and all devoted a significant amount of time volunteering in their community.
Instead, thanks to the support of two donors, Miranda is now a member of Willamette’s class of 2022. “I’m so grateful for the generosity of the donors,” she says. “They’re the reason I can make my dream school and education a reality.”
Of the eight inaugural recipients, five will be the first in their families to attend college — a situation Lila knows well. A first-generation student herself, Lila says a college degree was seen as a vital achievement in her family. Her father had an eighth-grade education and her mother no more than high school, so she’s gratified to help others attain this goal.
Miranda is one of eight students selected for the inaugural cohort of “Schmidt Scholars.” Guided by Willamette’s motto, “Not unto ourselves alone are
Supporting Today’s Students Current use scholarships make a Willamette education possible today. Funding for current use scholarship awards, like the Schmidt Scholars Program, is critical to ensuring a Willamette education remains accessible to today’s students who will thrive in our academic programs, regardless of their financial standing. Knowing they have the support of alumni, parents and friends also gives students the extra confidence to work hard, pursue every available opportunity and maximize their Willamette experience.
IN 2017-18
191 donors
including alumni, parents, faculty and staff gave over
Each donor makes an impact on students’ lives, and gifts today are more important than ever. Colleges nationwide have seen a decline in enrollment and a demographic shift that’s increased the number of students who need financial assistance.
$276,000
in current use scholarship support to aid today’s Willamette students.
Jeremy Bogan, vice president and dean of the office of admissions, says many students would not be able to afford Willamette without scholarships like the Schmidt Scholars Program. “As an institution, we can only meet so much need,” he says. “The ability to fill in that gap with scholarships means everything to these students.” Willamette’s dedication to providing all students with access to outstanding faculty and research opportunities has not wavered, in no small part because of critical donor support. “Our alumni know firsthand the transformative power of a Willamette education,” says President Steve Thorsett. “We are grateful that so many have gone above and beyond to provide that opportunity for future Willamette students.” Ron and Lila have long understood the importance of investing in the success of Willamette students. In 2001 Lila endowed the Fay and Dorothy Clocking Scholarship in honor of her parents. Lila also served on her Class of 1966 Scholarship Committee and successfully raised money to endow an Olympic Scholarship, which helps students from her native Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.
As for the Schmidt Scholars Program, she says, “We are excited to be able to provide students with the opportunity to learn critical thinking, be exposed to new ideas, experience creative opportunities and work toward making a better future.” Another Schmidt Scholar, Cayden Himes ’22, plans to do just that. Initially, Cayden was intimidated by the cost of a private liberal arts school, but Willamette’s financial aid package eliminated that fear. “I’m super grateful for the Schmidt scholarship,” he says. “It makes a huge difference.” Along with the other Schmidt Scholars, Cayden and Miranda are thrilled at the opportunities that await at Willamette. Cayden’s looking forward to meeting other students who are passionate about education and want to expand their perspective. Besides moving into a residence hall and making new friends, Miranda says she’s “most excited for all the new experiences and opportunities and knowledge that college will bring!”
Thank You For A Great Year Academic Year 2017–18
Total Solar Eclipse
Jade Aguilar
Waller Hall’s 150th birthday
Jade Aguilar, associate professor of sociology, became the university’s first vice president for equity, diversity and inclusion on July 1.
named Willamette MBA top in Oregon for return on investment.
The Fiske Guide to Colleges 2018 recognized Willamette as one of some 300 notable schools from the U.S., Canada and Great Britain.
An exhibit at Hallie Ford Museum of Art celebrated 25 years of contemporary American Indian art from the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts, whose archives are held at the museum.
Third-year JD/MBA student Andy Blevins was first runner-up for the National LGBT Bar Association’s Student Leadership Award. On Aug. 21, Willamette hosted solar scientists and about 2,000 spectators during the total solar eclipse. Nine students participated in the Science Collaborative Research Program (SCRP) over the summer, working alongside faculty members on projects dealing with real-world issues. In August, Willamette welcomed its new classes — 450 first-year students and 31 transfer students in the College of Liberal Arts, 111 students in the College of Law and 69 students in AGSM. Forbes magazine’s Best Business Schools list again
Nearly 600 alumni returned to campus to enjoy Alumni Reunion Weekend.
Trustee Jim Albaugh ’72 made a $5.5M commitment to the university to strengthen the math and physics departments, including an endowed chair in mathematics named for beloved professor Chester F. Luther. On Oct. 23, the university commemorated Waller Hall’s 150th birthday. For the fourth consecutive year, Bloomberg Businessweek named Atkinson Graduate School of Management one of the 85 Best Business Schools in the United States. The National Science Foundation awarded the university $646,986 to provide scholarships for
underrepresented students to pursue bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields. The Association of American Colleges and Universities honored Willamette’s Civic Communication and Media department as a national model program for civic learning. As part of the university’s annual celebration of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, some 180 students, faculty members and staff participated in the Into the Streets community service project. In February, 117 Tokyo International University students from Japan, China, Thailand, Peru, South Korea and Taiwan arrived on campus for the American Studies Program. AGSM students met with Warren Buffett in the school’s first invitation to one of the legendary investor’s Q&A sessions in Omaha. In March, the university held its 16th annual Social Pow Wow, hosted by the Native and Indigenous Student Union. On the second annual Global Day
of Service, nearly 600 Willamette students, alumni, faculty and staff participated in community service projects. Two law students, Erin Roycroft and Shelby Smith, were named “Next Generation Leaders” by the American Constitution Society. Three Bearcat head coaches — soccer’s Lloyd Fobi, men’s cross country’s Matt McGuirk and women’s basketball’s Peg Swadener — received Northwest Conference Coach of the Year awards. The College of Law’s new Business Lawyering Institute held its first annual symposium, bringing together leaders from the business and legal communities. The men’s soccer and baseball teams won Northwest Conference Tournament titles. Along with women’s basketball, the two teams also qualified for NCAA Division 3 tournaments. At commencement, the university awarded honorary degrees to community leader Hazel Patton, former Oregon governor Ted Kulongoski and Pink Martini pianist Thomas Lauderdale.
What You Made Possible
Fundraising By the Numbers, June 2017–May 2018
OUR COMMUNITY OF DONORS
4% Faculty/Staff
18% Parents 20% Friends
WILLAMETTE’S ENDOWMENT
58% Alumni
in millions
FY 18: $254.7 FY 17: $236.7 FY 16: $225.2
TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
$17.8M
NEW ENDOWED FUNDS
12% Faculty 19% Academic 16 Funds Programs in Support of 69% Scholarships
Including $1.7M Received in Support of the Willamette Annual Fund
$12.4M
In New Endowed Commitments
4,515 Donors 862
First-time Donors
Willamette University is committed to thoughtful stewardship and transparency with regard to donated resources. Please contact the Office of Donor Relations with any questions at donor-relations@willamette.edu or 503-370-6891.
900 State Street Salem, OR 97301
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Salem, OR Permit No. 152