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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Beaver Nation united Tuesday to raise more than $600,000 to support OSU colleges and programs ranging from student scholarships, the arts, Extension programs and athletics during Oregon State University’s inaugural giving day.

More than 2,700 OSU students, faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters participated in Dam Proud Day, a 24-hour fundraising event led by the Oregon State University Foundation to benefit students, programs and initiatives across the university. The day-long campaign totaled $619,878 in contributions.

“I am very proud of Beaver Nation for supporting an even brighter future for OSU,” Oregon State University President Ed Ray said. “This outpouring of donor engagement and investment will contribute significantly to our passions for student success, inclusive excellence, programs that turn learners into leaders, and life-changing research initiatives.”

Dam Proud Day donors were able to contribute to 68 different funds across the university, spanning all colleges and several scholarship funds, student initiatives and athletics programs. Women’s rowing and men’s rowing attracted the most donors (approximately $29,877 from 457 donors and approximately $30,538 from 418 donors, respectively), followed by Food Hero Across Oregon, an OSU Extension Service program focused on healthy eating (approximately $3,117 from 236 donors). Donors gave the most to OSU-Cascades (approximately $79,000 from 202 donors) and the College of Business (approximately $40,600 from 88 donors). Additionally, donors from 43 states, Puerto Rico and nine countries outside the United States participated.*

“Our first giving day was a huge success, thanks in large part to the donors who established matching gifts,” said OSU Foundation CEO and President Mike Goodwin. “On behalf of the Oregon State University Foundation, I want to thank everyone who gave and volunteered. Together, Beavers made a big difference.”

Goodwin said that giving days provide a unique opportunity for those connected to the university to unite and contribute to programs they are passionate about. “These events also celebrate donor impact at all levels of giving and educate the community about the importance of philanthropy,” he said.

To encourage participation, a number of donors established more than 35 matching gifts ranging from $500 to $69,000 for various efforts.

Students, faculty, staff and community members in Corvallis, Portland and Bend attended events Tuesday to learn about the impact of donor funds on the university. Hundreds of Beavers also promoted Dam Proud Day on social media.

*All numbers are as of on the morning of May 2, 2019. However, the website is still accepting gifts.