Portland State Magazine Winter 2017

18 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE WINTER 2017 As a first-generation college student, I have experienced the tremendous impact higher education has on not only individuals and their families but also on what they can then give back to the community. It comes as no surprise to me that a university like Portland State, with more than 52 percent of its student body first-generation, has alumni as its largest donor base and that scholarships are their top priority. Over the following seven pages you will read about a small fraction of the $32,121,618 in gifts Portland State received between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016, and the life-changing influence this generosity has had on students, faculty, research and programs. We celebrate the giving of alumnus Rick Miller and his wife, Erika, and community members Christine and David Vernier, founders of Vernier Software & Technology, as well as the transformative support received from the Lemelson Foundation and the David E. Wedge Estate. It is my honor to serve as the PSU Foundation’s new president and CEO and to share these inspiring stories of impact. For such a young University, we have accomplished much and continue on an upward trajectory of access and excellence made possible by the entire PSU community. To all of our donors who are helping create the next generation of great leaders, thinkers, researchers and entrepreneurs, thank you. William Boldt PRESIDENT & CEO, PSU FOUNDATION Sharing stories of generosity This Portland State University Foundation report on giving from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, was gathered and written by Jyoti Roy and Cecily Walters. For full audited financial information from the PSU Foundation, please visit psuf.org . ALUMNI & FORMER STUDENTS 54% FRIENDS 20% PARENTS, CURRENT STUDENTS & FACULTY/STAFF 15% CORPORATIONS & FOUNDATIONS 8% OTHER ORGANIZATIONS 3% SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS 32% ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & RESEARCH 24% OTHER RESTRICTED FUNDS 21% CAPITAL PROJECTS 19% UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 3% THE IMPACT OF GIVING TOTAL GIVING 2015-2016 OVER $32 MILLION WHO GIVES? TO WHAT?