Thank you
Donor contributions made a profound difference during FY 2021-2022, bringing new possibilities to life for students and for Portland. In the below report, we share special moments of connection and opportunity made possible by philanthropy.
Thank you for your generosity, and for your steadfast belief in the power of Portland State to change lives and serve our city.
Here's how you gave In 2022
$ 34.4 M Dollars Raised
20 % of donors gave multiple times
8,170 Total Gifts
1,036 donations Came from first-time donors
5,556 Total Donors
76 % of donors gave $1,000 or less
YOU CAME TOGETHER FOR GRASSROOTS GIVING
The Viking Athletic Fund was among 50 PSU causes championed by donors.
Two days of grassroots giving this year brought together more than 1,300 alumni, faculty, students and friends from around campus and around the world to connect with causes they care about at Portland State University—including athletics, scholarships, departments, centers, and special-purpose programs and activities.
$387,000 contributed by grassroots givers to support causes across campus
You trained tomorrow's leaders
The Ignite Leadership & Mentorship Program connects pre-health students through mentorship, leadership, and support.
This year, donors completed a $250,000 challenge grant from Kaiser Permanente, a major employer of Portland State University graduates in health sciences, to support Ignite—a special scholarship and mentorship program for pre-health students seeking to make a difference both on campus and in their communities.
$4.2 million from corporations supported programs to develop Oregon's Workforce
You Inspired Future STEM Students
MESA plans to expand equitable STEM education worldwide.
In 2022, PSU’s landmark Oregon MESA program celebrated 35 years of enabling underserved high school and middle school students to develop skills and explore careers in mathematics, engineering and science. This year, grants from The Lemelson Foundation and the Meyer Memorial Trust, the program’s longtime champions, created new opportunities for students in rural Oregon.
$5.8 million from private foundations supported PSU programs and projects
You Helped Students Get to Work
Khoa Truong's '22 internship experiences at PSU helped shape his career path.
Tim and Mary Boyle's $1 million gift to the PSU School of Business expanded vital career services at the school, helping ensure that first-generation and historically underserved students can access career guidance—helping them land great jobs with Portland employers seeking a talented and diverse workforce.
$1 million + gifts accounted for about 26% of total contributions
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You Built a vibrant campus
Learn more about the Oregon Legislature approving funding for the new home for the School of Art + Design.
In a year when building in-person community and downtown vitality were significant university undertakings, individuals and grant-making foundations invested in the maintenance and landscaping of Portland State’s urban campus as well as a planned new home for the award-winning PSU School of Art + Design.
$2.6 million for current and planned capital projects
You Came together as proud alumni
Portland State alumni stayed connected to the PSU community all year long.
This year, the PSU Alumni Association connected alumni, fans and friends of Portland State with ways to advocate, network, learn and give back. Above: PSU alumni advocates attended a bike town hall hosted by Oregon Senator Michael Dembrow, Representative Barbara Smith Warner and Representative Khanh Pham, herself a PSU alumna.
$11 million was contributed by PSU alumni
You Helped Families Flourish
Scholarships made a difference for Ben Steward '22 and his family.
Now and always, investments in scholarships support students whose success will change their lives and shape their families' futures. This year, donor-funded scholarships allowed Ben Steward to complete his degree in Indigenous Nations Studies and to help his own tribe, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians of Oregon, preserve its culture.
$7.6 million raised for scholarships from nearly 2,000 donors
You kept students going
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Robert Mercer Last Mile Fund helped Sierra stay on track to graduate.
For the third year in a row, donors prioritized flexible emergency support to help students facing urgent or unexpected expenses overcome temporary obstacles and stay on track to graduate. Hardship funds allowed Sierra T. to cover the cost of her final classes at PSU and earn her B.A.—all while juggling family and a full-time job.
$282,780 raised for hardship funds with an average student award of $620
You let talent serve & inspire
Visiting Assistant Professor of Choir, Music Education & Social Justice Coty Raven Morris.
Support for faculty brought new talent to campus—and advanced research and academic programs. This year, longtime PSU donors created a one-of-a-kind endowed professorship designed to prepare future music teachers—and to give houseless Portlanders an opportunity to connect with the power of choral music.
$12.4 million raised for faculty positions and academic support
You created Living Legacies
Bob Hormel's $1 million estate gift supports student parents.
This year, planned giving donors established legacy gifts honoring their personal experiences and hopes for the future. Alumni donor Bob Hormel '62, whose PSU degree jumpstarted a successful accounting career, committed $1 million from his estate to create a scholarship aimed at helping PSU students with children complete their degrees.
$7.3 million in planned gift and estate commitments