Marilyn & Gerry Cameron honored with 2023 Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy

The PSU Foundation is pleased to recognize the tremendous contributions of two long-time advocates and supporters of the PSU School of Business, Marilyn & Gerry Cameron, with the 2023 Simon Benson Award for Philanthropy. The award was accepted on their behalf by the couple’s family – including daughter Sue Cameron McDonald and her husband Dave McDonald, and son Paul Cameron and his wife Megan Cameron – at a celebration in downtown Portland on November 15, 2023.

Our mom and dad were both passionate believers in the power of education to change lives and to tangibly benefit our region,” said Paul Cameron. “They lived that journey in their own lives, and they were tremendously gratified to be able to provide similar opportunities to others — especially students juggling work and family life while attending college.”

Initially employed as a bookkeeper at U.S. Bank, Gerry Cameron rose through its ranks over a 42-year career to become CEO and Chairman of the Board. He credited the bank’s work-college scholarship program with making it possible for him to attend college and graduate from PSU with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1962.

The Cameron family’s lifetime investment in PSU totals around $14.5 million, including contributions to the school’s capital campaign in 2008 as well as support for more than 60 student scholars and 10 outstanding business faculty leaders.

The Simon Benson Awards are Portland State University’s top honors for philanthropy and alumni achievement. Since the beginning of the awards more than two decades ago, dozens of supporters have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the university and greater community.

You can learn more about the Cameron's legacy by watching the video below: