ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
Southern Oregon University
2022 Impact of Giving
Throughout the year, over 2,000 alumni, friends, foundations, and corporate partners joined forces, contributing an unprecedented $7.67 million in private funding. This record-breaking support enhances the university’s academic programs, bolsters campus infrastructure, fuels service initiatives, and fortifies intercollegiate athletics, leaving an enduring imprint on the vibrant landscape of Southern Oregon University.
Here’s How You Gave in 2022
Million Dollars Raised
60%
Private Support to Scholarships
Athletic Support
4.5 Million
In Scholarships
Total Donors
70% of Donors
are Individuals
You Supported Research
Student research plays a pivotal role in fostering intellectual growth and innovation at Southern Oregon University. Through rigorous inquiry and exploration, our students not only contribute to the academic landscape but also emerge as catalysts for positive change in their communities and beyond. Renowned surgeon Ron Worland, M.D., advocates for supporting SOU as an investment in the broader southern Oregon community. Emphasizing the importance of backing students, Worland and his wife, Lou, established an endowment for student-faculty research and facilitated the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment, particularly benefiting SOU’s distinguished chemistry program.
The Worlands are committed to advancing success in medicine and various careers through their support of SOU’s chemistry program, recognizing the institution’s pivotal role in shaping future leaders and professionals. Read about the new endowment here.
You Gave to Athletics
Generosity towards Southern Oregon University’s athletics program yields a profound impact, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience. Donors play a pivotal role in providing student-athletes with resources that extend beyond the playing field, ensuring a holistic development that goes hand in hand with academic pursuits. Contributions contribute to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge training programs, and essential support services, creating an environment where athletes can excel both athletically and academically.
In 2022, Bob Riehm gave $3 million gift to the SOU wrestling program. The gift endows the men’s wrestling head coach position and will fund scholarships for the team’s wrestlers. Read the full story about this legacy gift here.
You Supported Students
Participation in ROTC at Southern Oregon University not only instills a sense of discipline and leadership but also provides students with invaluable skills that transcend the military realm, enhancing their college careers. The structured training and leadership development within ROTC not only contribute to personal growth but also equip students with practical abilities, such as effective communication and teamwork, laying a solid foundation for success in various academic and professional pursuits.
As a strong advocate of lifelong learning, Todd Elworthy established the Bernice Cleveland and Carolyn Elworthy ROTC Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship is for ROTC cadets who demonstrate the highest level of service before self, and excellence to their command, professors, and peers. Read the full story.
You Sponsored First-Generation Students
First-generation students at Southern Oregon University bring unique perspectives and resilience, enriching the campus community with diverse experiences. Recognizing the significance of supporting these students in pursuing higher education is crucial, as their success not only transforms their individual lives but also contributes to breaking generational barriers and fostering a more inclusive and dynamic academic environment.
SOU’s Bridge Program makes going to college and earning a degree possible for many students who cannot see higher education in their future. Read about how Lyn Hennion, and her husband, Alex Bellen, have impacted the Bridge program with their support.
You Created Scholarships
Student scholarships open doors of opportunity, empowering deserving students to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. Scholarships not only ease financial burdens but serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering a community of scholars who, with gratitude and determination, will shape a brighter future for themselves and those they inspire.
Before George “Keith” Bayne passed away in 2021, he endowed the Alice Bayne Scholarship in Education. Read more about this scholarship fund here.