OICF Distributes $27,000 in UPS Scholarships to Ten Oregon Private Colleges

Published on Oct 06 2009 in Press Release by Bob Potter

The Oregon Independent College Foundation (OICF), a Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE) affiliated state association, will distribute $27,000 in UPS Scholarship funds to ten Oregon private colleges and universities.  FIHE awarded more than $1.6 million in scholarships from its UPS Educational Endowment Fund to private institutions of higher learning across the nation.  These scholarships are awarded annually to students selected as UPS Scholars.

The OICF serves as a fundraising and programmatic consortium of Oregon’s 10 leading private colleges and universities: Concordia University, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield College, Marylhurst University, Pacific University, Reed College, University of Portland, Warner Pacific College and Willamette University.

The UPS Educational Endowment Fund, which is held and administered by FIHE, was initiated through endowment gifts from the UPS Foundation totaling $2 million and is now valued at $32 million.  Since its inception, this fund has awarded over $44 million in scholarship support to over 15,000 students nationwide.

In announcing the scholarships, Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation, said, “Our young people, our communities, and our workforce all benefit from the increased educational opportunities that FIHE provides.  The UPS Foundation is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with FIHE to support the deserving students whose education these scholarships fund.”

FIHE president, Dr. Myrvin Christopherson, stated, “FIHE is delighted to have a partnership with the UPS Foundation, enabling us to give these promising students an opportunity for a successful future.”  Further, Christopherson remarked, “Thanks to the generosity of the UPS Foundation, and prudent management of their gifts, we are able to provide scholarships to promote success at private institutions of higher education for deserving students, and do so even in challenging economic times.   By funding scholarships like these, the UPS Foundation makes a strong commitment to the future of our nation’s workforce.”

About OICF

Since its founding in 1950, the OICF has raised nearly than $56 million from top corporations, private foundations, and charitable individuals in Oregon and beyond.  Current OICF priorities include increasing diversity on the member college campuses, connecting students and alumni with regional employment opportunities, and programs that showcase the colleges’ focus on ethics and leadership development.  For more information visit www.oicf.org.

About FIHE

The Foundation for Independent Higher Education is the national partner in a network of 32 state associations, including the Oregon Independent College Foundation, which develop resources for private colleges and universities.   Since its founding in 1958, FIHE and its partners have received more than $1.6 billion in support for private colleges.  For more information visit www.fihe.org.

About the UPS Foundation

Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA., The UPS Foundation’s major areas of focus include community safety, nonprofit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, environmental sustainability, and diversity. The UPS Foundation pursues these initiatives by identifying specific projects where its support can help produce a measurable social impact.  In 2008, The UPS Foundation directed more than $100 million in philanthropy to charitable organizations worldwide.  Visit community.ups.com for more information about UPS’s community involvement.

Contact:
Kevin Matheny
President/CEO
503-496-3420
kevin@oicf.org