Oregon Independent College Foundation Raises Over $1.43 Million

Published on Aug 22 2008 in Press Release by Bob Potter

3/4 The Oregon Independent College Foundation (OICF) had yet another outstanding year in 2007-08. The continued growth and development of the OICF’s four core initiatives lead to a substantial increase in fundraising on behalf of the ten member colleges and universities with total fundraising exceeding $1.43 million in 2008, a more than 25% increase from 2007 and 70% increase since 2005. The generous support of 200 corporate, foundation and individuals during the OICF’s FY2008, which ended June 30, continues to provide significant support to Oregon’s leading independent colleges and universities.

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.

“Funding generated by the OICF is extremely important to the member colleges on two meaningful levels. Foremost, the financial support generated by the OICF provides a provision of resources that offers critical support in a variety of areas,” said Kevin Matheny, OICF President/CEO. “Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the OICF provides the member colleges with meaningful representation before the region’s top corporate and foundation leaders – organizations and individuals that may not be as aware of the impact these of the member colleges in the state and region without the OICF serving an intermediary role. We are grateful for the investments in Oregon’s private college sector via the OICF. This investment has secured brighter futures for scores of students over the decades.”

With an average faculty to student ratio of 14:1, OICF colleges and universities offer students a highly personalized education experience that values each student as an important member of that community. Faculty and staff are accessible and leadership opportunities abound. OICF colleges and universities represent nearly one-third of the total number of bachelor degrees and higher earned in Oregon annually and pride themselves on producing graduates with the requisite skills to immediately transition into the region’s workforce.

Since it’s founding in 1950, the OICF has raised nearly than $53 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 with regional employment opportunities, and programs that showcase the colleges’ focus on ethics and leadership development.

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