Dear Colleagues, 

I am pleased to share with you two items of great importance to the university: Governor John Kitzhaber’s announcement of his appointees to the University of Oregon Board of Trustees, and the university’s fiscal year 2013 giving totals.

This afternoon, the Governor’s Office announced his appointees to the UO’s new institutional board. The governor’s appointments reflect a strong understanding of the mission and culture of our university, and I am deeply appreciative of the thoughtfulness demonstrated in his choice of an exceptional group of distinguished citizens to help guide the future of this university.

The establishment of a board of trustees committed to the advancement of the University of Oregon and devoted to its public research mission signals a new era for higher education in Oregon, defined by the increased accountability, transparency, and innovation this structure will facilitate. The governor has been steadfast in his support of this legislation as part of his strategy for higher education reform in our state. I appreciate his, and the people of Oregon’s, confidence in this institution, and welcome the opportunity to work together with our faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and board members to elevate the university’s stature and ability to deliver on the promise of its public mission.

This shift in governing structure affords us great opportunities to create new efficiencies in our operations, leverage new support for innovation and research, and encourage philanthropy, which brings me to the second announcement I have the pleasure of sharing with you today—our year-end giving totals.

The university received gift commitments totaling $200,054,995 in fiscal year 2013, the second highest one-year total in the UO’s history. Of the total, donors designated $85,772,471 specifically to support faculty and academic programing, research activity, and student aid and scholarships, representing a significant increase in giving in these key categories.

This is an exciting time to be at the University of Oregon, as we enter a new academic year leaning forward into the significant changes our institution is undergoing, the great opportunities they bring, and the exceptional future they portend.

Regards,

Michael Gottfredson

President