$10 Million Gift to University of Oregon Supports Innovation and Faculty Excellence
The Cameron and McDonald families honor their parents’ legacy with a transformative gift to the University of Oregon, bolstering innovation, entrepreneurship, and faculty excellence.
The University of Oregon is celebrating a generous $10 million gift from the estate of Gerry and Marilyn Cameron, made by their children Sue Cameron McDonald and her husband Dave, along with Paul Cameron and his wife Megan. The gift, made in accordance with their parents’ last wishes, will support innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as faculty excellence at the Lundquist College of Business and the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. This contribution adds to the Cameron family’s longstanding support of the university, which includes the establishment of various programs and scholarships during Gerry and Marilyn’s lifetime.
Honoring a Legacy of Education and Philanthropy
Sue McDonald, daughter of Gerry and Marilyn Cameron, expressed the importance of honoring her parents’ legacy through this gift. She highlighted their love for the University of Oregon and their dedication to helping students succeed. For Gerry Cameron, education played a transformative role in his own life, as he would not have been able to attend college without a scholarship. The Cameron and McDonald families are honored to represent their parents in making this significant contribution to the university.
Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Under the leadership of UO President Karl Scholz, this transformative gift will support initiatives in the Lundquist College of Business and the Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact. President Scholz expressed his gratitude for the gift, emphasizing the university’s commitment to innovation and its potential to inspire further investments in this crucial area. The Cameron family’s contribution will help bridge different departments and fund initiatives that expedite the commercialization of innovations.
Fostering Student Entrepreneurship and Mentorship
The family’s support will enable the creation of a Cameron Entrepreneur in Residence position, providing valuable guidance and mentorship to students and others across campus. This role will be instrumental in advising and mentoring student startups and ventures. In addition, the gift will fund the Cameron Family Faculty Fund, attracting and retaining top professors at the Lundquist College of Business to further develop innovation and entrepreneurship programs.
Impacting Research and Collaboration
The gift will also have a significant impact on research and collaboration efforts at the Knight Campus. It will enable the awarding of fellowships to Ph.D. students in bioengineering, allowing them to bring their innovations to market faster through coursework and collaborations with business students and faculty. This interdisciplinary approach will enhance the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world applications.
Empowering Student Success
The Cameron and McDonald families’ generosity will empower students to take risks and increase their success rate in translating their ideas into tangible impact. The gift will support and fund innovative ideas, businesses, technologies, and social programs envisioned by UO students. Jeff Sorensen, director of the Lundquist Center for Entrepreneurship, expressed gratitude for the family’s contribution, emphasizing its far-reaching impact on student empowerment and the realization of their dreams.
Conclusion: The University of Oregon is grateful for the $10 million gift from the Cameron and McDonald families, which will have a lasting impact on innovation, entrepreneurship, and faculty excellence. This contribution reflects the Cameron family’s commitment to education and philanthropy, honoring their parents’ legacy. As the university continues to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, this gift will provide valuable resources and support to students, faculty, and programs, propelling the University of Oregon’s mission forward.