University of Oregon Giving

08/18/2026

A transformational $125 million grant from Ballmer Group will help the University of Oregon’s Ballmer Institute take its work nationwide.

The grant will support a network of universities training bachelor’s degree-level behavioral health providers, helping grow the workforce and expand access to support for millions of children and families across the country.

“The need for children’s behavioral health support is urgent and is outpacing the current supply,” said Connie Ballmer, co-founder of Ballmer Group. “The University of Oregon is a leader in establishing training programs at the bachelor’s degree level, and I’m proud to help them bring this to universities across the country.”

Learn more 🔗 https://bit.ly/3SGlFBF

University of Oregon Portland | University of Oregon Giving

07/30/2026

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July as a time to acknowledge disability identity, advocate for accessibility, and recognize the diverse experiences that strengthen our communities.

For Sammy Houston, her story is a reminder of the importance of embracing every part of who we are and creating spaces where all individuals are seen, valued, and included.

By listening to and learning from different perspectives, we can continue building more accessible, inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

07/28/2026

Only 35% of the STEM workforce is made up of women. 💚🔬

At the University of Oregon, University of Oregon Women in Graduate Sciences expands access to research, mentorship, professional development, and outreach for women and marginalized genders in STEM.

For PhD candidates, Allison LaSalvia and Audrey Klein, UOWGS has been a community for growth, leadership, and advancing the future of science.

Thanks to donor support, the organization has provided awards, hands-on experiences, and outreach opportunities that have helped students grow as researchers and leaders.

In 2025, more than $13,000 was raised, and in 2026, 227% of the original fundraising goal was reached, showcasing the impact of collective support.

Real the full story: https://bit.ly/3TD5jKb

07/09/2026

From student leader to AI real estate innovator, Stella Rabb's journey shows the impact of scholarships, community, and opportunity.

As a student at the University of Oregon, Stella found her community through the UO Real Estate Investment Group, where she connected with peers and mentors who helped shape her path. With support from donor-funded scholarships, she had the opportunity to explore new ideas and pursue her goals in real estate.

That experience opened the door to a career at Prophetic, an AI-native land acquisition software startup, where Stella now serves as Chief of Staff.

Stella's story is a reminder of what's possible when students have the support, community, and resources to pursue bold ideas.

Read Stella's story: https://bit.ly/4vPFMM4

07/02/2026

Motivated by their daughter Ashley's journey, Lisa Redekop and Les Koski pledged $100,000 to the Ballmer Institute to help neurodivergent kids like her thrive and launch new opportunities for UO students. They are directing their gift to the Ballmer Bound Portland Internship Experience.

Their generosity has already sparked over $31,000 in additional support, opening doors for five students to join the 2026 summer cohort without financial constraints.

“This is something that we could support because it would have made a big difference to our lives and to Ashley’s life,” said Les.

Read Les and Lisa's full story and learn how to give: https://bit.ly/4oZJtfz

06/26/2026

As Pride Month comes to a close, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the history, resilience, and progress that Pride represents.

Pride is a reminder of the importance of visibility, belonging, advocacy, and the power of community. It's a time to honor those who have paved the way, celebrate those making a difference today, and reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

At the University of Oregon, we are proud to celebrate our LGBTQ+ students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters—not only during Pride Month, but throughout the year.

How do you celebrate Pride? 🌈 Share your traditions, stories, or favorite ways you show support in the comments below.

UO LGBT Education and Support Services
University of Oregon Lgbtqa³ Alliance

06/24/2026

New AI-integrated cameras are helping Oregon communities detect wildfires faster and respond sooner.

The University of Oregon Oregon Hazards Lab is expanding its wildfire detection network in Wasco County with new cameras designed to identify smoke within minutes and provide emergency responders with real-time information.

Supported by a $250,000 investment from Google, the cameras perform 360° scans every two minutes. Potential smoke detections are reviewed by human operators before alerts are sent to fire authorities.

The expansion comes after the 2025 Rowena Fire burned more than 3,700 acres in the Columbia Gorge, destroying homes and buildings and highlighting the importance of early detection.

As our partners Mid Columbia Fire Rescue know, rapid detection can make a critical difference. "In our line of work, minutes matter," said Fire Chief David Jensen.

Beyond emergency response, the camera network also supports long-term research on wildfire behavior, landslides, reforestation, and environmental change, helping communities build resilience for the future.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ah0lbJ

06/11/2026