Oregon State University Honors College alumni, faculty, parents, students and friends contributed to a record-setting day of fundraising for honors scholarships on Dam Proud Day 2026.
Over 170 donors made gifts to the Honors College during OSU’s seventh annual day of giving, surpassing the college’s goal of 125 gifts and unlocking more than $65,000 in participation‑based challenge funds. The college raised over $93,000 for scholarships, surpassing the previous Dam Proud Day high, set last year, of $82,000.
“Dam Proud Day reflects what makes the Honors College special,” says Troy Hall, interim dean of the Honors College. “When the full honors community comes together with a shared purpose, the impact is extraordinary. This outpouring of generosity and support demonstrates a deep belief in our students and in the importance of an honors education.”
All funds raised support Honors College differential tuition and experiential learning scholarships, which provide crucial assistance to the more than 40% of honors students with financial need. These scholarships help make high‑impact opportunities — such as undergraduate research, hands‑on learning, study abroad and creative projects — accessible to students from all backgrounds.
Leading supporters from across the honors community made challenge donations to inspire and motivate engagement:
-
The Honors College Alumni Challenge was established by Victoria Price, ’15; Kyle, ’00, and Stacie, ’99, Shaver; Grant, ’04, and Danielle, ’03, Cyrus; Alexa Carey, ’12; Keith Hazleton, ’02; and Jandee Wallis, ’14.
-
The Honors Program Alumni Challenge was made possible by Bennet Yee, ’86; Karen Bolin, ’82; Duane, ’77, and Rebecca Coen; Ron Masters, ’83; and Reitha, ’74, and Russ, ’71, Weeks.
-
The OSU Alumni Parent Challenge was created by Judy, ’69, and John, ’69, Jendrzejewski; Dan, ’81, and Margaret Porth; Jill and Randy Thomas; and Susan Lair in memory of Doug Trobough.
-
The Honors College Parent Challenge was contributed by Aaron and Dr. Dildora Beaulieu; Amy and Stefan Groetsch; Ngone and Chris Vaught; Marc and Linda Carrasco; Dana, ’90, and Keith, ’94, Hammer; Camilla and Eric Chastain; John and Jody Alderman; and Meena and Kevin Baker.
-
The Honors College Faculty Challenge included gifts from Jaga and Tom Giebultowicz; Kerry Ahearn; Dan and Wanda Arp; Jim and Bonnie Krueger; and Kevin Ahern, ’86, and Indira Rajagopal.
Honors students played an active role in raising money and building enthusiasm during Dam Proud Day by organizing their own fundraising efforts to support the Honors College Scholarship Fund, including a $5 dirty soda bar and $10 walk-in haircuts by Willamette Career Academy students.
“One of the most meaningful parts of Dam Proud Day is seeing honors students step up to support one another,” says Kevin Stoller, assistant dean of the Honors College. “By organizing their own fundraiser, students showed a deep commitment to access and community. Every dollar they raised went directly to the Honors College Scholarship Fund, reinforcing the idea that honors students care not just about their own experience, but about creating opportunity for others.”
Contributions made after Dam Proud Day continue to support Honors College student scholarships and help ensure that all qualified students can fully participate in the honors experience.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort,” says Interim Dean Hall. "Your support makes our goal of inclusive excellence possible.”
Related Stories
