Ducks Give 2023, held this year on May 18, was the second-highest revenue year in UO history with a total of $1.8 million raised from nearly 1,500 gifts. It was also the second-highest number of challenge gifts, 94 in total.

Supporters touched many parts of campus, with programs like the Environment Initiative and scholarships and student success receiving more than 100 gifts apiece, and many schools and colleges unlocking all of their challenge gifts. Donors also helped unlock the $100,000 UO Dreamers Scholarship Anonymous Challenge, one of the largest in Ducks Give history, and the $10,000 Presidential Challenge Gift for the Student Emergency Fund.

With more than 30 areas of the university participating — including schools, colleges, museums, libraries and others — Ducks Give represents one of the biggest campuswide events of the year. It is also where many donors get their start as UO supporters.  

“Ducks Give is where a lot of people make their first gift to the UO,” said Erica Bruckner, associate director for annual philanthropy. “There is a really fun, all-comers feel to it, where a gift can unlock a much bigger challenge gift and people can support the things most important to them.”

This year’s day of giving aimed to show students that philanthropy was for everyone and inspire them to get more involved.  Events led by students, for students, included a scavenger hunt, activity tables at the Erb Memorial Union, pizza and live music, and a special appearance by the Duck.

“It was really great to see so many students turn out for our scavenger hunt, write some donor thank-you cards, and just have a chance to ask questions,” said Quaye Meadow, student organizer for the day’s events. “There was a lot of interest in learning more about how to make a difference in the world and in your community, and also a lot of students took advantage of the chance to grab a photo with the Duck.”  

—By Monique Danziger, Development Communications
—Top photo: Students write thank-you notes in the EMU amphitheater