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Reunion Giving 

To complement the 50th class reunion experience, the aim of the 50th year reunion giving program is to create a class gift that reflects the loyalty, dedication and enthusiasm that members of the class share for Willamette.

Goals of 50th Reunion Program

The 50th reunion is a significant milestone, and it is the cornerstone of Willamette’s reunion program. The goals for the 50th reunion are to achieve the highest possible attendance of classmates and their spouses or guests, to ensure that Reunion Weekend is a success so that a fantastic time is had by all, and to continue the class’ legacy at Willamette by creating a 50th reunion gift that allows alumni to express their appreciation for their education and the impact that their college experience and lifelong friendships have had on their lives.

History of Class Giving

Class giving is a longstanding tradition at Willamette. The campus boasts benches, sidewalks, trees, works of art, and other gifts made by graduation classes. Even the Waller Hall steps and the Star Trees are examples of senior class gifts to the University.

Reunion giving, however, is a relatively new tradition at Willamette, started by the Class of 1950. In the year leading up to their 50th class reunion, the class raised $50,000 to endow a scholarship. Subsequent classes followed suit and established endowed scholarships. The Class of 1954 enthusiastically took on the challenge over several years leading up to their 50th reunion and raised over $137,000.  From there, the program really took off, and the Classes of 1956, 1957, and 1958 each raised over $1 million in the years between their 45th and 50th reunions.  The Class of 1959 set an historic goal of raising $2.5 million to endow the Class of 1959 Distinguished Scholar Chair.

What Counts? 

To encourage participation among classmates and maintain support of the Willamette Fund, the following gifts are counted in class campaigns:

  1. All gifts made at any time to the designated class project fund (whether it be a scholarship, endowed chair, capital project, etc.)
  2. All gifts made to any fund at the University (Willamette Fund, athletics, museum membership, etc.) from the time of the 45th reunion to the 50th.

How to Get Started

Shannon Christianson, director of reunion giving, is your resource for questions, comments or inquiries. Feel free to call Shannon at 503-370-6952, or email her directly.