The State of the Campaign Winter 2013
$1.3 MILLION RAISED AT RECORD-SETTING NIGHT Magic happens on The Bluff. Often it’s quiet, noticeable only to those it
country could get a scholarship to UP. That dream became reality in Fall 2012
strikes like a lightning bolt. Professors opening new worlds to students. Busi-
when Jean-Francois Seide—who once lived in the very orphanage where
ness ideas flashing in the mind of a young entrepreneur. Future spouses hold-
Molly volunteered—began studying on The Bluff, thanks to the incredible gift
ing hands for the first time. Grace entering a heart during silent prayer.
of a full scholarship from University regent Joe Allegretti and his wife Helen.
Sometimes it’s loud, noticeable to all like a thunderclap. Leading the nation in Fulbright scholars. Winning national championships. Being named the top school in the country for community service. Enrolling more than twice as many local valedictorians as all other private colleges in Portland combined. It was this brand of loud magic that took place on May 10 at the RISE for Scholarships Gala. Nearly 800 people joined in support of the University and to celebrate some remarkable career milestones for president Rev. E. William Beauchamp,
“The RISE for Scholarships gala was the University of Portland community at its very best. Hundreds gathered to give so generously to the most basic— and vital—of causes: scholarships for students.” REV. E. WILLIAM BEAUCHAMP, C.S.C., PRESIDENT
C.S.C. (35th anniversary of his ordination as a Holy Cross priest, 10th anniversary of his arrival on The Bluff). An astounding $1.3 million was raised that night to provide new scholarship funds for students with financial need. But the magic that happened at the RISE for Scholarships gala is not told
Like the students present that night. Nearly 200 young men and women entered the room holding candles as Julianne Johnson ’83 sang “You Raise Me Up” and gathered on stage to surround RISE Campaign co-chair Nancy Bryant
in the amount of money raised. It is told through the incredible stories of the
as she asked guests to answer the call to help create scholarships for future
University community—students, alumni, parents, friends—and how UP is
generations of Pilots. And answer the call they did.
creating educational opportunities for deserving young people. Like Isaac Chol Achuil. A refugee from war-torn Sudan, Isaac made his
The evening inspired Joe Allegretti and Helen, as well as University regent Ralph Miller ’73 MBA and his wife Sandi, to each donate $250,000. Uni-
way to Portland and got a job working for UP’s maintenance department.
versity regent Mary Boyle and her husband Tim provided a $100,000 match-
He began taking classes—with a full scholarship—after a chance encounter
ing opportunity. Generous presenting sponsors who brought the evening
with Fr. Beauchamp. He graduated in 2006, and now works at the U.S. Embassy
to fruition through their early support were Allen and Kathy Lund, Donna
for the new country of South Sudan, trying to bring peace and healing to
and Steve ’58 Shepard, Darlene Marcos Shiley, Bill Tagmyer, and Lucy Martin
his homeland.
Tagmyer (in honor of Sue and Fred Fields), as well as Bon Appétit Manage-
Like Molly Hightower, Rachel Prusynski, and Jean-Francois Seide. In 2010,
ment Company and its CEO Fedele Bauccio ’64, ’66 MBA, who provided the
Rachel was visiting her best friend Molly, who was volunteering with special
evening’s food and service. The event’s committee chairs Nancy Bryant and
needs orphans in Haiti. When the earthquake struck, Rachel miraculously
Pat Becker, Jr. ’88 led an inspirational group of volunteers. This evening was
survived. Molly did not. Inspired by Molly’s memory, Rachel went back to Haiti
magical because of the generosity, support, and time that were given
as a volunteer, nurturing a dream that somehow a student from that ravaged
by many. Thank you.
Campaign for the University of Portland · Winter 2013 · Issue Two