Oregon State University Foundation
Des Anderson is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in alumni relations, program management, and international development. Currently serving as the Director of Alumni Relations for the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University Foundation, Des Anderson focuses on enhancing relationships with alumni and promoting community engagement. Previous roles include Program Manager at Pearl Automation and Development Officer for Life Lab Science Program, where Des Anderson led fundraising initiatives and volunteer coordination. Other notable positions encompass roles at UNFCCC, Isla Perla Geotourism & Reef Diving, and Habitat for Humanity International, where Des Anderson contributed to program development and donor relations. Des Anderson's diverse background reflects a strong commitment to advocacy, education, and community building.
Oregon State University Foundation
The OSU Foundation partners with the university to engage the broad OSU community, inspire investment and steward resources to enhance the university’s excellence and impact. The OSUF, entering its 75th year, is a nonprofit organization, separate from the university, and governed by a Board of Trustees. The OSUF and the OSU Alumni Association are integrated and employ approximately 160 professionals. While building relationships with alumni, parents and friends is a university-wide responsibility, all fundraising positions are housed in the OSU Foundation. The Foundation aspires to be one of the best foundations in North America and acts in full alignment with the university. As of June 30, 2022, the Foundation holds assets surpassing $1.1 billion and manages an endowment of more than $764.5 million. Donors gave a record $216 million in fiscal year 2022. In Oct. 2022, the Foundation publicly launched Believe It: The Campaign for OSU, the university’s second comprehensive fundraising and engagement campaign, with a $1.75 billion goal for student and faculty support, facilities and equipment and emerging strategic initiatives. Since work began on the campaign in 2017, donors have contributed more than $1 billion toward the goal. The first Campaign for OSU concluded in 2014, having raised $1.14 billion in ten years, which made OSU one of only 35 public universities at the time to have crossed the billion-dollar mark in a fundraising campaign. Between campaigns, the Foundation and university partnered on a series of successful strategic fundraising initiatives designed to advance goals in the university’s strategic plan and maintain fundraising momentum. The OSUF, under the leadership of CEO and President Shawn L. Scoville, seeks to build on this powerful momentum to support OSU’s expanding aspirations, establish industry-leading fundraising and engagement growth and further energize donors, alumni and volunteers to engage with the Believe It campaign.