Scholarship Day University Of Portland: Celebrating Academic Excellence And Generosity

At the University of Portland (UP), a Holy Cross mission–led, private Catholic university, Scholarship Day University of Portland is an anchor event celebrating academic achievement, student potential, and the generosity of donors who make it possible. Held annually on a Tuesday in April, this one-day observance suspends regular classes to:

• Commemorate UP’s rich history

• Showcase innovative student work

• Strengthen community through gratitude and largesse

Formerly known as Founder's Day, the event was renamed in 2025 to highlight its focus on honoring student scholars and their supporters. Below, we explore its history, structure, significance, and lasting impact.

1. History and Evolution

• Origins (1901): UP’s commitment to educating the whole person began at its founding.

• Founder's Day → Scholarship Day: Renewed during the 2001 centennial, it evolved into a celebration of academic excellence and philanthropy.

• 2025 Renaming: Officially christened “Scholarship Day University of Portland” to spotlight scholarships’ transformative role in students’ lives.

• Mission Alignment: Demonstrates UP’s dedication to forming ethical leaders and honoring contributors across its community.

Read more: Bright Futures Scholarship Requirements: A Guide for Florida Students

2. Structure of Scholarship Day

Scholarship Day is organized into three key components, each reflecting UP’s vision:

1. Awards Breakfast

   • Recognizes graduating seniors for outstanding academic achievements.

   • Celebrates the “best and brightest” who enrich UP’s legacy.

2. Student Symposium

   • Features senior panels, presentations, and recitals.

   • Showcases research, creative work, and scholarly output across disciplines.

3. Scholarship Luncheon

   • Brings scholarship recipients together with their donors.

   • Fosters personal connections and gratitude, illustrating the real-world impact of gifts.

Since 2024: Scholarship Day also integrates PilotsGive, UP’s annual giving campaign, to raise scholarship dollars for current and future students.

Read more: Top 10 Scholarships for High School Juniors to Apply for in 2025

3. The Role of Scholarships at UP

Scholarships underpin UP’s commitment to affordability and accessibility. Key programs include:

• Merit-Based Scholarships

  • Automatic consideration; up to $28,000/year for transfer students.

• Catholic High School Success Award

  • Honors first-generation students from Catholic high schools.

• Pilot Venture Award

  • Supports first-generation students from outside Oregon.

• Providence Scholars Program

  • Covers 80%+ of tuition for nursing juniors/seniors in exchange for three-year service.

• Endowed & Departmental Scholarships

  • 400+ awards with criteria from general merit to specific majors.

• ROTC Scholarships

  • Up to $18,000/year for tuition or $10,000 for room & board.

• Service-Based Scholarships

  • Father C. Oddo, C.S.C. and Molly Hightower Scholarships for community service.

The Office of Financial Aid further assists with external scholarships, and 99% of incoming students receive aid (average first-year scholarship: $26,019; need-based grants: $42,574).

4. Impact of Scholarship Day

• For Students:

  • Builds confidence through public presentation of work.

  • Strengthens appreciation and value of education via donor interactions.

• For Donors:

  • Provides firsthand insight into the difference their gifts make.

  • Reinforces commitment to UP’s mission.

• For Faculty & Staff:

  • Honors mentorship and organizational support.

  • The Office of Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (Buckley Center 114) leads event coordination.

• For the Community:

  • Invites Portland residents to engage through PilotsGive and the public symposium.

  • Cultivates shared pride in UP’s academic endeavors.

5. Tips for Students

To make the most of Scholarship Day:

• Prepare for the Symposium: Practice and refine presentations with faculty feedback.

• Engage with Donors: Share gratitude and personal stories at the luncheon.

• Apply Early: Meet scholarship deadlines (e.g., February 15) and use UP’s resources for outside awards.

• Get Involved: Participate in service or leadership activities to qualify for service-based scholarships.

6. Final Thoughts

Scholarship Day University of Portland is more than an annual event—it embodies UP’s mission to educate ethical leaders, remove financial barriers, and celebrate collective generosity. By awarding over 400 scholarships to 99% of first-year students, UP ensures that deserving scholars can pursue a transformative education.

Mark your calendar for April 2026, and join UP in honoring academic excellence, donor generosity, and the bright future of its student community.