T
he University of Oregon's College of Arts and Sciences is undergoing significant changes, marked by a bold sign on the door to the Office of the Dean. A major catalyst for these changes is a $25 million commitment from Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.

    UO President John Karl Scholz announced the gift in an email to the university community, stating that it will accelerate UO's impact on the world while prioritizing student success and community growth. The School of Global Studies and Languages will be renamed the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages in recognition of Schnitzer's contribution.

    The $25 million commitment includes a total of $15 million given through 10 annual payments of $1.5 million, with the first installment received in spring 2025. An additional $10 million is committed as a "legacy gift" through Schnitzer's estate. The funds will be used to support lectures, an academic conference, scholarship prizes, new faculty positions, and an international relations major.

    Jordan Schnitzer expressed his enthusiasm for the project, citing his discussions with UO President Scholz and Executive Director Aneesh Aneesh as key factors in its development. He hopes that the school will honor his late parents' legacy and prepare younger generations for the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

    The gift has been hailed by Vice Provost of Global Engagement Dennis Galvan, who stated that it will empower UO students to become "global citizens" with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle global challenges. The commitment is expected to provide students with more opportunities in their careers, including multilingualism, cross-cultural experiences, and international internships.