Oregon State University has awarded the Lifetime Trustee award from the OSU Foundation to Patricia Valian Reser. Reser graduated from OSU in 1960 and taught in the Beaverton School District. She received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2019.
“Pat Reser has made extraordinary contributions to Oregon State through her service and philanthropy,” said Shawn L. Scoville, OSU Foundation President and CEO. “Beyond her role as an OSU Foundation trustee and her 10 years on the foundation’s executive committee, she co-chaired the billion-dollar Campaign for OSU and was the inaugural chair of the university’s own governing board.”
Pat and her late husband, Al, grew Reser’s Fine Foods into an international company. She now serves as board chair of the family-owned business, which is based in Beaverton, according to a release from the university.
During the lifetime trustee award celebration on Feb. 24, OSU Interim President Becky Johnson recalled reaching out to Reser when appointed to lead OSU.
“As expected, Pat was warm, reassuring and, as always, ended the conversation by saying, ‘Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help,’” said Johnson. “Well, Pat Reser has been helping OSU students, faculty, and staff for many years, and it just keeps going.”
This award is the foundation’s highest recognition for volunteer leaders.
By Jennifer Williams
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