The University of Oregon is committed to developing innovative programs that promote inclusivity, leveraging partnerships with community stakeholders, engaging alumni and major gift prospects, and supporting student career readiness. The team responsible for engaging new prospects in the state of Oregon developed a way to meet these needs through an innovative event built off mutually beneficial outcomes and relationships with community leaders.

In 2023, the Oregon Engagement Team created a new event that brought together efforts of the UO's Lylle Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center, the Black Business Association of Oregon, the UO Alumni Association Black Alumni Network, and the Portland Trail Blazers to engage students, build community, identify and cultivate major gift prospects, address workforce development for our region, and connect students with business leaders. The event was such a success, planning began for a similar event in 2024 that evolved into a networking experience for BIPOC Alumni Network Board leaders, University of Oregon Portland students, and notable Oregon BIPOC business chambers and associations. These strategic engagement events have accelerated the UO’s ability to support students from underrepresented communities, build partnerships with key members of the community, and strengthen relationships with alumni.