Successful alum couple shows gratitude to OSU

Class of '62 couple donate $1.4 million to business and agriculture scholarships

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Posted: 8/13/08

After many successful years in the business world, OSU alumni Judith Atwood Youde and Jim Youde will be donating $1.4 million to the university.

The donation will be part of The Campaign for OSU, a fundraising plan that hopes to raise $625 million.

"Jim and Judith are tremendous examples of successful alumni who have a deep commitment to helping the next generation of OSU students," said President Ed Ray in the media release. "We are so grateful for their support and their leadership."

According to the media release, most of the donated funds will be directed to the disciplines of business and agricultural sciences as scholarships. The remaining funds will be given to other areas of the university, including the OSU Alumni Association and the Valley Library.

Both donors received their bachelor's degrees in 1962; Judith received a degree in business and Jim in agricultural economics. Jim also taught at OSU in the agricultural economics department from 1966 to 1973 after receiving his master's and doctorate degrees in economics from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

"We owe a huge debt to OSU, and we are fortunate enough to be in a position to give back," said Judith in the media release. "We both had scholarships when we went to college, and we really wanted to support students. It's one of the most important things to us."

In 1977, Jim and Judith founded the consulting firm Northwest Economic Associates, Inc. Before retiring, Jim served as president and Judith served as secretary treasurer and later as chief financial officer.

Beyond this donation, the couple assists OSU by serving on the OSU Alumni Association Board and the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees.