Judi 's DuckStory
If you were to meet Judi Pruitt (J.P.), you'd immediately notice her remarkable enthusiasm for education, history, and the University of Oregon. As an employee of the university and mother of an alumnus, this ardent supporter of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History truly appreciates making the stories of Oregon come alive.
J.P.'s own history includes a love of all things Oregon - including football! As a Duck fan since the 1970s, J.P. remembers many rainy games during the early "Rich Brooks era." She recalls, "We'd sit there trying to stay dry through the entire game and everyone else would leave at half-time."
In addition, J.P.'s son Craig attended UO too; although, his experience wasn't without struggles. Craig attended school during the early 1990s when changes in state funding caused tuition and fees to skyrocket. "Of course he tried to make ends meet" she says "but even with a full-time job, he just couldn't do it." Finally, Craig withdrew from the UO and entered the Air Force. Thanks in part to the G.I. bill, he was eventually able to return to school and graduate in 1999 with a degree in Computer and Information Science. Today he is a Quality Engineer at Welch Allyn.
These experiences and her past work in public education helped to mold J.P.'s own spirit of philanthropy. "If it benefits students and helps them reach a goal or a dream, I feel really good. I understand personally the struggle to afford college for my son. It seems important to give, even a small amount." Today, J.P. supports the Museum of Natural and Cultural History where she has worked for the past 9 years.
During J.P.'s time at the museum, she's certainly seen her donations at work. Museum attendance has more than doubled; museum archaeologists have gained world-wide recognition for their discoveries in Oregon's Paisley Caves; and the museum is in the midst of a 3-phase expansion that will increase both exhibition and collection space in state-of-the-art facilities.
J.P.'s love of history and appreciation for Oregon's beauty are evident in her commitment to the museum, both as an employee and a donor. "That's why I give back to the museum. I believe in the importance of taking care of these items." She enjoys working with members and volunteers and sharing her conviction "that any contribution helps, whether $50 or $50,000. The most important thing is that people feel this is their museum and they're playing a part in preserving our heritage."
For this vivacious Duck, the rewards are sweet as well. "I don't have boring days!" she enthuses "There is always a new dig, a new discovery, a new opportunity to share a little bit of our culture, our landscape with the people of this state...It helps keep me young, learning something new and being around the students."
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