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CORVALLIS, Ore. — Patrick and Vicki Stone have made a $1.7 million commitment to support a variety of programs at Oregon State University, with a special focus on creating new opportunities for high-achieving students.

Patrick Stone, a 1974 graduate of OSU’s College of Liberal Arts, is the former president and CEO of Fidelity National Information Solutions. While he attributes much of his success to Oregon State University, Stone did not originally plan to go to college. After two tours in Vietnam, he first took a job as a plumber’s apprentice before deciding to attend OSU.

“OSU opened my eyes, exposed me to the world, and gave me confidence. I owe a lot to the university for that reason,” said Stone. “I have tried to be supportive of OSU ever since I graduated, and I believe that the best way to have a positive influence on the future is to make sure other young people have the chance to receive a quality education.”

Part of the Stones’ gift will establish a presidential scholarship, which provides significant financial support to top OSU students from Oregon high schools. The Stones also designated funds to strengthen the university’s intercollegiate athletic program, including scholarships. In addition, the pledge provides flexible resources to support the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and the OSU Libraries.

“This gift will enable the university to respond more quickly to emerging issues and support some of our brightest stars in the classroom and on the athletic field,” said OSU President Edward J. Ray. “Pat and Vicki Stone have not only made an incredible gift but also put a great deal of thought into how their generosity can have the greatest effect.”

Patrick Stone had a long successful career at Fidelity National, including serving eight years as president and COO of Fidelity National Financial, a Fortune 500 company. Currently, Stone serves on the board of The Stone Group, a commercial brokerage and development company, and he is president of Bretton Woods, Inc., a company offering real estate related strategic consultation to private equity companies. He is also on the board of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Stone has been actively involved with OSU for more than 25 years. He serves on the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees and as a co-chair for The Campaign for OSU. The Stones reside in Santa Barbara, Calif.

The OSU Foundation is the nonprofit organization chartered to raise and administer private funds in support of Oregon State University education, research and outreach. The foundation has assets of more than $570 million; OSU has an endowment of more than $430 million.

OSU and the foundation will officially launch the university’s first-ever, campus-wide campaign on Oct. 26. Guided by OSU's strategic plan, The Campaign for OSU aims to raise private funds to support the university’s education and research to benefit students, Oregon and the world. Early momentum in the campaign includes more than 54 gifts of $1 million or more, including this generous commitment from the Stones.