Marilyn Cameron, whose Duck spirit and passion for education knew no bounds, passed away September 15, 2021. She was 81.

A Portland native, Marilyn met the love of her life, Gerry Cameron, in 1959 while he was working at US Bank on Sandy Boulevard and she was working across the street at a pharmacy. The pair were married two years later and started a family shortly after that.

The couple shared many adventures, including traveling overseas. Through it all family remained at the forefront and Marilyn was especially proud of her grandchildren.

In retirement, the Camerons found fulfillment through philanthropy. Gerry got his start at the University of Oregon’s business school and never forgot that, though the Camerons’ generosity spread throughout the UO campus.

Marilyn’s joie de vivre shone especially brightly when interacting with the students her and Gerry’s gifts impacted.

Marilyn and Gerry, who passed away just last year, are the namesakes of the Cameron Center for Finance and Securities Analysis, and established the Cameron Chair in Finance as well as the Cameron Faculty Excellence Endowment in Accounting. Their legacy will support students in perpetuity through several endowed scholarship funds across campus.

“Marilyn’s dedication to transforming students’ lives was as steady and constant as her smile,” said Sarah E. Nutter, Edward Maletis Dean of the Lundquist College. “Marilyn and Gerry’s incredible legacy lives on not only through the center, chair, and scholarships that bear their name, but in each and every student who gained insight and knowledge thanks to their gifts.”

—AnneMarie Knepper-Sjoblom ’05, Lundquist College Communications