Marlys Amundson  
Senior Director of Development, OSU College of Science 
 
Marlys has more than 26 years of higher education advancement experience in major gifts fundraising and development communications. She joined the OSU Foundation in 2007 and has served as a development officer for the College of Engineering, Linus Pauling Institute, College of Forestry, and College of Science, where she is responsible for its fundraising and engagement efforts. In 2021, she led the third iteration of the Provost’s Faculty Match for Faculty Excellence, partnering with colleagues to raise more than $13 million in new endowments. Before coming to OSUF, she led the development communications program at UCLA’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science.  
 
Marlys has a bachelor’s degree in English from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and a master’s degree in applied linguistics from UCLA.  
 
She is a member of the 2021-2022 CASE Academy cohort and enjoys volunteering in her local and professional communities. Marlys is a graduate of Leadership Corvallis (2013), and a former member of the Friends of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Board, the Benton County Historical Society Board, and the Engineering Development Forum Executive Committee. 

Rachel Robinson 
ARCS Scholar 

 

Rachel is a 3rd year PhD Student studying running biomechanics in the Bowerman Sports Science Center at the University of Oregon. She also works as a physical therapist in an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Eugene. Rachel maintains memberships in the American Physical Therapy Association and American Society of Biomechanics. Outside of work, she enjoys trail running with her dog, playing piano, and camping in the beautiful PNW! 

Kay Crider, JD 
Consultant, KCU Consulting 

Kay began her career as a lawyer at 24, using her undergraduate science degree for specialized legal work, and was a Capital Partner for several years in a large law firm. She pivoted to the non-profit sector where she was House Counsel and Development Director for a conservation organization for a decade. Subsequently, Kay was recruited to teach specialized law courses at the undergraduate and graduate level at the University of Oregon, which she did for 12 years while also doing consulting for non-profits, along with volunteer work. In 2022, Kay decided to focus exclusively on consulting and volunteer work. She has been a youth mentor, a volunteer judge for West Eugene Teen Court, facilitated programs for elementary, middle and high school students, served on committees and boards for non-profit organizations and regularly provided food for local shelters. She enjoys hiking, biking, reading, writing, downhill skiing, making or listening to music, gardening, and spending time with friends. Kay has two adult children, both of whom work in STEM fields. She has been married for 37 years to a scientist. They support a range of charitable causes with their service and philanthropy and feel it is a privilege to be able to help others.