On Saturday, June 6, Puget Sound will honor alumni Deanna and John Oppenheimer ‘80 by renaming the coed dormitory currently known as University Hall to Oppenheimer Hall.
In the acknowledgment of their contribution to advance Puget Sound’s mission and their support of the $125 million “One of a Kind” comprehensive campaign, The University of Puget Sound is honoring Deanna and John in recognition of their lifelong service and philanthropy to the University.
The Oppenheimers have been actively engaged alumni since the early 1980s. Their contributions of ideas and experience to key strategies and their gifts to the campaign have helped drive the success of the college’s “Defining Moments” strategic plan and the campus master plan.
“Deanna and John have been absolutely exemplary in their support of Puget Sound—through their invaluable leadership, selfless service and generous philanthropy in support of our students and our mission,” Puget Sound President Ronald Thomas said. “Puget Sound’s impressive scholarly achievements and national reputation owe a great deal to Deanna and John, who have taken time from their exceptionally busy careers to help the young graduates coming up behind them. The dedication of Oppenheimer Hall is one small token of our gratitude, which extends far beyond what words can say.”
The dedication of the new Oppenheimer Hall will be held on Saturday, June 6, at 4 p.m., during this year’s Summer Reunion Weekend. The Summer Reunion Weekend will bring together alumni who graduated alongside Deanna and John Oppenheimer 35 years ago.
“Since John and I first met on this campus, almost four decades ago, we have had an ever-growing appreciation of how much we gained and took with us from our Puget Sound education,” Deanna Oppenheimer said.
“The dedication of the faculty, the staff and the university leadership make us proud to be their partners in providing students with a powerful liberal arts education, the latest technology and facilities and an innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum that produces creative global citizens. We thank everyone on campus for the naming of this building in our family’s honor.”
Deanna and John’s children, Jeni ’11 and James Oppenheimer ’14, are also alumni of the University. Jeni double-majored in English and international political economy, and James majored in economics. Since they have left Puget Sound, both John and Deanna have taken the time to give back to the University.
The two have created endowed funds for scholarships and student activities, and have inspired trustee engagement with capital giving and the annual fund. The dedication of Oppenheimer Hall will provide a lasting legacy for the Oppenheimer family.
