5 FOCUS - SPRING 2026 Long before her name became part of Oregon State University’s landscape, Mary McDonald (1848–1935) stood in a California pasture overtaken by Russian thistle. In the early 1920s, the California Department of Agriculture hired George W. Peavy, dean of forestry at Oregon Agricultural College (now OSU), to assess the damage. Peavy found overgrazing had weakened native vegetation and recommended changes that allowed the land to recover. Grateful for his science-based approach, McDonald made her first gift to the college in 1926, beginning a lasting relationship rooted in her belief in the power of education. By the time of her death in 1935, McDonald had become a successful businesswoman, managing agricultural, mining and timber interests in California and Oregon. Her generous gifts to OSU enabled the acquisition of nearly 3,000 acres that would become the McDonald Forest. With a keen interest in the arts, she also donated many rare books to the university, which are held in the OSU Valley Library’s McDonald Collection. Read more: beav.es/THC George W. Peavy (1869–1951) was a transformative leader in forestry education and public service whose impact on Oregon State University and Corvallis endures today. As the first dean of the School of Forestry (1910–1940), Peavy helped build the program into one of the most respected in the nation. Under his leadership, the school expanded its academic reach, modernized facilities and established a network of research forests. In 1934, Peavy was appointed president of Oregon State College (now OSU), a role he held until 1940 while continuing as dean. During this period, he helped steer the college through the challenges of the Great Depression and supported key advancements such as introducing the institution’s first doctoral degrees. After retiring, Peavy remained active in civic leadership, serving as mayor of Corvallis (1947–1951) and supporting statewide initiatives including civil defense coordination during World War II. A visionary leader, Peavy exemplified a lifelong commitment to education, conservation and public service. Read more: beav.es/TVn MARY MCDONALD GEORGE PEAVY
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