Alaska Airlines Continues 40-Year Partnership Supporting the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities

TUALATIN, OR - The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance) is pleased to announce that Alaska Airlines has once again generously supported The Alliance by providing 75 round-trip flight vouchers for 2026, continuing a longstanding partnership that has strengthened Oregon's private, nonprofit colleges and universities for four decades.

Since 1986, Alaska Airlines has provided an annual in-kind contribution of round-trip flight vouchers for The Alliance and its member institutions. These vouchers are used to recruit students, meet with donors, alumni and stakeholders, attend academic conferences, and participate in critical professional and institutional events. Collectively, the partnership has enabled Alliance colleges and universities to expand their reach, strengthen relationships, and invest in professional development for faculty and staff.

Over the course of this enduring partnership, the cumulative value of Alaska Airlines' in-kind contributions totals more than $2.2 million, with nearly 2,750 tickets used by The Alliance member institutions.

"Alaska Airlines' continued generosity makes a tangible difference for our colleges and universities," said Brent Wilder, President of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities. "These vouchers provide direct financial relief while opening doors to new opportunities. Most importantly, they facilitate invaluable face-to-face interactions. While technology allows for virtual connections, nothing can replace the power of personal meetings in building relationships, fostering collaboration, and truly understanding the needs of our community."

The Alliance applauds Alaska Airlines for this invaluable partnership, which translates into meaningful support for member institutions across Oregon. This collaboration empowers colleges to attract outstanding students from across the nation, connect and reconnect with dedicated alumni and friends, and invest in ongoing professional development for faculty and staff. Together, The Alliance and Alaska Airlines help ensure that Oregon's private, nonprofit colleges and universities continue to thrive as pillars of opportunity, innovation, and progress in the communities they serve.

To learn more about establishing a partnership with The Alliance like that of Alaska Airlines, please contact Alliance President Brent Wilder at 503.342.0004 or [email protected].

About The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities ("The Alliance")

The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (The Alliance) is a nonprofit membership organization that represents Oregon's independent, nonprofit higher education sector. Its mission is to advocate for and support its member colleges and universities-regionally accredited, private, nonprofit institutions-by addressing their changing needs with agility and responsiveness. The Alliance fosters collaboration, strengthens institutional capacity, and champions the transformative impact of independent, nonprofit higher education in Oregon. For more information, visit www.oaicu.org or email [email protected].