The Moshofsky Center glittered like a Hollywood premiere on Jan. 29 as more than 1,200 university supporters turned out for “Lights, Camera … Oregon!” – the public launch of the UO’s $600-million comprehensive campaign.

From the red-carpet-and-paparazzi entrance to a music-and-comedy-filled program emceed by actor/comedian Fred Willard, the evening was unlike any other in Eugene history. UO alums Ann Curry of NBC’s Today Show, actor Sam Elliott, jazz guitar superstar Richard Smith, filmmaker Gina Matthews (13 Going on 30, What Women Want) all took part in the event, raising the glamour factor alongside performances by UO student a capella groups On the Rocks and Divisi, the UO Gospel Choir, a jazz ensemble and the marching band.

Even President Dave Frohnmayer got into the act, offering up half a duet of “What a Wonderful School,” to the tune, of course, of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”

By the end of the evening, Frohnmayer and everyone else had much to feel wonderful about, as new campaign gifts of $15 million and $1 million were announced. Along with previously announced support, the campaign, which is being led by Papé Group CEO Randy Pape and co-chaired by Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle of Portland, has now raised $316 million, making it the largest philanthropic effort in state history.

UO alumnus Bryce Zabel, former chief of the Emmy Awards and a successful Hollywood writer, produced the evening, bringing on board Willard, casting a comedy ensemble that performed sketches throughout the evening and writing and overseeing the entire show. The genius of the event, many observed, was Zabel’s use of all the best-known elements of L.A. awards shows to shine a spotlight on student and faculty excellence.

Guests entering the event, for instance, passed a 14x35-foot wall of exceptional black-and-white portraits (photographed by Eugene’s David Loveall) of 65 of the university’s most acclaimed faculty members. A television screen next to the photo wall scrolled each image accompanied by information on each faculty member’s most notable accomplishments.

Later in the evening, three UO faculty members and a student won the inaugural “Starlight Awards” for excellence in the campaign “cornerstone” areas of opportunity, inspiration, discovery and connection. Chemistry Professor Geri Richmond, Architecture Professor Kenneth Helphand, Oregon Bach Festival Director Royce Saltzman and political science major Kelsea Feola.

But the sentimental favorite of the evening had to be the closing act, as Willard led the crowd in a sing-along of “Goodnight, Eugene” to the tune of “Goodnight, Irene.”

“Our donors share a vision – that this great public university at the western edge of the country be recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the nation, and they are making it happen,” said Frohnmayer. “Gifts to Campaign Oregon are our springboard to excellence. We are profoundly grateful to the generous individuals who have decided to invest in the university and transform lives.”

Top photo: Actor and Comedian Fred Williard played Masters of Ceremonies for the gala. He found a few minutes to hang out with the Duck.

Middle photo: Prominent UO grads and Portlanders include Jordan Schnitzer (left) and Tim Boyle.

Bottom photo (left to right): Actor Fred Williard, Campaign Chair Tim Boyle, Vice President for Advancement Allen Price, University President Dave Frohnmayer, Campaign Chair Randy Papé ‘73, Susie Papé and Bryce Zabel ‘76 alum and producer of the gala.