The University of Oregon will present Cheryl Ramberg Ford ’66 and Allyn C. Ford of Roseburg with the 2006 Pioneer Award at a gala reception and dinner beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at the Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland.

The Fords are longtime university supporters. While attending the university, Cheryl was active in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and in Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) activities. She is currently a member of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art board of directors and is president-elect of the University of Oregon Alumni Association board of directors. Both Fords are members of the Campaign Leadership Committee for Campaign Oregon: Transforming Lives, the university’s current fundraising effort to raise $600 million for student and faculty support, programs and facilities.

The Fords also have been active in community activities in Roseburg and throughout the state. Cheryl is a past board member of the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, the American Cancer Society, the Umpqua Valley Art Association, the Open Door Clinic, and the Optimist Club. She also is a member of the Board of Directors at Mercy Medical Center. Allyn has been involved with The Ford Family Foundation, which was established by Allyn’s parents, as well as Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. He currently serves as chairman of Umpqua Bank.

Inaugurated in 1979, the University of Oregon Pioneer Award is presented to alumni and others who have become leaders and risk takers in their fields. The event is a benefit for the Pioneer Award Presidential Scholarship, and those who wish to contribute to the scholarship may do so even if they cannot attend. Tickets are from $275.

For more information about the black tie event and the scholarship fund, call the special events office in the University of Oregon development office, call (541) 346-2017.