March 16, 2025
The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently recognized what the University of Portland has appreciated for many decades: Darlene Marcos Shiley’s heart for giving to important causes—higher education, medical research, and the arts—is truly world class.
Ms. Shiley, a respected member of UP’s Board of Regents, ranks among the Top 50 donors on The Chronicle’s ‘Philanthropy 50’—an exclusive list of America’s most generous benefactors in 2024.
On The Bluff, the Shiley name stands for engineering, invention, and innovation. The University’s Donald P. Shiley School of Engineering is an enduring tribute to Darlene’s late husband—UP alumnus Donald Shiley ’51—whose historic inventions include creating the world’s first artificial tilting disc heart valve.
In 2010, Donald and Darlene gave the university a transformational gift of $20 million to support renovations for the Donald P. Shiley Engineering Hall as well as establishing an endowment that benefits the Shiley School of Engineering.
In January 2024, UP opened the Shiley Marcos Center for Design & Innovation, a 44-thousand square foot invention hub for students from all majors to explore, experiment, and create. With a lead gift of $10.4 million, Ms. Shiley brought the new building to life and reveled in giving hands-on opportunities for generations of students to answer a question Donald would often ask, “What if?”
“Stated simply, the University of Portland would not be the exemplary institution it is today without Darlene Marcos Shiley,” said UP President Robert D. Kelly, PhD. “Advancing the legacy of her beloved husband Donald—Darlene’s vision, leadership, and support have changed the face of The Bluff and propelled our mission of serving students. I join all members of the UP family in thanking Darlene and celebrating this tremendous recognition. We are SHILEY PROUD!”
2024 marked the 25th year The Chronicle of Philanthropy researched the nation’s largest donations and ranked megadonors who pledged gifts, cash, and stock to nonprofit organizations.
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