A well-known and respected leader in Bend, Harold Ashford was recently presented the Dan Poling Service Award by the Oregon State University Alumni Association. Named for an influential dean of men who served OSU for more than five decades, the award is given in recognition of those who have volunteered a significant amount of time to OSU, carrying on Poling's legacy of dedication to the university.
An OSU alumnus, Ashford has played a key role in the development of OSU-Cascades into a four-year university, helping to connect the branch campus with leaders in the Central Oregon community. Currently serving his third term with the OSU Foundation board of trustees and his fifth year on its executive committee, Ashford serves as board liaison to OSU-Cascades.
A certified public accountant with Harold Ashford & Associates, he has more than 40 years of professional experience. He is a member of the foundation’s finance and investment committees, has chaired the audit and finance committees, and was among the foundation’s earliest advocates for the University Venture Development Fund.
About OSU-Cascades: Located in Bend, Ore., Oregon State University’s branch campus features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Eighteen undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and three graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, exercise and sport science, hospitality management, and tourism and outdoor leadership. The branch campus plans to expand to a four-year university beginning fall 2015.