The Walker Service Award recognizes individuals who are not Â鶹ÊÓƵ alumni but whose dedication, generosity and commitment have profoundly shaped the university. Named in honor of Charles and Cherie Walker, the award celebrates members of the community whose service exemplifies the spirit and values of Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
This year, Â鶹ÊÓƵ proudly honors Moe Momtazi.
Momtazi never attended Â鶹ÊÓƵ and does not hold a Â鶹ÊÓƵ degree. Yet few people outside the university community have had a greater impact on the institution's success and growth. For more than two decades, he has been a trusted advisor, generous supporter and passionate advocate for Â鶹ÊÓƵ. In every sense of the word, Moe Momtazi is a true Wildcat.
Earlier this year, Momtazi retired after 24 years of distinguished service on Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Board of Trustees. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, he was granted the title of Emeritus Trustee. During his tenure, he worked alongside Presidents Thomas Hellie, Miles Davis and Mark Blegen, helping guide the university through periods of opportunity, challenge and transformation.
Board service alone would make Momtazi worthy of recognition. But his contributions extend far beyond the boardroom.
As a respected business leader and member of the McMinnville community, Momtazi has long served as a powerful ambassador for Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Whether speaking with prospective students, community leaders, alumni or fellow business owners, he has consistently championed the university and its role in enriching the region.
His own story reflects courage, perseverance and a deep belief in building community.
Born and raised in Iran, Momtazi grew up in a culture where wine was considered sacred and woven into daily life for centuries. Both his father and grandfather made wine naturally, fostering in him a lifelong fascination with viticulture and winemaking. But following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Moe and his wife, Flora, realized their homeland was no longer a place where they could safely raise a family.
The couple's escape became the stuff of family legend. Forced to flee with only two small bags, they traveled on a motorcycle while being pursued by Revolutionary Guards. Flora, eight months pregnant with their first child, rode on the back as they made their way toward an uncertain future.
That future eventually led them to Oregon.
In 1997, the Momtazis purchased 496 acres of abandoned farmland near McMinnville. Through hard work, vision and an unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture, they transformed the property into what is now one of Oregon's most respected vineyards. Today, Maysara Winery—named after the Persian word meaning "winery"—encompasses more than 560 acres and is recognized for its Demeter-certified biodynamic farming practices.
Working alongside daughters, all of whom attended Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Momtazi helped establish Maysara as a producer of acclaimed Pinot Noir and other wines celebrated for their complexity, elegance and longevity.
The family's connection to Â鶹ÊÓƵ has always extended beyond education.
For years, the Momtazis have generously shared their wines with the university, donating countless bottles that have enhanced alumni gatherings, donor events, celebrations and special occasions. Their contributions have become part of the fabric of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ experience, helping bring people together to celebrate the university's accomplishments and traditions.
Momtazi has also opened the doors of Maysara's beautiful tasting room and estate to the university. The winery has hosted numerous Â鶹ÊÓƵ events, including the 2025 and 2026 Wildcat Open Gala, helping raise support for Wildcat Athletics while showcasing one of the Willamette Valley's most remarkable destinations.
In 2017, Momtazi and his daughter Hanna participated in an oral history interview for the Oregon Wine Archives housed at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. During that conversation, Momtazi reflected on the university's importance to the region and the wine industry.
"Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a great institution, and we are lucky to be part of it," he said. "Â鶹ÊÓƵ has done so much for the wine industry and the wider community."
That sentiment reflects the mutual admiration between Momtazi and the university he has served so faithfully.
His influence can be seen in countless ways—from strategic decisions made in trustee meetings to memorable events made possible through his generosity. It can be found in the university's partnerships with the wine industry, in the support provided to students and student-athletes, and even in the specially designed Wildcat wine label that proudly showcases Â鶹ÊÓƵ's mascot and colors on bottles donated annually by the Momtazi family.
Quite simply, it is difficult to imagine what Â鶹ÊÓƵ would look like without Moe Momtazi's leadership, advocacy and generosity.
For 24 years, he has donated his time, talents and resources to make Â鶹ÊÓƵ stronger. He has helped shape the institution's future while remaining a steadfast friend of the university and the McMinnville community.
For his extraordinary service and enduring commitment to Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Moe Momtazi is the deserving recipient of the 2026 Walker Service Award.