Campaign gifts fuel construction boom

Construction is booming this summer at Oregon State University, thanks in large part to the OSU family's outpouring of support through The Campaign for OSU.

Despite the slow economy, construction projects valued at $168 million are underway, including two major projects made possible through the generosity of OSU alumni and friends, combined with matching state funds.

A grant of $20 million from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation, a gift of $10.65 million from Pat Reser and her late husband, Al, and other donations are covering half of the construction costs for the Linus Pauling Science Center. This $62.5 million facility is the largest academic building project in OSU history.

The Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families is also a public/private partnership, funded with $5 million from the state and $5 million from Hallie Ford. The noted Oregon philanthropist died at the age of 102 shortly after making an $8 million gift to help construct a new facility and create an endowed position for the center's director.

As of June 30, 2010, campaign gifts for construction and renovation projects topped $150 million, well over the $126.25 million campaign goal for this area. A year still remains in the campaign's original seven-year timeframe.

In addition to the projects now in process, campaign donors also have supported the Kelley Engineering Center, Kearney Hall, the ONAMI/Microproducts Breakthrough Institute facility, the Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and significant enhancements to Gill Coliseum, Goss Stadium, and Reser Stadium.

Over the next year construction will begin on the $14 million Student Success Center plus a new Animal Sciences pavilion. The design phase has been completed for a new Native American Cultural Center, and a $50 million building is being planned for the College of Business.

Learn More

OSU press release about construction on campus

Webcam showing construction of the Linus Pauling Science Center

Webcam showing construction of the Hallie Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families

Naming opportunities are still available in the Student Success Center