Sept. 7, 2010, Klamath Falls, Ore. -- Oregon Institute of Technology has successfully completed its capital campaign to fund the final stage of construction of the Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions (CHP) at the Klamath Falls, Oregon Campus.
Previously, Oregon Tech had secured $35.1 million of the $38.5 million needed to complete the campaign through fund raising efforts and the generous donations of hundreds of individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations. Members of the Oregon Tech Foundation and the Oregon Tech President’s Advisory Council worked tirelessly to engage and encourage the community to help complete the campaign.
With $2.4 million remaining to complete the funding, Oregon Tech put out its end-of-the-year appeal to the community in December 2009 in order to raise the needed funds by August 31, 2010 to secure the challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation. The Kresge Foundation would add 40 percent to gifts and pledges designated for the CHP.
“Our Development team raised close to a million dollars in six months and worked diligently to bring in funding for the CHP,” commented Christopher Maples, OIT President. “That’s no easy task these days. These are challenging times for every business and organization out there. We received support from those who gave $20 of their hard-earned paycheck to thousands of dollars of charitable contributions from organizations and businesses. It’s really been a community effort in working toward educating future generations of health-care professionals. This is important to everyone because health- care affects each of us so personally.”
That broad range of support from the greater community was a key factor in bringing about a pledge from an anonymous donor this past week that brings the campaign to a close. The donor was inspired by the overwhelming support shown by so many and pledged to complete all remaining funding needed for the challenge grant.
“It’s wonderful,” said Maples. “We are grateful and thrilled that this donor stepped forward in our hour of need. And, we are grateful to everyone who has shown such kindness and generosity to the college to complete Wing II of the Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions.”
Sadly, Dow lost her battle with breast cancer and passed away in the Fall of 2007 while still serving as Oregon Tech President. Martha Anne Dow became the fifth president of OIT in May 1998 after serving the university for six years as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dow was honored in February of this year with a “Pink Out” reception in the CHP and both OIT men’s and women’s basketball teams donned pink uniforms during their games to honor the former president.
The Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions stands today as a state-of-the-industry, green facility that houses Oregon Tech’s progressive allied-health programs. Home to programs in medical imaging, pre-clinical laboratory science and respiratory care, the CHP provides tools and resources to keep students at the forefront of leading-edge technologies and uniquely positions Oregon Tech to meet our country’s growing demand for health-care professionals.
“This has been a truly incredible year for Oregon Tech in terms of completing a major capital fundraising campaign, strengthening our ties to our alumni and our community, and connecting us even more with the health-care industry. I’m certain that Martha Anne Dow would be extremely proud of what we have accomplished on her behalf,” commented Maples.
To learn more about the Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions campaign and Oregon Institute of Technology, visit Oregon Tech’s website at www.oit.edu or contact the Oregon Tech Office of Development at 541-851-5679.
