Oregon State University said Monday it received a $5 million gift from an anonymous donor to help build a new academic building in Bend.
The gift is the largest specifically dedicated to OSU-Cascades, the standalone campus in Bend, and comes as the university is requesting $69.5 million in state bonds to expand its footprint in Central Oregon.
OSU also is considering buying a 76-acre former landfill adjacent to its campus, a move that would more than double its acreage.
In a statement, OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson said the donation is “a powerful and motivating” message to lawmakers in Salem. “Our appreciation is tremendous, as the gift signals to our elected officials and supporters how important higher education is for all of Oregon.”
The university must match $10 million to pay its share of a new academic building. The Tykeson Family Foundation also promised $1 million toward the expansion plan, according to a statement.
OSU hopes to grow its Bend campus to up to 5,000 students by 2025.
The campus currently enrolls 1,114 students.
— Andrew Theen
atheen@oregonian.com
503-294-4026
@andrewtheen
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