OIT - Oregon Institute of Technology

07/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2024 10:00

Oregon Tech receives $250,000 from Klamath Community Development Corporation for athletic fieldhouse

The Oregon Tech Foundation is proud to announce a $250,000 donation from the Klamath Community Development Corporation (KCDC) to support the construction of an athletic fieldhouse at Oregon Tech.

"The KCDC board is happy to support this project and approved it unanimously," said KCDC President John Dey. "We want to see the project proceed as quickly as possible and we believe it will be just another enhancement that will help bring talent and resources to the Klamath Basin."

The KCDC was established in 1997 to recruit new businesses to the Klamath Basin. Since then, KCDC has expanded to support business growth and economic development in the Klamath Basin and has awarded over $1.5 million in loans and grants. In February 2024, the KCDC board felt that it had made good progress in its business recruitment goals and voted to dissolve the organization. KCDC officially closed on May 31, distributing remaining assets to local non-profits, including $250,000 to Oregon Tech to support athletic programs.

"KCDC set a high standard as an organization that brought community members together to promote progress in Klamath County," said Oregon Tech Foundation Executive Director Ken Fincher. "Oregon Tech is deeply grateful for the generosity of the KCDC and its investment in our students' futures."

The athletic fieldhouse project includes an 8,500-square-foot building that will be constructed adjacent to the Athletics building to provide an all-season practice and workout facility for student-athletes.

"The impact of KCDC's contribution is significant, particularly in the realization of our Athletics fieldhouse, which enhances our athletic facilities and the overall campus experience for our student-athletes," said Director of Athletics John Van Dyke.

To learn more about how you can help support Oregon Tech students and methods for making a charitable contribution, contact Mira Wonderwheel, Executive Director of Development, at [email protected].

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Pictured left to right:

• Mike Anderson -Track and Field Coach
• Jacob Garsez - Baseball Coach
• Bob Kingzett - Oregon Tech Foundation Director
• Dr. Mandi Clark - Vice President of Student Affairs
• Dr. Ken Fincher - Vice President of University Advancement, Oregon Tech Foundation Executive Director
• Chris Moudry - KCDC Board Member
• Dr. Nagi Naganathan - President of Oregon Tech
• Don York - KCDC Board Member
• Betty Riley - KCDC Board Member
• Drew Honzel - KCDC Board Member
• Andrew Stuedli - KCDC Board Member
• John Van Dyke - Athletic Director
• Greg Stewart - Softball Coach
• Tom Moore - Women's Soccer Coach

About the Oregon Tech Foundation

The Oregon Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and funds the educational, cultural, charitable, and service functions of the Oregon Institute of Technology.

About Klamath Community Development Corporation

The Klamath Community Development Corporation (KCDC) was established in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) Oregon non-profit organization to recruit new businesses to the greater Klamath Basin. It succeeded the Greater Klamath Development Corporation (GKDC), founded in 1980. KCDC's notable projects include the acquisition and leasing of industrial properties to International Paper and Thermal Pressed Laminates, and supporting Electro Scientific Industries in establishing a plant in Tech Hills. KCDC has awarded over $1.5 million in loans and grants, supporting business growth and economic development in the Klamath Basin. In February 2024, the KCDC board decided to dissolve the organization, officially closing on May 31, 2024, and distributed remaining assets to local non-profits.