Campaign Results
There are many important indicators of the Campaign for Willamette's success and scope. The following items demonstrate impacts that are tangible, far-reaching and immediate. View Image Gallery »
General Topics:Academic Excellence
$1.5M Peter C. and Bonnie S. Kremer Endowed Chair in Economics
A gift of Peter and Bonnie Scott Kremer BA'62, the discretionary fund created by the new chair will be used to bring economic issues to light to the broader Willamette community. The endowment will bolster economic training for all students, regardless of major, through speakers and events, student aid, academic services, and clubs and organizations.
$2.5M Class of 1959 Distinguished Scholar Chair
A landmark gift by the class of '59 endows a new chair for the College of Liberal Arts. The rotating chair will invest resources for faculty on a yearly basis where they are needed most to respond to changes in the world and be first in line to address new issues. The faculty holding this chair will be able to connect the Willamette community to inspiring leaders and events throughout the world.
$2.5M Gift for JELD-WEN Chair in Free Enterprise
The gift from JELD-WEN Foundation of Klamath Falls, Ore., is the largest endowment in the Atkinson Graduate School of Management's history. This endowment will provide an opportunity to expand the management school's curriculum to highlight free enterprise in the free market system, especially considering the free market's connection to the unprecedented and sustained vitality of the U.S. economy. Read more
$3M Gift for Mark and Melody Teppola Presidential Distinguished Visiting Professorship
The result of a gift from Melody and Mark Teppola BA'60, and the first chair of its kind at Willamette, this professorship allows the university to expand its ability to bring new vision and intellectual insight to the campus community through an appointment of a notable visiting scholar. The holder of the professorship will exemplify the very highest standards of academia and will inspire and challenge the scholarship of Willamette.
$5M gift for the Alex L. Parks Distinguished Chair in Law for the Dean of the College of Law
This endowed chair for the College of Law was established by Penelope "Penny" Parks Knight and her husband, NIKE founder Phillip K. Knight, to honor Mrs. Knight's late father, Alex L. Parks LLB'49. This chair, the largest at Willamette, will enhance the university's educational programs for law students by providing funding for supplemental resources for research, scholarship and special programs. Read more
Infrastructure
$19.25M Ford Hall
Designed to last 100 years, this new structure houses the departments of rhetoric & media Studies, computer science, mathematics, digital art, film studies and music technology. The 42,000 square-foot building, projected to be LEED Gold certified, reflects in its architecture, sustainability, flexibility and technology, all that we have come to understand about how people use space and how that space enhances creativity and collaboration. Read more
$18.1M Kaneko Commons
A LEED Gold certified facility, Kaneko Commons is distinguished by flexible, graduated housing arrangements, self-governance, a substantial faculty presence, and expanded learning opportunities for students outside of the classroom. Features include a 151-bed addition, an enlarged dining facility in a four-story atrium and high quality meeting and activity spaces. Read more
$5M Oregon Civic Justice Center
The stately 1912 Carnegie Building first served as Salem's first public library until it was purchased by the YWCA in the early 1970s. Willamette University bought the building in 2003 and spent more than a year renovating it to its former elegance. The structure, renamed the Oregon Civic Justice Center, houses the College of Law's Clinical Law Program, the Oregon Law Commission, the Center for Law and Government and the Willamette Law Review.
$5.4M Kresge Theatre Renovation
The 81-year old historic Kresge Theatre, originally built as a gymnasium in 1927, is being renovated into a state-of-the-art performing arts facility. Planned for completion spring of 2010, the project is overhauling the theatre's infrastructure, systems and space planning. The new capabilities of the theatre will enhance experiential learning for Willamette students by providing them access to the latest equipment, technology and creative space. Read more
Scholarships and Personal Stories
Radu Bobirnac ’12
Major: Undeclared | Hometown: Hillsboro, Ore.
"With help from grants and scholarships from Willamette, I am able to focus on my studies without having to spread myself too thin... The importance of an education — who can put a price on that?
"I can never forget the help given to me. All I can say is that I will try to help others who travel down this road." Read more »
Sarah Devine '10
Majors: English and Spanish | Hometown: Corvallis, Ore.
"Because my family’s income wouldn’t come close to covering tuition at a school like Willamette, I knew from the beginning of high school that I would have to not only excel academically, but find additional grants and scholarships in order to pursue a college education.
"Without the help of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation Scholarship, Shannon P. Hogue Scholarship and other funding from Willamette, I would not be here." Read more »
Kirstin Heydel ’10
Major: Psychology, politics minor | Hometown: Silverton, Ore.
"Ever since I was a little girl, I loved school and knew I wanted to go to college someday... Shortly after [high school graduation], my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away. My life permanently changed and I didn’t know how to handle life without my mom.
"I looked into Willamette University, but didn’t know if I would be able to afford it on my own. Willamette had been my dream since high school. After I received my financial aid package, including the Hallie Brown Ford Endowed Scholarship, I was on my way to fulfilling that dream.
"I am doing all I can as a student, and I view the money I receive from scholarships and grants as an opportunity and privilege. The money invested in my education will be reinvested into the lives of those I hope to help in the future." Read more »