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As OSU-CASCADES is evolving and with the opening of its new campus, this is a time to look forward with anticipation for what this campus will mean to current and future students and the community it serves. But, it’s also a time to reflect on the hard work that was necessary to bring this Central Oregon dream to fruition.
I’m confident you’ll agree that none of this would have been possible without the visionary leadership of former OSU President, the late Paul G. Risser. Dr. Risser was OSU President from 1996 to 2002. Without his vision and courage this milestone in expanding higher education opportunities in Central Oregon wouldn’t exist.
As you may recall, central Oregon had the largest population in the state without a university, and when other state supported colleges turned Bend down it was Paul who said “yes!” He fought many battles on our behalf to make it happen, but as a visionary warrior he knew it was the right thing to do.
As OSU-Cascades’ new campus continues to grow, it seems only fitting that we pause to reflect on the instrumental role Paul played in its founding and to memorialize his leadership on the new campus.
I invite you to consider helping to create a lasting legacy in Paul’s memory.
Paul was a botanist by training and a teacher at heart. So we believe it is appropriate to combine those traits by building an outdoor gathering space near the main academic building, and this will be the only memorial in Paul's name that exists at Oregon State at this time. The cost to build this memorial could range from $55,000 to $75,000 and will be dependent upon our success in reaching out to you and others, and in securing your philanthropic support. I personally am pledging $10,000 because Paul meant so much to me. I hope you will consider joining me in this effort.
So how about it? Will you join me in ensuring that current and future generations of students will be reminded of the role Paul played in making OSU-Cascades possible?
Gary M. Goodman
OSU-Cascades Advisory Board Member from Crook County, 2001-05
