OSU-Cascades celebrated the completion of their new Bend Campus on September 12th. Students, faculty, and community members visited the campus for the grand opening of Tykeson Hall.

Tykeson Hall is named in honor of the philanthropy and leadership support contributed by the Tykeson family. “It is a dream come true. For those who have worked and had worked, we’re very honored,” said Amy Tykeson of Tykeson Family Foundation.

Edward Ray, president of Oregon State, informed the community that before OSU-Cascades, Central Oregon was one of the most populated areas in Oregon without a four-year university, with that Bend welcomed the newest campus to Oregon in nearly 50 years.

Ray also explained that the projections of the campus suggest that the local economic impact of the OSU-Cascades campus could grow from $33 million today to $118 million by 2025.

“Central Oregon has been wanting a university for three decades,” said Becky Johnson, Vice president of OSU-Cascades.

The grand opening marks the end of ten years of hard work and community effort. The original OSU-Cascades building was leased from COCC in 2001. Since then, 48% of COCC students have transferred to the extension campus in hopes to further their education goals.

Johnson has valued COCC as a partner in the development of OSU-Cascades. She is looking forward to seeing how the two schools are able to help each other.

“It’s a win-win for both COCC and OSU-Cascades’ students,” said Johnson.

Governor Kate Brown, as well as others were able to share with the community their excitement for the opening of the campus.

OSU-Cascades plans to open the dining/academic building and residential complex in the winter of 2017.

Olivia Webb | The Broadside

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