PSU Magazine Fall 2000

"'The Campaign for PSU Athletics 1 ~nded this summer having raised 50 percent more than the University expected-and its success was due to two prominent Portland couples. Alumnus Peter Stott and his wife, Julie, contributed a second $1million toward the campaign on September 18. They were joined by Jack and Deane Garrison, who contributed $500,000 during the last days of the campaign. These and other gifts brought the total raised to $4.5 million for athletics-significantly higher than the University's original goal of $3 million. Peter and Julie Stott, who served as honorary chairs of the campaign, contributed an initial $1 million challenge grant in June 1997. Their gift served as a jump-start for giving, which has funded scholarships for student athletes and upgrades and additions to the athletics facility. With their latest gift, the new Peter W. Stott Community Field adjacent to Peter W. Stott Center (former HPE Building) was completed and has also been named after the Stotts. "A good athletic program elevates a university," says Stott. "It can becomes a marquee for PSU, attract• ing students, faculty, and investment." 28 PSU MAGAZINE FALLZOOO Peter Stott, who has been a major contributor to University programs for many years, is president and CEO of Crown Pacific. He co-founded the Portland-based forest products com· pany in 1988. He is also the chair· man of Market Transport Ltd., one of the region's largest transportation companies, which he founded while attending Portland State in 1969. Julie Stott is principal of Julie Neu· pert Interior Design, a design firm with international credentials. Longtime PSU supporters Jack and Deane Garrison were co-chairs of the campaign. Their involvement with PSU athletics began 12 years ago and includes a gift in 1997 of the Nautilus Plus Training Center, a weight room with the latest equip· ment, located in Stott Center. Norm Daniels, chief executive of G.I. Joe's and a major PSU donor, served as chair of the campaign. He has followed PSU athletics since the 1970s. Some of the first sales made over G.I. Joe's ticket counters were tickets to PSU events. Campaign contributions will fund scholarships in five men's and seven women's sports, including PSU's first-ever endowment to continually fund women's athletic scholarships. The University moved all teams to Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 1995. This required an increase of 56 percent over the level of scholarships offered when PSU was part of Division II. In addition, gifts have funded improvements in the Peter W. Stott Center, which had not been upgraded since its opening in 1965. To meet Division I standards, the main gym and locker room needed to be reno· vated and a team room and medical training facilities established. A gen· erous gift from alumni Bob and Jane Morrow created an on-site academic center with 16 computers, a study area, academic advising services, and space for tutoring. Finally, a hall of fame is planned to commemorate the University's athletic history. D • • •