KLAMATH FALLS - Oregon Tech celebrated the completion of the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a $4 million project fully funded through donors.
 
The 8,500-square-foot facility, located adjacent to the Oregon Tech Athletic Center, was made possible through a lead gift from Klamath Falls residents Glen and Sherry Thomet, whose $1.2 million donation launched the fundraising campaign in 2024. The fieldhouse is named in memory of their son, Kip Thomet, who passed away in 2019.
 
The Thomets have been longtime supporters of Oregon Tech Athletics and scholarship programs. Their connection to the university began with attending athletic events and grew into a larger investment in student success.
 
"When Sherry and I first learned about the vision for this fieldhouse, we saw an opportunity to support student-athletes and create something that would have a lasting impact," said Glen Thomet. "To see the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse completed is incredibly meaningful to our family. We hope it helps future generations of Owls pursue excellence, build lifelong friendships, and make the most of their Oregon Tech experience."
 
During the ceremony, speakers highlighted the impact the facility will have on current and future student-athletes by providing a dedicated indoor training space regardless of weather conditions.
 
"A dedicated indoor training space strengthens our ability to recruit talented student-athletes and provides them with a better experience throughout their time at Oregon Tech," said John Van Dyke, Director of Athletics. "When students choose a university, they look at the opportunities and resources available to help them succeed. When donors support projects like this, it shows our student-athletes that a larger community is cheering them on."
 
In addition to support from the Thomet's, a milestone leadership gift from John and Lois Stilwell provided crucial momentum for the campaign, which received further vital backing from six additional six-figure donors and a dedicated circle of benefactors whose gifts ranged from $10,000 to over $200,000—all of whom are permanently commemorated on the facility's donor recognition wall.
 
"This facility represents the very best of Oregon Tech and our community," said Dr. Nagi Naganathan, President of Oregon Tech. "The generosity of Glen and Sherry Thomet, along with the many donors who supported this project, has created a lasting resource for our student-athletes. The Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse honors Kip's memory while providing opportunities for future generations of Owls to excel in competition, in the classroom, and in life."