CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University will celebrate the construction launch of Austin Hall, the new home for the university's College of Business, on Friday, April 19.

A public ceremony and reception will begin at 4 p.m. on Jefferson Way between S.W. 26th and S.W. 30th streets.

The building, named in honor of Joan and Ken Austin, of Newberg, Ore., for their $10-million commitment, is a $55-million project. Longtime donors to the university, the Austins are co-founders and owners of A-dec, Inc., a world-renowned dental equipment manufacturer. Joan Austin also is president of Springbrook Properties, developer of the acclaimed The Allison Inn & Spa. Ken Austin, graduated from OSU in 1954 with a degree in industrial and manufacturing engineering.

The late Al Reser, his wife Pat and their family, committed an additional $6 million to the project. The Austin and Reser lead gifts have been combined with gifts from additional donors and $25 million in matching state bonds.

"Austin Hall is an incredible milestone in the history of the College of Business. It will allow us to better meet the changing needs for business education and better prepare profession-ready students for the workplace," said Ilene Kleinsorge, dean and Sara Hart Kimball Chair of the College of Business. "We are forever grateful to the Austins and Resers for their leadership, and for inspiring so many more to generously support the building."

The 100,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to open in fall 2014, will include 10 classrooms, a 250-seat auditorium, a Career Success Center, an MBA suite, a research lab, collaborative team rooms, more than 70 faculty offices, staff and program offices, a café and event space.

Founded in 1908 as one of the nation's first 12 schools of commerce, the college offers 10 undergraduate degrees and graduate programs that include an MBA degree with eight different track options including an executive leadership track offered in a hybrid format, an accountancy-MBA, and graduate design degrees. Today, more than 5,000 students--nearly 25 percent of all OSU students--major, minor, or seek specialized coursework within the college.

Source: 

Jenn Casey, 541-737-0695

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