Oregon State University – Cascades was established in 2001 and opened its new campus in fall 2016. Below, by academic year, are some of the most notable achievements in OSU-Cascades' history, including events leading to its founding.
2021-2022
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Degree seeking students increase 2% over the previous year and students enroll in significantly more courses.
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OSU-Cascades is Oregon’s first public university to launch a doctor of physical therapy degree
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Newest academic building named Edward J. Ray Hall, honoring OSU’s past president
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Annual research funding at $3.4 million is second highest in campus history
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Erika McCalpine named first executive director of strategic diversity initiatives
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TRIO program launches, providing support services for students in need
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Annual research funding at OSU-Cascades is second highest in history, contributing solutions to local and global challenges
2020-2021
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Fall enrollment records 27% increase in first-year students, 16% increase in transfer students over previous year, despite challenges of pandemic
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EDCO ranks OSU-Cascades as Central Oregon’s #10 top employer
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Vice President Becky Johnson tapped by OSU Board of Trustees to serve as interim and first female president of OSU
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Dean of Academic Affairs Andrew Ketsdever selected to serve as campus interim vice president
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Oregon State Legislature approves $13.8m in state-backed bonds for Student Success Center, leveraging students’ $5m contribution
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Oregon State Legislature approves $1m in pandemic relief funding to launch Little Kits Early Learning & Child Care Center in partnership with COCC to help address regional child care crisis
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A sustainable alternative to steel/concrete, Edward J. Ray Hall is first campus building to utilize cross-laminated timber
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Geothermal confirmed as sustainable energy source for heating and cooling buildings on expanded campus
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Laboratory for the American Conversation report helps guide public health messaging during COVID-19 pandemic to keep communities safer
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In response to rising cases, students, faculty and staff support OSU TRACE Community COVID-19 sampling in Redmond
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Innovation Co-Lab student interns partner with COIC to build data platform, distribute $5m in pandemic relief to 1,600 businesses, nonprofits and agencies
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TRIO Student Support Services launches to help first-generation and Pell Grant eligible students and students with disabilities succeed
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Dam Proud Day raises $39,226 primarily from Central Oregon community for scholarships, student emergency fund and DEI Lab
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Erika McCalpine launches Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lab with founding gift from John Teller and Amy Tykeson
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Erika McCalpine co-founds Love Your Neighbor, facilitates community conversations advancing racial justice
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Todd Montgomery co-produces “Tech Trek” documentary exploring technology in hospitality industry, debuted on OPB TV
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MFA faculty author Beth Alvarado wins 2020 Oregon Book Award for Creative Nonfiction for “Anxious Attachments”
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Ellen Waterston, award-winning author and poet, joins MFA as faculty author
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OSU-Cascades joins new OSU Center for Outdoor Recreation Economy to support $788 billion U.S. industry
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Honors College student Rya Hickey named Source Weekly Women of Year Young Hero for efforts supporting racial justice
2019-2020
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Fall enrollment records 28% increase in first-year students over previous year
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Mobility Lab concludes first pilot study, focused on app-based Ride Bend transit service
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In response to pandemic, students, faculty and staff support OSU TRACE Community COVID-19 sampling in Bend.
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First doctoral degree announced, doctor of physical therapy, to launch fall 2021
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Arts, media and technology degree launches
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Engineering science degree launches, first at a West Coast public university
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Outdoor product degree launches
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Elizabeth Marino awarded $750,000 by National Science Foundation to address relocation of climate refugees
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Erika McCalpine receives OSU Frances Dancy Hooks diversity award
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Erika McCalpine co-founds Love Your Neighbor, facilitates community conversations advancing racial justice
2018-2019
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Fall enrollment records largest first-year class, and overall younger and more diverse student population
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A Degree Partnership Program launched with COCC expands efforts to guide students to four-year degree completion
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$500,000 gift from hoteliers Curt and Robin Baney doubles fund, creating first faculty endowed position to achieve $1 million in philanthropic support
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$62,500 gift from Seven Peaks Ventures supports computer science faculty scholar Yong Bakos
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Funding awarded to OSU-Cascades researchers since 2001 totals $13 million
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ESE professor Bahman Abbasi receives $2m research award, largest in campus history
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Social scientist and researcher Elizabeth Marino appointed by White House as delegate to Second Arctic Science Ministerial
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Beaver Champion Award, OSU’s top honor given to Kelly Sparks, associate vice president for finance and strategic planning for leadership in building campus
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Discovery Day, a community festival, debuted
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Mobility Lab launches with support from City of Bend and St. Charles Health System to study transportation solutions
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Tykeson Hall earns design award from American Institute of Architects Portland
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Bike share program expands in Bend to eight stations and 55 bikes
2017-2018
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$5 million anonymous gift propels campus to next phase of expansion
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Gift of $1 million from Grace-Bio Labs founder and president Charles McGrath supports future STEAM building
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$500,000 gift from Bend Foundation and $75,000 gift from Brooks resources support future academic building
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Philanthropy effort to match state capital funding exceeds $10 million goal
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Acquisition of 72-acre former county landfill expands campus footprint to 128 acres
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Oregon State Legislature approves capital request for second, STEAM academic building
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City Council unanimously approves campus master plan
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Innovation Co-Lab launches
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First cohort of OSU Honors College students begin studies
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Online hospitality minor program launches
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Layman Fellowship expands undergraduate research opportunities
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Alumni of OSU-Cascades exceed 3,800
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Community leader and education champion Jane Evey Teater honored with Distinguished Service Award
2016-2017
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Gift of $250,000 from Hydro Flask allows development of bachelor’s degree in outdoor products
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Robert and Curt Baney Faculty Scholar Fund for Teaching Excellence in Hospitality Management established with $500,000 gift
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Gift of $75,000 establishes the Roundhouse Foundation Faculty Scholar of Science Education
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$373,877 Central Oregon Health Council grant helps create student health services delivery model
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Campus-wide biomass energy study funded through $193,910 USDA Forest Service grant
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Energy systems researcher Chris Hagen recognized as a top young educator in U.S.
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Campus landscape includes 1,200 native plants that were harvested from site and replanted back onto campus
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Student housing and dining complex recognized with national Innovator Award
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Conference Services program initiated
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University-initiated bikeshare program expands to private sector, downtown Bend
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University-Community Partnership Agreement initiated
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Tykeson Hall opens; OSU-Cascades is first public university campus in Oregon to open in 50 years
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Former Bend Research CEO and president Rod Ray honored with Distinguished Service Award
2015-2016
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Community volunteer Loren Irving honored with Distinguished Service Award
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Faculty awarded total of 20 research grants totaling $1.5m
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Connections to underserved students furthered through Better Together Latino Success Initiative in Madras, Prineville
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Long range development planning process for expanded campus begins, with anticipated completion by March 2017
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Energy Systems Engineering degree fourth of its kind in nation to receive accreditation from ABET
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Campus governance structure aided by new Operations, Academic and Co-Curricular Councils
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Model to assess future academic degree programs created, adapted from GE McKinsey Product Portfolio and Academic Program Portfolio Model
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Hospitality Management degree launches
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Letter of Intent with Deschutes County opens door to explore reclamation of former demolition landfill
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HDFS professor Shannon Lipscomb awarded $1.5m grant, largest in campus history
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Diversity scholarships funds increased through gifts from Bank of the Cascades, others
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More than 50% of students are recipients of federal Pell Grant, an indicator of high financial need
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Over 17% of all student represent as a US minority, including 7.3% Hispanic students
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Historic first freshman class has average entering GPA of 3.45; 20% identify as US minority; 10% are Hispanic
2014-2015
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Class of 2015 sets record as largest in campus history
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MFA student Austin Anderson wins national AWP award
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108 community members, leaders, experts engage in campus planning
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92 of 115 volunteer committee recommendations for future campus incorporated into policy and planning
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185 veterans served by campus to date
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Energy Systems Engineering professor Chris Hagen receives $500,000 DOE award
2013-2014
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Research funding tops $2.5m
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Fundraising for capital expansion exceeds $4m goal
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Purchase of 10-acre parcel finalizes
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OUS State Board of Higher Education approves purchase of two parcels totaling 56 acres in Bend for future campus location
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Fall enrollment increases 17% over previous year
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Accountancy and computer science degrees launch
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Counseling Clinic launches for community members and veterans
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Poet and MFA director Emily Carr nominated for Pushcart Prize
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330 undergraduate and 129 graduate students participate in internships
2012-2013
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Oregon State Legislature approves $16m in capital funding
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Fundraising to demonstrate community support for four-year expansion exceeds $1m goal
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OUS State Board of Higher Education endorses expansion to four-year programs
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Campus Expansion Advisory Committee formed
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MOU with Bend Park & Recreation District offers opportunity to co-develop 11-acre site
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Minority student population increases from 9% to 14%
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Commencement moves from Drake Park to Les Schwab Amphitheatre
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Number of degrees awarded exceeds 2,000 mark
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First Energy Systems Engineering students graduate
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Biology, General Science, Psychology degrees transition to OSU offerings
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Double degree in Sustainability launches
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Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing launches
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MAT Advanced Mathematics and Integrated Science endorsements launch
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FORCE Lab opens demonstrating public-private partnership
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Natural Resources professor Ron Reuter named 2012 Elizabeth P. Ritchie Distinguished Professor
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Energy Systems Engineering professor Chris Hagen receives $700,000 DOE award
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MAT professor Kathleen Cowin elected to boards of Northwest Association of Teacher Educators and American Educational Research Association
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20 students hired for work study positions on- and off-campus
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Club sports in skiing and cycling launch in partnership with MBSEF
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Ski team competes at USCSSA national championships
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OSU-Cascades Gear Store launches
2011-2012
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Learning Communities create four-year university experience for first-year cohorts
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Enrollment increases 53% over five previous years
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Exercise and Sport Science degree launches
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HDFS professor Shannon Lipscomb receives international media attention for parenting research
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Marina Martinez receives Oregon Career Development Association Esther Matthews Award recognizing lifetime achievement
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Oregon University System endorses expansion of OSU-Cascades from 2+2 to four-year program
2010-2011
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OSU-Cascades celebrates 10th Anniversary
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OSU-Cascades leads OUS campuses with 16% FTE fall enrollment increase
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Spring term lower-division enrollment record set with 230 freshmen and sophomores
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Energy Engineering Management degree launches
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American Studies degree launches
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Student government joins Oregon Student Association
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OSU-Cascades embarks on $7.5m fundraising campaign
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State Legislature authorizes use of $2m in lottery bonds for purchase of a building for graduate programs and research
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Tykeson Family Charitable Trust gives $250,000 to establish Tykeson Endowed Faculty Scholar in Energy Engineering Management
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First Annual Alumni Celebration held
2009-2010
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Fall enrollment jumps 20% to 611 students, the largest percentage increase in headcount of any campus in OUS system. Additional 162 freshmen and sophomores enrolled at COCC
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Winter enrollment increases 17%, with a 19% increase in freshmen and sophomores enrolled at COCC
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Diversity within student body increases to 10%
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Hospitality Management program, an option within OSU Business Administration program, launches
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OSU-Cascades partners with OSU Alumni Association to launch Science Pub series
2008-2009
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Spring enrollment reaches record high, with 18% increase in students taking courses
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$1 million in scholarships awarded to date through OSU-Foundation
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OSU offers MAT in Secondary Teaching
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UO professor John Leahy awarded European Union Marie Curie Fellowship
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OSU professor Julie Elston awarded College of Business Newcomb Fellow
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OSU professor David Knuff awarded College of Business Newcomb Associate
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OSU Bridge to Success program awards $85,000 in scholarships
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OSU Business students enter American Advertising Federation - NSAC competition, industry’s leading student competition
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OSU Counseling professor Kathy Biles elected president-elect of the Oregon School Counselor Association
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OSU Natural Resources professor Ron Reuter selected as a fellow of the International Canadian Studies Institute
2007-2008
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OSU-Cascades awards 1,200th degree
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OSU-Cascades students participate in international and study abroad program at higher rate than other state regional schools
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OSU offers dual degree in International Studies
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UO Psychology program establishes Bend Behavioral Research Center at Chandler Lab
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OSU business students form Student Marketing Group, bridging gap between theory and practice
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OSU graduate student teachers serve in 20 of 26 elementary schools in Central Oregon school districts
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OSU Natural Resources instructor Matt Shinderman, students complete carbon footprint for City of Bend
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OSU English professor Neil Browne named finalist for Oregon Book of the Year Award
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OSU professor Henry Sayre’s six-volume humanities text, the best selling in the country, awarded Best Design for a Book Series by New York Book Designers
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UO professor John Leahy initiates breast cancer detection project with OIT and Mexican institute of Technology
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OSU Business professor, Julie Elston awarded Fulbright Fellowship to Study Impact of Science on Policies
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OSU professor Kreg Lindberg appointed to Deschutes Provincial Advisory Committee by US Secretary of Agriculture
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OSU Art professor Sandy Brooke advocated for Culture, Heritage, Art, Movies and Preservation initiative for Oregon Arts Commission
2006-2007
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OSU-Cascades awards 1,000th degree
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First elections held for new student government association
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UO Archaeology professor Dennis Jenkins and colleagues discover pre-Clovis DNA, more than 14,000 years old, at Paisley Caves
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OSU assistant professor Kate Gronemyer honored as an Emerging Leader by the American Library Association
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OSU Distinguished Professor of Art Henry Sayre named to Oregon Arts Commission by Governor Kulongoski
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Oregon University System 2025 goals include "Develop service models for regions projected to grow significantly, particularly ... Bend”
2005-2006
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OSU offers MAT in Elementary/Early Childhood Teaching
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UO Biology instructor Matt Orr receives $240,000 private gift to establish Field Studies Program in Ecological Restoration
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National Undergraduate Literature Conference accepts papers for presentation from three OSU-Cascades students
2004-2005
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Cascades Hall goes wireless
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Annual Distinguished Students program initiated
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Student Life programming launched
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UO launches BA/BS in Psychology
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OSU-Cascades Foundation established
2003-2004
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OSU offers MS in Counseling, with options in school and community counseling
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UO initiates BS in Mathematics, emphasis on secondary education teaching
2002-2003
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OSU offers BS in Tourism and Outdoor Leadership, the first program of its kind in Oregon
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UO receives funding from Redmond and USFS for archeological assessment of Redmond caves, performed primarily by OSU-Cascades students
2001-2002
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OSU-Cascades opens its doors. In spite of 9/11 crisis and budget reductions, eight academic majors serve 363 students
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In addition to OSU, degree-offering partners include University of Oregon and Eastern Oregon University
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UO offers degrees in General Science and General Social Science
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OSU selected to create and manage new branch campus
2000
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Oregon University System evaluates alternative models; assumes “small regional baccalaureate institution is the customary goal” within 15 years; seeks proposals to lead campus
1999
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Oregon University System Chancellor’s regional advisory board recommends creating a “capstone” university to partner with Central Oregon Community College
1998
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Education Team 100 evaluates multiple models to increase and expand degree offerings
1995
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University Center created to assume Consortium for Higher Education role, expand degree offerings and improve academic and student services
1987
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Central Oregon Consortium for Higher Education formed to offer bachelor's and master's degrees by OSU and other universities
1981
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OSU begins offering classes in Central Oregon for adults seeking to complete a bachelor’s degree
1949
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Civic leaders establish Central Oregon College, Oregon’s first community college, to offer technical/vocational programs