Oregon State University – Cascades (OSU-Cascades) was created to serve the people of Central Oregon and it has been able to do this largely because of the volunteer support of countless community members over four decades. Now4 OSU-Cascades was founded by longtime community leaders Janie Teater and Amy Tykeson, and mobilizes volunteers to advocate for the region’s growing university campus. As part of the Beaver Caucus, a statewide group of alumni and supporters who advocate for Oregon State University, Now4 OSU-Cascades helps ensure higher education and OSU-Cascades are a priority for state leaders.
As the newest of Oregon’s public university campuses, OSU-Cascades requires ongoing state investment to meet the needs of our region. However, because the state government formula prioritizes maintenance and revitalization of existing university buildings, OSU-Cascades, which opened its campus in 2016 and is building from the ground up, is at a disadvantage.
This is where members of Now4 OSU-Cascades play a pivotal role. As OSU-Cascades seeks state funding for academic buildings and other projects, volunteers from Bend and surrounding communities send letters and emails to legislators, host events with elected officials, and travel to Salem to meet with legislators and advocate for support. They share with lawmakers how OSU-Cascades is a key contributor to Central Oregon’s vitality and provides access to education and programs that support the region and its economic development priorities.
The impact of Now4 OSU-Cascades’ efforts can be seen in the steady development of the campus, and its increasing contributions to the Central Oregon. But more voices are always needed.
Your voice can have an impact as soon as this fall, as OSU-Cascades leaders seek funding for its next project, a Health and Recreation Center to support student health and wellness, and 24 acres of remediated land to support future academic buildings and student housing.
To learn more about how you can join and help, visit now4osucascades.org.
