Klamath Falls, Oregon – On May 16, shovels hit the ground and excitement filled the air as the Oregon Institute of Technology officially broke ground on its newest building, the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse. This ceremony was an opportunity for the Thomet family and the rest of the Oregon Tech community to celebrate a new building and an emotional moment.
The new fieldhouse, which will cost $3.5 million and be built solely with private donations, will change the lives of student-athletes and the university as a whole. The construction will start in June and the building is expected to be open by December 2025. The building’s name is a tribute to Kip Thomet, the son of Glen and Sherry Thomet, who live in Klamath Falls.
His $1 million lead gift in 2024 started the campaign. Kip, who died suddenly in 2019, was recognized during the occasion as someone who loved adventure and the outdoors. Oregon Tech believes that this legacy will inspire future generations.
Dr. Nagi Naganathan, president of Oregon Tech, thanked all the donors who helped with the project and recognized the Thomet family. He said that the project was a sign of the generosity and solidarity of the community.
“He holds a special place in his family’s heart, and through this fieldhouse, his legacy will continue to inspire excellence, teamwork, healthy living, and wellness,” Dr. Naganathan said, addressing the crowd, according to a press release by Oregon Tech.
Many individuals and organizations donated money to help build the fieldhouse, including the Klamath Community Development Corporation, John Stilwell, and other committed donors. Dr. Ken Fincher, the Executive Director of the Oregon Tech Foundation, highlighted how the project reflects the deep partnerships and collaborative spirit in Klamath Falls.
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The 8,500-square-foot building will be next to Oregon Tech’s Athletics building and will give athletes a place to train all year round. University officials claim that the fieldhouse will not only be used for sports, but also for health science and technology classes, community activities, and wellness programs.
During the ceremony, athletes and students showed their obvious excitement. Malia Mick, a junior in the Echocardiography program and a softball player, said that throughout the winter, practice usually means sharing space with the whole community.
“This fieldhouse isn’t just a building, but it’s a sign that our college and our community believe in us,” said Mick. “I can assure you that this facility will be well-loved.”
“This facility is going to be incredibly valuable as a training tool for our athletes,” he shared.
For many, the new fieldhouse means more than just bricks and mortar. Before the official tossing of dirt, Glen Thomet closed the event by thanking those who supported the project and came to celebrate.
“I think this will help an excellent athletic program become even better, and I’m so thrilled to be involved in the way that I am. Kip died very unexpectedly at age 57, and I’m sure he would be proud to be part of Oregon Tech.”
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To learn more about how you can help support students at Oregon Tech through charitable contributions, contact Mira Wonderwheel, Assistant Vice President for University Development, at [email protected].
