Two generous grants awarded to the Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) this week will assist in completing improvements for outdoor athletic activities and expanding hands-on healthcare instruction.

In partnership with Oregon Representative E. Werner Reschke, the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) awarded Oregon Tech $200,000 for track and field renovations and $200,000 to purchase equipment for the University’s respiratory care program.

“Oregon Tech is a critical asset to our community, and these selected projects align well with KCEDA’s long-term vision for enhancing the region’s economic vitality. KCEDA is honored to be able to support Oregon Tech with the generous grant from Representative Reschke. The funds we were able to share with Oregon Tech will enhance their state-of-the-art programs and facilities, which will continue to put Klamath County on the map for education and economic opportunities,” said KCEDA Executive Director Randy Cox.

The funding was allocated to Klamath County through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides opportunities for state and local governments to make strategic investments in community, business, and tourism assets.

“It is an honor to work alongside local community leaders to fund projects that educate and inspire. I am thankful for the wonderful work happening at Oregon Tech. When we work together we can accomplish amazing things,” Reschke said. 

Dan Peterson, dean of Oregon Tech’s College of Health, Arts, and Sciences, said funding for the respiratory care program will be used to purchase equipment for teaching and learning, as well to support program growth.

Peterson said funding will be used to purchase humidifiers, ventilators, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPap) machines, and a neonatal birthing simulator for teaching and learning, bedside manner skills development, clinical applications, and continued response to the current and future COVID-19 healthcare crisis.

“The pandemic brought to the forefront many critical healthcare situations, including the vital need for qualified respiratory care therapists. Students who learn these hands-on skills using the same equipment as regional hospitals can seamlessly transition into careers as respiratory therapists,” Peterson said. “I appreciate the faculty and staff who worked so diligently on this effort for the benefit of our students.”

Oregon Tech Director of Athletics John Van Dyke said the track and field award will go to completing the track and field renovation. “This state-of-the-art intercollegiate track will allow us to host future meets and conference championships. The track will benefit our student athletes and the Oregon Tech community, as well as the Klamath Falls community,” Van Dyke said. “We are grateful for this funding to advance our progress in meeting the fundraising goal.”

To learn more about how you can help support students at Oregon Tech and methods for making a charitable contribution, contact Mira Wonderwheel, director of Development, at mira.wonderwheel@oit.edu.

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About the Oregon Tech Foundation – The Oregon Tech Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes and funds the educational, cultural, charitable, and service functions of the Oregon Institute of Technology.

About the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA) – Since 1975, KCEDA has reflected the best of private enterprise, responsibility and dedication. Its mission is to provide tailored recruitment and business retention/expansion programs, new opportunities for jobs, and a diversified, value-added industrial base/expanded economic development climate in southern Oregon. To learn more about KCEDA and how they can help you, please visit their website, www.ChooseKlamath.com, or contact their offices using the information below.