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Lokey gift of $74.5 million is largest academic gift to date in the state

PORTLAND, October 16, 2007 – The State Board of Higher Education (the “Board”) met today telephonically, unanimously approving the naming of the University of Oregon’s expanded science center the Lorry I. Lokey Science Complex. UO announced today that Mr. Lokey has provided a gift of $74.5 million to support science teaching and research and a wide range of other programs at the university. Including today’s gift, Lokey has given gifts of $132 million to the UO over the past four years.

In briefing the Board during today’s meeting, UO president Dave Frohnmayer described Mr. Lokey’s passion in supporting higher education in Oregon based on his belief in the power of education to transform people and the state, and stressed the immediate and long term impact that this gift will have on science, health and medical discoveries and advances. Today’s gift from Lokey is the largest academic gift ever given to the UO, and the second largest gift in the University’s history. The Lorry I. Lokey Science Complex will include the 10 existing science buildings and two new facilities that Lokey helped fund.

Mr. Lokey noted to the Board his belief that Oregon is a great state, and how he would like to see it regain its status as an education leader in the region as it once was. He said he has a “tremendous loyalty” to the UO, feels that the gift will make a significant difference to the University, and that he looks forward to seeing the results of this investment during his lifetime.

Board president, Ms. Kirby Dyess, other Board members, and OUS Chancellor George Pernsteiner thanked Mr. Lokey for his generous gift, noting what a difference it will make not only to the University of Oregon, but to promoting higher education access and excellence across the state.

Lokey grew up in Portland, attending Alameda Elementary School and graduating from Grant High School. He is a 1949 graduate of Stanford University. Lokey founded Business Wire in the early 1960s, and recently sold the company to Berkshire Hathaway.

For additional information on Mr. Lokey’s gift and background, see the UO website at: http://pmr.uoregon.edu/current-uo-news/archive/2007/October/lorry-lokey-makes-largest-academic-gift-in-university-of-oregon-history

Oregon University System comprises seven distinguished public universities, reaching more than one million people each year through on-campus classes, statewide public services and lifelong learning. For additional information, go to www.ous.edu

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