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Celebration at Oregon Tech
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| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman OIT President Martha Anne Dow is wheeled to the ceremony for school’s new Center for Health Professions Wednesday by spokeswoman Valeree Lane. Dow is surrounded by her husband Gary, at right, and other family and friends. The building was named after Dow, who has been fighting cancer. |
Health center named for OIT president Dow
By STEVE KADEL
H&N Staff Writer
Oregon Institute of Technology’s new health education building formally opened Tuesday during ceremonies that included naming the facility the Martha Anne Dow Oregon Center for Health Professions.
OIT President Dow received a standing ovation as she was pushed in a wheelchair to a spot near the podium. Speaker after speaker saluted her vision and persistence in gaining funding for the $12.2 million first wing.
“Your being here inspires us and makes us focus on what is truly important,” said Oregon University System Chancellor George Pernstein.He described the new center as a promise this generation of Oregonians is making to the future, adding that Gov. Ted Kulongoski and state legislators were inspired by Dow’s spirit in working to make the building a reality.
“OIT has always focused on meeting the needs of Oregonians and Oregon’s workforce,” he said.
More than 250 well-wishers gathered near the new center for the celebration. They toured the building and enjoyed refreshments after the ribbon cutting.
During the ceremony, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden also spoke directly to the ailing OIT president, who was diagnosed this year with breast cancer.
“It’s a delight to see you home,” Walden said. “We like that.”
He called Dow “the heart” of OIT, and said, “We thank you for the standards you have set.”
Like others who spoke, he said there is a critical need for health care workers in Oregon and across the nation and OIT’s new center can help solve the problem.
“The people who graduate from this building will do a large part to shape the healthy Oregon we all envision,” Walden said.
The congressman also urged people to celebrate OIT victories in other areas, calling the school “a role model” for energy independence.
Rees Sailors, health care policy adviser to Gov. Kulongoski, called the center’s opening “an historic day that is the result of years of effort and planning.”
She acknowledged the state’s aging population, coupled with the projected lack of health care workers.
“We have met the Baby Boomers and they are us,” she said to laughter. “Whether we like it or not, we’re going to need services.”
Sailors said the dream of a health care center coming to fruition resulted from many people “putting their shoulder to the wheel to make this work. I see and feel here a genuine, heartfelt partnership.
“Thank you for the model you have given us about how to go forward with all our challenges.”
Dan Smith, OIT alumnus and CEO of Bay Area Hospital, said he wasn’t surprised to see the new center established.
“I was always proud of the fact the campus was always improving, always changing,” he said. “Obviously you have a great leader in Martha Anne Dow. OIT’s reach is national in scope. I am proud to say we’ve had (OIT) radiology externs at Bay Area Hospital for over 30 years.”
OIT President Dow received a standing ovation as she was pushed in a wheelchair to a spot near the podium. Speaker after speaker saluted her vision and persistence in gaining funding for the $12.2 million first wing.
“Your being here inspires us and makes us focus on what is truly important,” said Oregon University System Chancellor George Pernstein.He described the new center as a promise this generation of Oregonians is making to the future, adding that Gov. Ted Kulongoski and state legislators were inspired by Dow’s spirit in working to make the building a reality.
“OIT has always focused on meeting the needs of Oregonians and Oregon’s workforce,” he said.
More than 250 well-wishers gathered near the new center for the celebration. They toured the building and enjoyed refreshments after the ribbon cutting.
During the ceremony, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden also spoke directly to the ailing OIT president, who was diagnosed this year with breast cancer.
“It’s a delight to see you home,” Walden said. “We like that.”
He called Dow “the heart” of OIT, and said, “We thank you for the standards you have set.”
Like others who spoke, he said there is a critical need for health care workers in Oregon and across the nation and OIT’s new center can help solve the problem.
“The people who graduate from this building will do a large part to shape the healthy Oregon we all envision,” Walden said.
The congressman also urged people to celebrate OIT victories in other areas, calling the school “a role model” for energy independence.
Rees Sailors, health care policy adviser to Gov. Kulongoski, called the center’s opening “an historic day that is the result of years of effort and planning.”
She acknowledged the state’s aging population, coupled with the projected lack of health care workers.
“We have met the Baby Boomers and they are us,” she said to laughter. “Whether we like it or not, we’re going to need services.”
Sailors said the dream of a health care center coming to fruition resulted from many people “putting their shoulder to the wheel to make this work. I see and feel here a genuine, heartfelt partnership.
“Thank you for the model you have given us about how to go forward with all our challenges.”
Dan Smith, OIT alumnus and CEO of Bay Area Hospital, said he wasn’t surprised to see the new center established.
“I was always proud of the fact the campus was always improving, always changing,” he said. “Obviously you have a great leader in Martha Anne Dow. OIT’s reach is national in scope. I am proud to say we’ve had (OIT) radiology externs at Bay Area Hospital for over 30 years.”
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