$5 million gift for new Student Success Center
When Timi Oshinowo arrived at OSU in July 2006 as a freshman football recruit, he was concerned about adjusting to his new life on a sprawling, 400-acre college campus half a continent away from his hometown of Naperville, Illinois.
"I was kind of nervous, because I didn't know a single soul from my high school who was going to Oregon State," says Oshinowo, the son of Nigerian-born parents and now a sophomore studying mechanical engineering. "I was a little worried about meeting so many new people out here."
It turns out, the 6-ft., 6-in. tall offensive tackle had nothing to fear, thanks to a pilot academic support program called BEST (Bridge to Encourage Students in Transition) that had just been launched. The program brings OSU student-athletes to campus a few weeks before classes begin to help them get a head start on academics and adjust to life at a large research university.
"I loved it!" Oshinowo says of his experience with BEST. "It got me situated in the college atmosphere, so by the time school started I didn't feel stressed out at all."
Soon, thanks to a recent $5 million gift from an anonymous alumni donor, more OSU students will have access to programs like BEST at a new Student Success Center, a high priority in The Campaign for OSU.
The gift has jumpstarted the project, which is estimated to cost more than $10 million. The OSU Foundation and Athletics are working to raise additional funds for the new facility, which is a collaboration between athletic and campus academic services. The new center will offer opportunities for interaction and shared learning between student-athletes and other campus students.
"With this gift, we will be able to reach more students during their critical first year on campus with services that enhance their engagement with the university," said Provost Sabah Randhawa.
