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CORVALLIS, Ore. -- The Kresge Foundation has awarded a challenge grant of $850,000 to Oregon State University for the renovation of historic Apperson Hall, a project that will create a state-of-the-art facility for the university's civil and construction engineering programs.

To meet the challenge, OSU must raise nearly $3.2 million in new gifts and pledges for the project by Oct. 1, 2007.

One of the most prominent foundations in the nation, The Kresge Foundation makes grants designed to help universities, hospitals and other non-profit organizations build a broad base of support, primarily through new and increased contributions. The foundation's challenge grants are extremely competitive and are awarded nationally. This is OSU's first award from The Kresge Foundation's Capital Challenge Grants program since the early 1980s.

"Our civil and construction engineering programs are among the nation's best, and this project will help take them to the next level," said OSU President Ed Ray. "This prestigious award from The Kresge Foundation represents a strong vote of confidence in the university and in our ability to meet the challenge opportunity."

The $10 million effort to renovate Apperson Hall, part of the OSU College of Engineering's drive to become one of the nation's top engineering programs, was launched through a $3 million gift in 2004 from 1963 alumnus Lee Kearney and his wife, Connie. Since then, more than 450 alumni, businesses and other friends have contributed to the project, bringing the total raised to $6 million.

The level of participation was key to securing the challenge grant, said Ron Adams, dean of the College of Engineering.

"The Kresge Foundation award underscores the importance of private support to OSU," said Adams. "Without the many contributions from our alumni and friends, our request to The Kresge Foundation simply would not have been successful. We hope that in the coming months many other OSU supporters will build on the momentum of this effort as we continue our drive to make the College of Engineering an outstanding program."

When completed, the renovation will transform the 1898 Apperson Hall into a 21st-century facility to be renamed Kearney Hall. The renovation will restore the building's historical architectural integrity and modernize the interior, adding features that enable students to see engineering in action.

The improvements are also designed to achieve silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design qualifications in support of sustainable building practices.

Based in Troy, Mich., The Kresge Foundation is an independent, private foundation created by the personal gifts of Sebastian S. Kresge and is not affiliated with any corporation or organization. With more than $3 billion in assets, the foundation awarded 212 grants in 2005 totaling more than $131.7 million.

The OSU Foundation is the non-profit organization chartered to raise and administer private funds in support of Oregon State University. With assets of $466.5 million, the foundation has raised significant funding for facilities, scholarships, research and teaching. OSU has a total endowment of $349.3 million.