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CORVALLIS - Despite a rocky state economy, the Oregon State University Foundation provided a record $49 million to the university during fiscal year 2001-02 to support educational programs, building projects, student scholarships and other initiatives.

The funds provided by the foundation to OSU were generated through private gifts - made in 2001-02 and in previous years - as well as through endowment earnings.

"The record level of support passing through our office is a testament to the goodwill of our donors and volunteers, and to the hard work of our deans and fundraisers," said Dwayne Foley, president and CEO of the OSU Foundation. "The university has translated these gifts into the results donors want.

"When you look around the campus, you can see that philanthropy is transforming OSU."

More than $26.9 million supported building projects. Included was $20 million for the Kelley Engineering Center - the result of a donation by alumni Martin and Judy Kelley in 2000.

An additional $11 million supported faculty and research through endowed chairs and professorships, and other teaching and research activities. More than $6.8 million supported student scholarships, graduate fellowships and other student assistance. OSU officials say private sources of revenue are growing more important as state support of higher education and scholarships dwindles.

During fiscal year 2001-02, the OSU Foundation received more than $35.6 million in new gifts and pledges, one of its best years, though down slightly from 2000-01, when it took in $40.5 million. Boosting that 2000-01 total was a significant portion of Kelley's $20 million gift, the second largest donation in OSU history.

Some of the other highlights for the OSU Foundation in 2001-02 included:

• The university completed the Merritt Truax Indoor Center and relocated the women's softball complex, a combined $12 million project;

   

• The foundation and the College of Business completed a $1 million drive to create a chair in the Austin Family Business Program, prompted by a $500,000 fundraising challenge from the A.E. Coleman family;

   

• A gift of $1 million from Corvallis resident and alumnus R.C. Wilson will create a new engineering program allowing students to work concurrently toward an MBA and a master's degree in construction engineering management;

   

• More than $8 million from realized bequests, many of which are funding new scholarships.