The donor-funded facility honors a Klamath Falls family's son while providing year-round indoor training space for Oregon Tech student-athletes.
“When Sherry and I first learned about the vision for this fieldhouse, we saw an opportunity to support student-athletes and create something that would have a lasting impact.
To see the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse completed is incredibly meaningful to our family.
We hope it helps future generations of Owls pursue excellence, build lifelong friendships, and make the most of their Oregon Tech experience.”
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Oregon Institute of Technology celebrated the completion of its new $4 million Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse on Tuesday, November 3, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the donors who helped bring the project to life.
The 8,500-square-foot facility, located adjacent to Oregon Tech's athletic facilities, provides student-athletes with a dedicated indoor training space that can be used throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
The project was funded entirely through private donations, led by a $1.2 million contribution from longtime Klamath Falls residents Glen and Sherry Thomet. Their gift launched the fundraising campaign in 2024.
Inside the New Fieldhouse: The 8,500-square-foot Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse at Oregon Tech features indoor turf and netted training areas, providing student-athletes with year-round practice space regardless of weather conditions. The donor-funded facility was dedicated November 3, 2026. Photo: Mike Safford / Oregon Tech Athletics.
The fieldhouse is named in memory of the couple's son, Kip Thomet, who died in 2019.
Glen and Sherry Thomet have supported Oregon Tech athletics and scholarship programs for years. Their involvement with the university began through attending athletic events and eventually expanded into broader support for students and campus programs.
“When Sherry and I first learned about the vision for this fieldhouse, we saw an opportunity to support student-athletes and create something that would have a lasting impact,” Glen Thomet said. “To see the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse completed is incredibly meaningful to our family. We hope it helps future generations of Owls pursue excellence, build lifelong friendships, and make the most of their Oregon Tech experience.”
The new facility is expected to provide additional training opportunities for Oregon Tech athletes, particularly during periods when outdoor conditions limit practices.
Cover Photo / Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse Dedication: Community members, university officials, and supporters gather outside Oregon Tech's new $4 million Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Klamath Falls on November 3, 2026. The facility was funded entirely through private donations. Photo: Mike Safford / Oregon Tech Athletics.
John Van Dyke, Oregon Tech's director of athletics, said the fieldhouse also represents an investment in the university's ability to attract and retain student-athletes.
“A dedicated indoor training space strengthens our ability to recruit talented student-athletes and provides them with a better experience throughout their time at Oregon Tech,” Van Dyke said. “When students choose a university, they look at the opportunities and resources available to help them succeed. When donors support projects like this, it shows our student-athletes that a larger community is cheering them on.”
Beyond the Thomet family's contribution, the fundraising campaign received a significant leadership gift from John and Lois Stilwell, along with support from six additional donors who each contributed six-figure amounts.
Other benefactors provided contributions ranging from $10,000 to more than $200,000. The university has recognized those who supported the project on a permanent donor recognition wall inside the facility.
Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan said the completed fieldhouse reflects the relationship between the university and the community that supports it.
“This facility represents the very best of Oregon Tech and our community,” Naganathan said. “The generosity of Glen and Sherry Thomet, along with the many donors who supported this project, has created a lasting resource for our student-athletes.”
Naganathan said the facility both honors Kip Thomet's memory and creates new opportunities for future generations of Oregon Tech students.
The November 3 ceremony marked the completion of the project, which began with the Thomet family's initial fundraising contribution two years earlier.
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