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An exciting new chapter for ˿����Ƶ Tech Athletics began today as the university broke ground on its softball complex renovation thanks to the generosity of longtime supporters and athletic fans, John and Lois Stilwell of Klamath Falls.

The new facilities added as part of this $1.1 million project are expected to be ready for use by fall 2018. The John and Lois Stilwell Stadium will sport a new turf field, bull pens, wrap around bleachers with a press box, improved walkways and a field house that will include concessions, restrooms, and a team room.

“To me, legacy is both a reflection of the past and a vision for the future,” said ˿����Ƶ Tech president, Dr. Nagi Naganathan. “It points back to history and experiences, influences and remarkable moments that impact who we are, what we think, and what we do. Legacy is also looking forward: deciding how we will use those life’s lessons and experiences to create a pathway into the future that has meaning for generations to come. In this case, John and Lois’ legacy looks back on their heartfelt love for ˿����Ƶ Tech, for our students, and for how they see athletics as a success pathway that creates leaders of the future.”

˿����Ƶ Tech administrators officially broke ground on the project today alongside the stadium's primary benefactor, John Stilwell, who facilitated the donation with his late wife, Lois, before her passing in 2017, days after a lab in the DOW building was dedicated in her honor. The Stilwells already support nine endowed scholarships at ˿����Ƶ Tech and were also contributors to other projects including the Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions. Mr. Stilwell’s lead gift along with other donations will provide more than 80 percent of the funds toward the project’s total costs.

Director of Athletics John Van Dyke added, “This was such a special day for ˿����Ƶ Tech Athletics.  The John and Lois Stillwell Stadium will be a game changer for our Softball Program.   Over the years John and Lois have meant so much to ˿����Ƶ Tech and our athletic teams and we are blessed to have them leave this legacy.”

"People like the Stilwell’s don't come along very often," said head softball Coach Greg Stewart. "I am overwhelmed thinking about what this new facility will mean to ˿����Ƶ Tech. It will be a testament to all the alumni, boosters and fans who played a part in making ˿����Ƶ Tech Softball what it is today."

"This new field is going to take the softball program to a new level," senior Ali Graham said. " More recruits will want to come here and we will have the ability to practice more when bad weather hits. The Foundation and the Stilwell's believed in us to make this program better than it has ever been and we couldn't thank them enough."

Infrastructure work will begin this summer and renovations will continue throughout the summer with an estimated completion date for the renovation and official celebration of the stadium in the fall.

If you would like to make a donation to the softball renovation project Click here.