A Legacy of Community and Commitment
Oregon Tech is and has always been highly devoted to its athletics program. That dedication and the spirit of grit and perseverance of student athletes inspired Klamath Falls residents Glen and Sherry Thomet to make a transformative $1 million lead gift to help build a new athletic fieldhouse on the university's Klamath Falls campus.
Their generosity launched a successful $3.5 million fundraising campaign for the 8,500-square-foot fieldhouse, the first Oregon Tech facility to be fully funded by donors. The fieldhouse will provide year-round training space for student-athletes and serve the wider Oregon Tech and Klamath Falls communities through academic programs, health and wellness initiatives, and public events.
The Thomets’ donation was made in honor of their late son, Kip, who passed away in 2019. Kip was an avid outdoorsman and adventurer, remembered by his family for a life filled with exploration and trailblazing. In recognition of his legacy, the facility will be named the Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse.
"I think this will help an excellent athletic program become even better, and I'm so thrilled to be involved in the way that I am,” said Glen Thomet. “Kip died very unexpectedly at age 57, and I'm sure he would be proud to be part of Oregon Tech."
Glen and Sherry have lived in Klamath Falls since 2000 and became supporters of Oregon Tech Athletics through their regular attendance at Hustlin’ Owls basketball games. By coincidence, their season ticket seats were directly in front of Oregon Tech President Nagi Naganathan and his wife. That proximity turned into friendship, and eventually a deeper connection with the university’s athletics program. The Thomets began attending softball games, supporting student-athlete scholarships, and getting to know the athletic staff and players personally.
“It has been a privilege to get to know and appreciate Glen and Sherry,” said President Naganathan. “We are honored by the Thomets’ lead gift for the athletics fieldhouse project. This is another example of their caring support for Oregon Tech and our scholar-athletes, and we are deeply grateful.”
The idea for the fieldhouse was first shared with the Thomets during a conversation with Athletic Director, John Van Dyke. “Glen asked me what more could be done to support student-athletes,” said Van Dyke. “I shared our dream of building a facility that would give our teams a place to practice, train, and gather year-round, no matter the weather. Their gift was the crucial first step in turning that dream into reality.”
The community celebrated the project’s launch at a groundbreaking ceremony on May 16, 2025, where donors, university leaders, and student athletes gathered to mark the beginning of construction.
The Kip Thomet Memorial Fieldhouse stands not only as a needed athletic facility but as a lasting tribute to family and the power of community. It embodies the Thomets' belief in Oregon Tech’s mission and reflects their deep care for students who strive for excellence.
“This fieldhouse isn’t just a building. It’s a sign that our college and our community believe in us. I can assure you that this new facility will be well-loved.”
-Malia Mick ‘26
Echocardiology
