EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University announces the acquisition of the 1000 Alder Street property, formerly the Sigma Phi Epsilon house. This milestone acquisition marks a significant step in the University’s ongoing efforts to expand the campus and enhance its students’ educational experience.
The property will serve as the location of the new John & Marilyn Duke Student Commons, a vibrant hub for student activities. This project is a key component of the University’s ambitious Venture Forward capital campaign—a comprehensive campus and program development initiative that includes six specific projects, transitioning Bushnell University into a new era of growth and innovation.
“We are excited for the opportunity to purchase this important parcel of land, located in the center of our campus”, said Dr. Joseph Womack, President of Bushnell University. “The Duke Student Commons will be built on a foundation of the generosity of our donors and will become a cornerstone of student life at Bushnell fostering a sense of community and belonging for generations to come.”
The concurrent completion of three other capital projects will enable Bushnell University to begin construction of Duke Commons. In 2020, the University repurposed the former Phoenix Inn on Franklin Boulevard into the Jim and Sharron Kay Womack Hall for student housing. In 2021, the University partnered with the Springfield Drifters and Springfield School District to construct Bushnell’s shared-use baseball stadium at the Hamlin Middle School Sports Complex. In 2023 the University opened its School of Nursing next door at PeaceHealth’s Center for Medical Education & Research. Additionally, historic Goodrich Hall, built in 1908 on East 11th Avenue, is currently being renovated with a completion date set for late 2024. This renovation includes the addition to the building, featuring an elevator, restrooms on each floor, and a bell tower.
The 36,000-square-foot Duke Commons will feature a state-of-the-art cafeteria, the Helseth-Wells Dining Hall on the first floor, providing students with a modern and welcoming space to dine, study, and connect. Additional first-floor amenities will include banquet and event spaces, an outdoor dining area, and a coffee shop. The second floor will host student life offices and a spacious, well-equipped student activity center. The plan also includes beautification of the nearby millrace and surrounding landscape to create a vibrant indoor/outdoor hub for student life.
In 2017, Bushnell’s Board of Trustees adopted an aggressive growth plan that included a name change—from Northwest Christian University to Bushnell University, after co-founder James A. Bushnell—and a campus expansion strategy to increase capacity and enrollment. In 2021, Bushnell launched Venture Forward, a three-year capital campaign to raise $14,000,000 for six projects, including the Song Nai Rhee Honors Program and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Due to early successes and rising construction costs, the goal was increased to $18,000,000. In October, Venture Forward will celebrate raising nearly $22,000,000 through donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships from over 200 families, businesses, and foundations. More than $4,000,000 has been raised for the nursing program, including a $2,500,000 grant from the Lane County Health Council.
In addition to the Venture Forward goals, a new beach volleyball complex was recently completed in partnership with Grace Community Fellowship in Eugene. The new Bushnell Golf Player Development Center is under construction at Pine Ridge Golf Club, located at the former clubhouse of the old Springfield Country Club. Future construction goals include additional student housing, expansion of the College of Health Professions, a new chapel/performing arts center, and a new track and field complex.
“We’ve been a quiet, strong presence in this city for 129 years,” says Bushnell Vice-President for University Advancement, Keith Potter. “This new acquisition, and the success of our Venture Forward campaign allows us to better serve our students and expand our presence in the community and region.”
For more information about the Venture Forward capital campaign and the Duke Student Commons, please visit www.bushnell.edu/ventureforward.