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For more than 100 years, Western Oregon has been inspiring men and women to become educators. 

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To follow their dreams, to learn, to invest in the future. 

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To dare to teach. 

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Western Oregon University's College of Education Teacher Preparation Program is one of only seven nationally accredited programs in Oregon. 

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Students enroll here to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree in a full spectrum of studies. 

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From teacher education to special education, health and physical education, and American Sign Language. 

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And we should never cease to help.

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Hello, I'm Western Oregon University President Mark Weiss. I'm proud to be here today and tell you about an exciting opportunity to support our students. 

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To meet the growing needs of our students and community, we have begun the Dare To campaign to advance our College of Education from two sides. 

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Collaboration and affordability. 

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Keeping with our mission to serve all students who desire to continue their education, the university in partnership with the WOU Foundation embarked on a daring initiative.

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To secure 3 million dollars in support of capital construction and scholarships.

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Thanks to the leadership gift of 1.4 million dollars from nationally renowned educator and former faculty member Dr. Richard Woodcock, 

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the new Richard Woodcock education center will provide a learning environment where all three divisions of the college of education will work side by side. 

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This collaboration will bring faculty together and enhance the overall learning experience for our students. 

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With ground breaking for the new education center, we have achieved our first goal, producing a collaborative educational environment for both faculty and students. 

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Now, we need your help to achieve our second goal: an affordable education.

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Making education affordable is one of our biggest concerns. 

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Our students continue to struggle financially and the burden of student loan debt is the number one reason students leave the university. 

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We know our graduates are highly sought after. 

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But the path to graduation is filled with many challenges.

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That's why I'm asking you to join us in our Dare To campaign. 

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To raise 1.6 million dollars for scholarships. 

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Scholarships are vital to recognize, attract, and support outstanding students. 

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WOU is committed to providing a high quality education and filling the halls of the Richard Woodcock Education Center. 

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I urge you to join us in making college affordable as our students dare to teach and never cease to learn. 

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There are two ways to get involved.

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Participate in the newly established College of Education Scholarship Program or create a new scholarship. 

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Naming opportunities for classrooms, study areas and other physical spaces are available within the Richard Woodcock Education Center. 

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All gifts to the campaign, will be recognized on a donor display, located within the new facility. 

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New scholarships can be established by creating a permanent endowment fund or through a multi-year commitment. 

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I think scholarships for future students are essential. It's not only about the money, it's about the investment in the student and the belief in the student. 

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I think that is maybe more important than the money at times for kids.

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Just that confidence that somebody else besides their parents believes in them. 

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Consider what your investment can do. 

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This simple, caring, thoughtful act of giving, has a lasting impact on the lives of people around you. 

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It can launch a career, spark a student to help other, and change your community. 

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Both of which will help me become a better educator."

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You can support the Dare To campaign in a number of ways. From outright gifts, to deferred gifts, or a combination of both. 

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To learn more about how a gift toward WOU can be part of a smart financial plan, contact the WOU Foundation at 503-838-8281