Bushnell Launches $36M Capital Campaign with Largest Single Local Corporate Foundation Gift in Their History 

EUGENE, Ore. – On Saturday, October 24, Bushnell University launched its Venture Further $36M campaign with more than $11M already committed, including the largest one-time corporate foundation gift in their history: $1M from OCCU Foundation.

This extraordinary gift is dedicated to supporting the buildout of the OCCU Foundation Healthcare Simulation Center to serve Bushnell’s College of Health Professions. The Center will help train students in a one-of-a-kind state-of-the-art healthcare education learning lab, creating a real-life medical experience to reflect current hospital layouts and simulation events. The gift recognizes Bushnell’s leadership in expanding the nursing and healthcare workforce centered in the new Bushnell Health and Science Center building acquired in 2025 from PeaceHealth.

The donation from the OCCU Foundation is dedicated to expanding health professions to meet the local and regional healthcare workforce needs. “At the OCCU Foundation, we believe healthy communities begin with access to quality care,” says Greg Schumacher, OCCU President & CEO and OCCU Foundation Board Chair. “We are proud to partner with Bushnell University to expand its healthcare professions programs and establish the OCCU Foundation Healthcare Simulation Center. By giving students meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities, this investment will help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and expand access to critical care in communities across Oregon.”

Expanding the College of Health Professions with a $14M goal is only one pillar of the Venture Further campaign for Bushnell. The campaign is also focused on enhancing the student experience ($17M goal) through completing the Duke Student Commons, creating a hub for student life, expanding Bushnell’s athletic facilities and launching both men’s and women’s wrestling. The final pillar of the campaign with a $5M goal is dedicated to equipping the next generation of leaders with scholarships for tuition and financial assistance. More information about the campaign can be found at www.bushnell.edu/venturefurther/. 

President Dr. Joseph D. Womack, now in his 17th year, said, “Venture Further is Bushnell University’s most significant capital campaign in our 131-year history. It will propel the University forward in areas that are critical to growth in size, reputation, and influence. The effort addresses immediate needs and opportunities to expand the College of Health Professions, enhance the student experience by improving campus facilities, and equip the next generation of leaders through scholarship support.”