Politics · Vietnam Bureau
Nike Founder Knight Pledges $1B to Oregon University Engineering College
Phil Knight, co-founder of athletic apparel giant Nike, and his wife Penny have committed $1 billion to the University of Oregon for a new engineering college. The donation marks the largest gift ever made to a U.S. public flagship university.
LSN Vietnam ·
The unprecedented pledge by the Knight family will establish a comprehensive engineering college at the University of Oregon, significantly expanding the institution's academic capabilities in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors. The gift underscores Knight's continued investment in his alma mater, where he studied business before launching Nike with former coach Bill Bowerman in 1972.
The $1 billion commitment represents a transformative moment for the Eugene-based university, positioning it to compete with leading engineering programs across the United States. The new college will address growing demand for engineering talent and innovation, with curriculum designed to meet evolving industry needs.
Knight's philanthropic focus on higher education reflects a broader trend among technology and business leaders channeling substantial resources into academic institutions. His support for the University of Oregon extends decades, with previous donations supporting athletic facilities, business programs, and campus infrastructure.
The University of Oregon, founded in 1876, is Oregon's flagship public research institution. The engineering college initiative is expected to enhance the university's research profile while creating opportunities for students pursuing careers in technology, manufacturing, and sustainable engineering solutions.