Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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 5 Northwest Dodge Dealers regon State University went through many exciting changes this past year. From the renaming of Parker Stadium, to the hiring of a new football coach. Each new step helped the OSU Athletic Department in a positive way. The new Reser Stadium came through a sponsorship from the Reser family. The Reser family owns the corporation, Reser Fine Foods in Portland. As long time supporters of OSU, specifically the HOEC and athletic departments, they agreed to fund this part of the program. It became apparent, that while funds from OSU were not always available, college sports were forced to generate new revenues through sponsorships. Those sponsorship were generated through large corporations. Mitch Barnhart, OSU athletic director said, With those corporate dollars, in return for that revenue, the Reser family gets recognition in places of programs.' Depending on the amount of money donated, that sponsorship can include the renaming of a stadium, or help with the fix- ing up of Parker stadium. The new football coach, Dennis Erickson, also helped OSU Financially and competitively. With a couple of championships behind him, Erickson provided credibility to the football program, the coaching staff, and the players that he has been working with. By bringing existing credibility, Erickson helped the fans start to believe that they could compete. With a great recruiting class and a competitive returning class, Erickson had a very well prepared team on his hands. The Beavers had their first winning record in 30 years, and it was the first time they had gone to a bowl game in 35 years. An exciting change, involving the Northwest Dodge dealers buying rights to the Civil War game, created a partnership between rivals, OSU and University of Oregon. This four-year partnership was a multi-million dollar package, given that each university would receive several thousand dollars each year in revenue. Story By Rachelle Rossman a wealth of change • 25

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The sponsoring of the Civil War game by Dodge meant more banners and logos, but brought about no change to students, faculty or fans. Contributed Logo The donation by the Roscr family led to great improvements to the football field, as well as a new name. Photo By John Obon Coach Dennis Erickson brought credibility to the OSU football team, which came to mean more financial support and the team's first winning record in 30 years. Photo By Brody Jackson A donation by the Roser family, long time OSU athletic supporters, led to the renaming of Parker Stadium to Reser Stadium. Photo By Janette le cht 24 • student life

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Paul Sacger coaches friend Nikki Tinnley at the Memorial Union rec center. Photo By Frir o it ly Jacque Smead and friend Anna Bernardo stretch to the finish line during Sibling’s Weekend events held in McAlcxandcr Fieldhousc. Photo By Elizabeth Erwin Freshman Chris Seaman and his brother Bart take out their aggressions while jousting in McAlcxandcr Fieldhousc. Photo By Elizabeth Erwin This OSU student and her younger sister took part in the Origami workshop sponsored by the Asian Cultural Center. This was just one of the many free events that occurred throughout the weekend. Photo By Lizannc Southgate 26 • student life V' .