Raise the Roof
Raise the Roofview gallery
Forest Grove is home for Rich and Joy Hanson.
Though they don’t live here anymore, the Hansons remain connected to the small town where they grew up.
Earlier this year, that connection became even more formal, as Pacific University dedicated its sports stadium to the long-time donors and friends.
Hanson Stadium was transformed this summer with the addition of a canopy over the grandstands. The stadium is home to Boxer football, soccer, lacrosse, and track and field, as well as commencement and community events.
Featuring a cantilevered design — meaning no view-obstructing support beams between fans and the field — the stadium now offers protection from both sun and rain for the thousands of people who attend events there each year.
The roof has been a passion for Rich Hanson.
“Rich was really the instigator for getting this roof built, and in record time,” said Mindy Cameron ’65, chair of the Pacific University Board of Trustees.
Rich and Joy (Engelen) Hanson were both raised in Forest Grove.
"Rich was really the instigator for getting this roof built, and in record time."
After graduating from the University of Oregon, Rich Hanson joined a management training program at U.S. Gypsum. He spent 39 years with the Weyerhaeuser Co., retiring in 2008 as executive vice president and chief operating officer.
In September 2005, he joined the Pacific University Board of Trustees. In 2011, the couple received the university’s Harvey Clark Award.
“Rich and Joy have given so much,” said Pacific University President Lesley Hallick. “It is an honor to name this stadium after the Hanson family.”
Today, the couple lives in Longbranch, Wash., but they remain dedicated supporters of Pacific University.
They have helped fund the relaunch of football, the establishment of the College of Business — and most recently, they were lead donors on the stadium roof project.
The roof, Rich Hanson said, is close to the heart because the stadium is part of Lincoln Park Athletic Complex, a joint venture between Pacific and the City of Forest Grove — and so it’s a way to support both.
It’s all part of what he sees as an investment in the growth of the university.
“I joined the board almost 10 years ago,” he said. “In that time, we’ve added 1,000 students — that’s a 42 percent increase.
“I guarantee you, Pacific is on a roll and going to continue to grow and prosper.” ■
Your continued support for the Hanson Stadium roof is greatly appreciated. Support Pacific University student-athletes and enhance the fan experience with a gift today.
Boxer Club
Boxer Club is the athletic booster club at Pacific University. This dedicated group of donors and supporters of Pacific University student-athletes. Several membership levels are available, from a recent alumni membership of $35 per year for alumni who have graduated in the last five years, to the $3,000 Hall of Fame level membership. Each membership level comes with its own set of benefits, ranging from tickets to merchandise and more. Members also can decline these benefits to make their gifts 100 percent tax deductible. Boxer Club membership fees support a wide variety of programs, projects and special needs, including equipment and uniforms, travel, salaries for assistant coaches, and recruiting costs.
This story first appeared in the Fall 2014 issue of Pacific magazine. For more stories, visit pacificu.edu/magazine.