On Saturday, April 28, 2018, more than 600 guests joined Portland State University and Viking Athletics for the grand opening gala of the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center, a new all-purpose arena and events space in the heart of the Portland State campus (see photos from the event). 

Thanks to the generosity of guests and supporters, the PSU Foundation raised more than $800,000 for the Viking Athletics program, the majority of which will be used to support student scholarships. This extraordinary outpouring of support is the largest amount raised in the history of the event -- and more than $200,000 than was raised the previous year!

"We are grateful for everyone who attended this wonderful evening in support of PSU Athletics. This cornerstone program teaches teamwork and discipline -- the building blocks for success in work and in life," said PSU President Rahmat Shoureshi.

Highlights from the event included an exciting live auction, with prizes including packages for wine tastings, an Italian villa, and a trip to the Country Music Awards, as well as a paddle raise to directly raise support for student scholarships.

"Our students are the heart of everything we do at Portland State," said PSU Athletics Director Valerie Cleary. "I'm so thankful to our supporters for investing in their success."

The evening recognized the contributions of all those who came together to make the Viking Pavilion project possible, including Peter W. Stott, a member of the PSU Board of Trustees who was an early advocate for the renovation. Stott's advocacy garnered additional support for the capital construction project, which was completed and opened in April 2018.

"The new Viking Pavilion truly serves as a testament to the potential of what we can accomplish together," said Peter W. Stott. "This is a place that makes us all proud to be Vikings."

More than 200 student-athletes volunteered at the event, welcoming guests to the pavilion and sharing their stories of opportunity. Big Sky Conference Freshmen Players of the Year Kylie Jimenez and Holland "Booboo" Woods spoke as part of the dinner program, and shared their thanks to PSU supporters.

"On behalf of our teams and our fellow student-athletes, thank you for believing in us, for investing in us, and for cheering for us," said Woods. "This is our new home. And when we win our first game on this court next year, we know you'll be right here by our side."

The success of the event is attributed, in part, to premiere event sponsors, Jeff Eulberg and Joe Wiser of Evergreen Gavekal. Extra special thanks to event sponsors Peter and Julie Stott Foundation, Burns Brothers, Stewart Sokol & Larkin, Key Event Services and Les Schwab, and the many others who came together in support of Portland State Athletics.

About the Viking Pavilion

The Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center is the new home of Portland State Athletics Program. The 3,000-seat arena will host Big Sky Championship basketball and volleyball games. The facility also offers a new weight room, locker rooms, classrooms, academic center and administrative offices as well as the new OHSU Sports Medicine Center. A new Viking Athletics Hall of Fame display will open this coming fall. The $52.1 million renovation was designed by Woofter Architects and Perkins+Will, and completed by Fortis Construction.