Rendering of new lobby for the Allen Hall renovation project.

Craig McCoy knows how important connections are. So for the President of McCoy Broadcasting Company in Portland, the $50,000 challenge grant made by The McCoy Foundation/KPNW-AM, KODZ-FM and KDUK-FM to help fund the pivotal link between the two wings of Allen Hall was "only natural."

With the grant, the Foundation will provide a one-to-one match for donations made to the program, i.e. for every one dollar donated, the McCoy Foundation will contribute one dollar.

The goal now is to raise $50,000, which the Foundation will match with $50,000, adding $100,000 to the Allen Hall building fund.

In addition to being the link between the two wings, the new lobby and plaza for Allen Hall will be a showplace for the School with prominent displays of historical material as well as donor recognition walls, and will become a gathering place for School receptions and social events.

Craig said that McCoy Broadcasting Company, which owns Eugene radio stations that work with the University on a regular basis, would like to see its "excellent relationship" with the University continue to grow. With that background in mind, McCoy said the Foundation was "anxious to support the efforts of the School of Journalism and Communication"

Because the McCoy Foundation has limited resources, it targets organizations and programs in which one or more of the trustees has a personal interest. McCoy, a graduate of Northwestern University, said that his own broadcasting background -- and that of another trustee -- influenced the Foundation's decision. "As radio was the career choice for two of us, we have a natural inclination toward supporting that industry, either directly or indirectly."

"Noting that the trustees were impressed with the plans for upgrading the physical facilities of the School," McCoy added. "More important, we are impressed with the School's reputation, its staff and its overall mission to provide each student with the best possible educational experience - an experience that will hopefully act as a platform for a successful career in media. It will be great to see such a fine program housed in an equally fine facility."

SOJC Dean Tim Gleason said the Foundation's grant was evidence of the McCoys' commitment to the University and to the School.

"They are a corporate media company working in our community as good citizens. We want to celebrate that," he added.

Gleason noted that the one-year grant will be the catalyst that guarantees a successful conclusion to funding the new main entrance and plaza for Allen Hall.

"The School has developed a model curriculum for undergraduate education, established an accomplished faculty, and attracted an outstanding student body. Enhancing the physical facilities is the way for us -- at this moment in time -- to support the people and programs we have developed."