SOWI Gains More Solid Support

The Umpqua Community College Foundation has raised an additional $525,000 from three new sources for the capital campaign to build the Southern Oregon Wine Institute’s Danny Lang Teaching, Learning & Event Center set to be built in the school’s vineyard.

From the Ford Family Foundation, UCC received $350,000; from the Erath Foundation, UCC received a $150,000 gift; and from the Douglas County Independent Physicians Association (DCIPA), UCC received $25,000.

“Each of these givers clearly understands how the Southern Oregon Wine Institute will be a catalyst for economic development in southwestern Oregon,” said UCC President Blaine Nisson. “The importance of the Southern Oregon Wine Institute continues to resonate throughout the region.”

With these three gifts, the SOWI capital campaign has raised $1,535,995 toward its $3 million goal.

The Danny Lang Center will house classrooms, a winery, a tasting room, a winery incubator and a testing laboratory, as well as a public event center capable of accommodating more than 250 people.