The funds will be used to support academic degree programs.

The Cuttings are both OSU alumni.  They grew up in McMinnville and retired to Bend in 2006.

Mike Cutting says they believe in higher education.  "Both Carmen and I went to OSU and we fee very strongly about the university.  We feel it's important that OSU have a four year campus in central Oregon.  It's timie for this area to have a four year university.  The opportunity for kids growing up in central Oregon and on the economy.  We thought now is the right opportunity to do something."

Mike Cutting is a co-founder of Northwest Atlantic Partners, a comprehenisve real estate brokerage service for retailers.

OSU Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson is humbled by the generous donation.  "Well, it's just an incredible show of support for the future of OSU.  As you know, they are OSU alums and they understand the importance of supporting your alma mater.  We're all part of the OSU family, so it's great to see alums supporting OSU  Cascades."

When the Cuttings estate is settled, OSU Cascades V-p will have the discretion to spend the funds on academic degree programs as they see fit, which is highly unusual.