A combined $1.2 million lead gift from Brad and Katharine Stoffer and their Boedecker Foundation will allow George Fox to begin the first phase of construction on the Austin Sports Complex and moves the university closer to adding NCAA Div. III football and women's lacrosse teams.

George Fox, located in Newberg, Ore., is a member of the Northwest Conference and is the reigning Division III women's basketball champion.

The gift, announced at a fundraising event held July 9, is the first major donation toward the $6.5 million project. The multi-use sports complex is to be shared by the university, the Chehalem Park and Recreation District, Newberg High School, local club teams, and the community. It is located a half mile north of the school's Newberg campus.

“This gift will allow us to create more venues for leadership training and character development,” said George Fox president Robin Baker, “The Stoffers have joined the Austins in investing not only in the university, but in the lives of student-athletes and youth from around the region.”

"We're excited that this may make it possible for George Fox to reestablish football, but we're just as pleased to be able to help the university provide first-class facilities to its students and the community," Brad Stoffer said. "Our son has had a great experience at George Fox and we're glad to be part of this community."

George Fox fielded a football team from 1894 to 1969, but dropped it primarily for financial reasons. The school's board has been considering adding football since 2002 and has requested a feasibility study from the administration.