New Athletic Facility Shines at the Oregon Episcopal School ‘Ties & Tennies’ Donor Event

Portland, OR. 170 supporters attended the Oregon Episcopal School (OES) ‘Ties & Tennies’ event on October 16th. The celebration, held in an outdoor tent, was designed to thank the school’s major donors, particularly supporters of the expanded and remodeled 42,000 square foot athletic center. The OES community raised $13.5 million for the new athletic center, which was constructed during Covid, and completed in June 2021. Longtime supporters Don and Alicia Morissette, seen above, are parents of four OES alumni and Capital Campaign co-chairs. They were presented with a framed piece of the former gym floor as a thank you for their leadership. A new athletic space in the facility is called Morissette Court after the family. It honors their passion to give back to future generations of athletes. Morissette Court has full-size basketball and volleyball courts, and two basketball and volleyball practice courts when the bleachers are retracted. OES Head of School Mo Copeland explained, “The family has been all-in as champions and supporters of OES and we are in their debt for their efforts in inspiring donors and the community to forever make this spectacular building a reality.”

Copeland explained, “The building is truly a game-changer for our students and campus and our community.”

Here’s a video about the new facility:

The new athletic facility almost doubles the school’s indoor physical education and athletics capabilities, enhances OES’s already successful and inclusive no-cut athletics programs, and creates a new hub that meaningfully connects the entire school community.

The “old gym” was also upgraded and the space was named for OES’s first student to graduate with 12 varsity letters, a longtime coach, and athletic director Kris Van Hatcher ‘70. Van Hatcher was joined at the event by his wife, Karen, son Addison ‘06, and his wife, Laura.

“The strength of our inclusive and winning athletics program is in large part thanks to Kris and it is only fitting that we recognize his incredible influence at OES by naming our west gym in his honor,” said Copeland.

From OES:

Among the woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife of the hills of Southwest Portland lies the unique educational experience that is Oregon Episcopal School. The school occupies a 59-acre campus where 880 students in Pre-K– Grade 12 share an excellent faculty, a college preparatory curriculum, and a strong sense of community.

Offering a true liberal arts curriculum, OES is dedicated to scholarship and an enriched academic environment of “learning by doing” that strives to help each individual reach his or her fullest potential. Small classes provide intimate learning environments that allow teachers to instill in each student a love for learning and the joy of discovery. Learn more about our Academic philosophy and Essential Competencies.

The oldest Episcopal school west of the Rockies, OES values developing the spirit as well as the mind. Though steeped in Episcopal heritage and tradition, the school welcomes students of all beliefs. We provide instruction about all major faiths, and encourage individuals to discover their own spiritual path. Learn more about our Episcopal tradition.