Skoro Collegiate Recovery Community Coordinator

In 2016 OSU became the first university in Oregon – and one of just a few in the nation – to offer a housing option specifically for students recovering from drug and/or alcohol addiction. Development of the Recovery Living and Learning Community was made possible by the generosity of Tom and Joan Skoro, and their planned gift will create an endowment to support the community’s leader.

“Students in recovery have a tough time dealing with the disease of addiction in the typical college living environment,” Tom said. “A safe, sober living environment with others in recovery raises their chance of success dramatically. OSU is leading the way, and we couldn’t be more proud.” 

Well equipped with his Oregon State construction engineering management degree, Tom made a major impact during his career in the heavy construction industry. He retired as senior vice president and district manager for Kiewit Infrastructure West Company. Tom served as president of the College of Engineering’s Construction Education Foundation board. He was inducted into the OSU Academy of Distinguished Engineers (2007) and named an OSU Alumni Association Alumni Fellow (2015) prior to his death in 2020.

Joan Okamura-Skoro, formerly a registered nurse, continues to build the family’s OSU legacy.