Chapter 12
Under overcast, but dry skies, I dropped Di and Consuela of at the Valley River Center, one of the largest indoor malls in Oregon.
Consuela's wardrobe was limited and I wanted her stylishly outfitted and equipped for college or any other occasion.
I gave the girls my credit card and carte blanche to get anything and everything they wanted or needed, regardless of cost.
I would call when I returned.
"Have a good time." I told them as Consuela opened the truck door.
"Love you Master." Di said, leaning over to kiss me before sliding over the seat and stepping out.
"Love you."
"I love you Master," Consuela chimed in.
Surprised I responded, "I love you too Con."
Smiling she closed the truck door as the turned toward the mall entrance.
I waited to the girls were inside before pulling away.
The University of Oregon was fifteen minutes away and with light traffic and I arrived early for the appointment with Chancellor Walbourne.
Familiar with the campus layout I entered Administrations. UO was one of the universities that offered me a scholarship and I had toured the campus before committing to Stanford.
A young lady, one of the students, standing behind the lobby counter took my name. She went through one of the doors behind the counter and returned a few moments later with a short, round white haired woman. She wore glasses with a silver chain attached to the frame's ear pieces but for now they were resting on her bountiful buxom.
She approached saying, "Mr. Vancy follow me please."
She led me down a side hall, knocking on a door at its end, which prompted, "Come in."
The woman opened the door, stepping to the side, saying, "Mr. Jules Vancy."
A very tall, lean, distinguished looking man, with burr cut salt and pepper hair, stood behind his desk and leaned over it, offering his hand.
"A pleasure to meet you sir," he said.
Releasing my hand he indicated I have a seat in one of the two leather arm chairs in front of the desk.
"As it is you Chancellor." I answered taking a seat.
Walbourne asked, "Would like something to drink?"
"No thank you."
He spoke to the woman who was still standing at the door, "That'll be all Margaret, thank you."
He sat down as the Margaret closed the door.
"Chancellor Walbourne I will be blunt," I said, pausing for dramatics, "I'm prepared to make an initial ten million dollar endowment to the University of Oregon and in five years another ten million dollar endowment, if used to create of a new department, specifically a parapsychology department with accompanying collegiate credits, degree and scholarships."
"The designated research oriented parapsychology department would be equipped with new state of the art laboratories, a new designated dormitory, accompanying the staff and instructors. If there is no exiting campus space for new construction, a satellite campus would be acquired. A program designed to attract and retain top people in the parapsychology field, through salaries, benefits and career opportunities. Use of existing facilities shall be required until the new facilities are completed."
"My anonymity shall be required with a signed non-disclosure from all parties. I want no one except you and the department head, you hire, to know I am the philanthropist. The new department and facility shall be named Godiva Parapsychology.
"I shall require a signed contract to that effect and guarantees that UO shall support the program for a minimum of 10 years after which it may be reviewed. That is the first demand."
"The second is that a student, Consuela Anna Hermosa, a transfer from Portland State University, be allowed to enter UO's sophomore course of Business Administrations studies, starting next Monday. Her personal information will be in the administration office by the end of the work day tomorrow. She will need no housing or a food program as she will be staying off campus, only a parking permit. A check shall be written for the entire amount of the fall and spring semesters when I leave."
I sent him a strong suggestion about the second.
Walbourne leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk and steepling his fingers against his chin, saying, "Mr. Vancy that is a generous offer, very generous indeed. Unfortunately I do not have the authority to make such a far reaching and important decision. I shall have to bring your offer before OU's governors. They only can make such a commitment of such magnitude. I'm confident they will be positive in their review but it must come from them."
"As to the second issue you have addressed that is within my purview. We are only two weeks into the fall semester and I see no reason why the young lady cannot start fall classes Monday. Have her report to Mrs. Potrick, the lady that escorted you in, Monday morning. Her schedule will be set and one of the students will show her to her class. I will notify her professors to expect her. We'll request her transcripts from Portland State."
"Thank you Chancellor Walbourne."
"No problem. It will take a week minimum to get a concrete answer to the first part. I will send notifications of an emergency meeting a week from today. They may postpone a vote to consider it until the next regular meeting. We normally meet four times a year and the next one is two months out. I'll strongly encourage them to accept your conditions but that is all can do as I have no vote. They usually follow my recommendations and I believe this would be very good for the University of Oregon."
"That is fine. No immediate rush but if the option is still hanging fire by the first of the year I will go elsewhere. I want the program up and running by the start of the next academic year. I would like the program installed in their facilities within three years."
"Understood. I do not think that will be necessary."
I stood saying, "Alright Chancellor I won't take up anymore of your time. I appreciate and thank you for your consideration of Consuela Hermosa. I look forward to hearing from you on the other."
Walbourne stood and came round the desk, saying, "Thank you for your consideration Mr. Vancy. Follow me to the bursar's office and I'll introduce you."
Lin Kung, the tiny oriental bursar, accepted my check after the Chancellor explained the circumstance.
Walbourne stayed with me until I exited the administration building.
I went to my bank, 1st Independence, and met with the manager, Clayton Pittue. I gave him the amount and instruction on transferring funds from my checking account to Gordon Dremmel account.
"I will text Dremmel with the 1st Independence phone number and have him ask for you. He will provide his bank account access code for the money transfer."
I signed the necessary paperwork authorizing the transfer of $615 thousand to Dremmel. Pittue assured me he would be expecting Dremmel's call and would handle the transfer. He would mail me the documentation of the completed transaction.
Returning to the mall I called the girls, after parking, and met them in the food court. I arrived before them and sat down at an empty table to wait. Several minutes later they arrived each carry multiple shopping bags.
"Hey ladies."
"Hi Hay," was the multiple response as they dropped their bags to the floor, both giving me a sweet kiss.
I was expecting Consuela's to be chaste but it was as sultry as Di's.
"Looks like you all have been busy."
Di said, "We got some of the things Con needed but not complete. We couldn't carry it all."
"We choose the more important items and decided to order on-line the rest," Con added.
"Have you been to the computer store yet?"
"No. Primarily clothes, cosmetics and health care products."
"Well we need a new laptop. You start class on Monday and your current one is old and slow."
"YEAH!" Consuela exclaimed happily and Di hugged her.
"Lets get something to eat and then we will carry these bags to the truck and secure them and you can continue shopping."
After pretzels and soft drinks we stowed their purchases and spent the rest of the afternoon perusing the stores with Con picking up many more items, including a small but very powerful, top of the line, laptop.
I was the pack horse and I made another trip to the truck to cache the treasures. By the time we all left, my arms were full again. Di had bought only two items of clothing and I had made no purchases. The rest of the huge pile was Con's.
On the way home we stopped at Applebee for supper.