I'm 72.  

It has always seemed to me that Eugene has continuously had elites who were into the  "I've got mine; further growth is not desirable." mode.    

In the '50's the elites were the lumber barons and their mills. 

With their downturn and few replacement firms, all we really have left are Peace Health and McKenzie Willamette as non-governmental employers and a declining University.   

Perhaps Phil Knight's science building investments can help Duck U return to some sort of intellectual respectability.