Austen, Ken, 1931-2019 (Founder of A-Dec)
biographical statement
Ken and Joan Austin, owners and founders of the A-dec dental manufacturing company based in Newberg, blessed George Fox University through many generous contributions over the years. Through scholarships, gifts to the university and the recent donation of their family home and land, they have helped George Fox thrive. Ken has served on the George Fox Board of Trustees since 1986 (currently as an honorary member) and has added his wise counsel to the university through many major events. The Austins' donation of 23 acres of land to the university in 2003 was developed into the Austin Sports Complex. In addition, since 1987, the family has annually funded an Oregon Symphony concert in George Fox’s Bauman Auditorium as a gift to the Newberg community. A flower garden on campus, in front of the Stevens Center, is dedicated to the memory of Joan’s mother Esther Zemke. Joan passed away in 2013. Ken passed away on May 1, 2019.