On May 3, 2008, a major expansion of Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s large animal clinical and diagnostic imaging facilities was opened. The project was made possible by a generous gift from the Valley Foundation and the estate of Lois Bates Acheson. A 1937 Oregon State University alumna, Acheson was a long-time supporter of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her gift of $21 million created a substantial endowment for veterinary medicine and funded its first endowed position, the deanship. In honor of her gift, the college has renamed the teaching hospital in memory of Lois Bates Acheson.

Acheson the head of a company now known as Black Ball Ferry Line, which ran the only ferry between Port Angeles, Wash., and Victoria, B.C.