Aug. 25, 1998

Contact Pauline Austin (541) 346-3129

Not every student at the University of Oregon enrolls for the wilderness sports, but according to a national magazine, the campus is a great place for people who like the outdoors. The UO campus is one the nation’s 10 best for students interested in the outdoors, according to the September issue of Sports Afield magazine. The magazine picked the UO as the best "all around" campus for wilderness adventures, while each of the other nine schools in the survey were listed for their proximity to just one outstanding sports area. UO Outdoor Program Director Bruce Mason says the proximity of the campus to whitewater rivers, rock climbing, mountain-biking and skiing, coupled with a climate that allows year around participation in most sports, helped the university win the category. The magazine also highlighted the UO’s nationally recognized cooperative Outdoor Program and its sister program, Outdoor Pursuits. The Outdoor Program is a student-funded wilderness cooperative that helps students and alumni organize wilderness adventures. Outdoor Pursuits is an academic program, which offers classes in basic wilderness skills, navigation and safety. "It has been clear to us for years that many students choose this campus because of its rich wilderness recreation potential," says Mason, who is quoted in the article. "We have been told by many alumni that their participation in challenging Outdoor Program expeditions has benefited them in their professional careers, where initiative, team building and risk taking are rewarded." Mason notes that a new Recreation and Fitness Center with a world-class rock-climbing wall will further enhance the UO’s reputation as a top choice for students interested in outdoor recreation and related careers. The center is scheduled to open fall term 1999. SOURCE: Bruce V. Mason, director of the University of Oregon Outdoor Program, (541) 346-3730 (work); 953-7186 (cell); (541) 746-7395 (home); e-mail <bvmason@oregon.uoregon.edu>.

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