Geneva Wortman says her mother made her do it! Protesting all the way, the Beaverton young woman reluctantly enrolled as a freshman at the University of Oregon. Then it happened. She fell in love–with learning. "There’s something magic about this place," she says now. At the university’s main Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 12, look for Wortman, the soon-to-be UO graduate, on the podium at Hayward Field, sitting with the president and other top university and higher education officials. She will deliver commencement remarks to the graduating class and thousands of their parents, family and friends–and say thanks to her own mom. Between the reluctant freshman and almost graduate, Wortman thrived on the challenges and opportunities she found in the classroom and in campus life. She campaigned for student office, was elected and served this past year as the president of the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, overseeing a multi-million dollar budget and a broad range of services for 17,000 plus students. She testified before the Oregon Legislature, and she consulted with national political leaders and student leaders at national conferences. Along the road she became and remains a passionate advocate for honoring our obligation to maintain this opportunity for future generations of students. Wortman will be available for media interviews immediately following the reception scheduled by her major department, Planning, Public Policy and Management, (at approximately 11:30 a.m.) on the lawn west of Hendricks Hall, 1408 University St., or immediately following the main UO commencement ceremony (at approximately 2:30 p.m.) at Hayward Field, 1580 E. 15th Ave. SOURCE: Geneva Wortman, 1998-99 president of the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, e-mail, genevawortman@excite.com.

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