Nov. 5, 1997 Contact Pauline Austin (541) 346-3129 Editors note: Wood will meet with a Fairfax student who lists the University of Oregon as his first-choice college. To arrange an interview, contact guidance counselor Kay Ochi, (213) 651-5200. EUGENE, Ore.--Oregon professor Mary Wood is coming home to Fairfax High School this week--and not for a class reunion at her alma mater in West Hollywood. Wood, a 1974 Fairfax graduate who is now a professor of English at the University of Oregon, is a woman with a mission. "My passion for literature began at Fairfax. Thanks to some really fine English and history teachers, I learned what it feels like to have an interest that will last for the rest of your life. I want to encourage other Fairfax students to follow their own passions," says Wood. Wood will talk to several groups of students at the high school Thursday, Nov. 6. "College is a place where they'll have a lot of choices to make--it's exciting and overwhelming at the same time," she says. "The main thing I want to say is that students should really go after their own education. They should choose a topic that speaks to their passion and follow it to explore new horizons," Woods says, her voice lit up with her own love of learning. Wood always knew she would go to college, but never expected to leave California. "I was brought up to think I would go to UCLA and live at home. When I realized there were a lot more options--that was very exciting," she says, with a sparkle in her eye. Wood first enrolled at U.C. Santa Cruz, later transferring to Yale. Wood's first job began at the University of Oregon in 1987, and she's been there ever since. "I want students here to know what a great place Oregon is--it's a top-flight research institution where teachers are also held in high regard. That's a very good environment for undergrads," Wood says. "The University of Oregon is well known and respected in the Northwest," says Joe Stone, UO College of Arts and Sciences dean. "Although we're not as well known in Southern California, Mary Wood, one of our brightest researchers and best teachers, is an ideal person to carry our story to high school students in Los Angeles." Wood embraced the project enthusiastically. "I had a lot of good times at Fairfax High," she says. "Now I get to tell students at my alma mater about the possibilities that will open for them if they go on to college." -30- #F-6023/Special