What area do you work in within the VPFA portfolio?
I work for the University of Oregon Transportation Services department.
I work for the University of Oregon Transportation Services department.
What is your current position, and what are your job responsibilities?
I currently operate the UO Access Shuttle, providing no-cost services to students, faculty, staff, and visitors with conditions that limit mobility. I help schedule rides to customers and drive them to where they need to go on campus.
In addition to my regular job duties, I lead the department’s ad hoc Social Committee, where I organize celebrations for employees, including potlucks, birthdays, and much more!
What led you to your current job, and what do you enjoy about working at UO?
I grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon, where I started driving when I was twelve years old, helping my dad as a third-generation river guide. As a kid, I did wild, outdoor adventures with my dad, including becoming the youngest person, at age eleven, to cross-country ski around Crater Lake. Following in my dad’s footsteps, I become a drift boat fishing guide, where I eventually led guided trips in Idaho. The guiding business involved 6-7 months of work each year. In between fishing seasons, I worked a variety types of jobs, including handyman jobs and as a carpenter back home in Lane County.
Other interesting facts about you?
Eventually, I decided to reduce my fishing guide business time to day trips on the Rogue and McKenzie Rivers here in Oregon. Coming home permanently to Oregon led me to my current job at the university. I love the social part of my job, including meeting new people, helping students, and telling stories to brighten peoples’ days. One of my mottos in life is, “everybody is just a smile and wave away from a good day.”
What do you do outside of your normal work hours?
When not working at the University of Oregon, I stay active by: serving as a seasonal fishing guide, helping with handyman duties for cancer survivors, supporting the Vida Community Center through seasonal fundraising activities, building bird houses, and working as a property manager for four McKenzie River vacation homes. Each year, I use two weeks of vacation time to lead the annual “world’s largest organized horse ride” in southern California, which includes 2,000-3,000 riders.
When not working at the University of Oregon, I stay active by: serving as a seasonal fishing guide, helping with handyman duties for cancer survivors, supporting the Vida Community Center through seasonal fundraising activities, building bird houses, and working as a property manager for four McKenzie River vacation homes. Each year, I use two weeks of vacation time to lead the annual “world’s largest organized horse ride” in southern California, which includes 2,000-3,000 riders.
Other interesting facts about you?
- Have volunteered for 11 years (and counting!) at the Walterville Christmas Bazaar
- Aliases include: “King of Dutch Ovens;” “Sweep boat Captain;” “Ramrod of Los Borrachos”
- Favorite food dish: Blossom Bar Casserole (named after the Blossom Bar rapids on the Rogue River)
- Favorite quote: “It’s not only what you do while you’re here, it’s what you leave behind” – Old, wise, river guide coach and teacher.
(February 2019)