The Heyer / LaMore leadership award
The Heyer / LaMore leadership award honors Ellis Heyer and Collin LaMore – outstanding students who embraced the natural world with reverence and delightful enthusiasm.
On an annual basis the Faculty of the Outdoor Pursuits Program (OPP) will review the merits of potential student awardees and their contributions towards the educational mission of the Outdoor Pursuits Program and select a recipient (or recipients) based the following criteria:
· Commitment to the Leadership Training Program: is a currently enrolled University of Oregon student actively working towards completing the requirements of the Outdoor Pursuits Program Leadership Training Program; has served as a leader in training for a minimum of six terms.
· Leadership: demonstrates superior leadership performance; seeks out leadership opportunities and strives to develop outdoor skills and leadership potential; motivates and takes care of others, serves as a role model and sets a good example; assists in promoting the educational mission of the OPP and consistently promotes and upholds Program safety, performance and risk management policies.
· Teaching and Facilitation: embraces the roles of teacher and facilitator, and strives to enhance teaching and facilitation skills; is committed to teaching and guiding others in formal and informal settings.
· Stewardship: is passionate about the outdoors and demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that our students minimize impacts on the land; consistently trains others in the best practices of the Leave No Trace philosophy.
· Character: demonstrates dependability, trustworthiness, honesty, humility; respects others and is in turn respected by teachers and fellow leaders in training; takes responsibilities seriously; demonstrates compassion for others, is helpful, encouraging and supportive; takes the initiative and goes beyond what is required.
It is our intent and commitment that the award be awarded and presented annually, commensurate with the following guidelines:
· No award will be made if the Faculty of the OPP deems that there is not a meritorious candidate available;
· More than one award may be made if the Faculty of the OPP deems that there is more than one meritorious candidate.
· The award will be presented at the PE & Recreations Department’s Annual Student Awards Event, held near the end of Spring Term.
Michael Strong Award
This award is intended to be reduce financial barriers to any first- generation college student pursuing the certificate in outdoor leadership and education at the University of Oregon through the Outdoor Pursuits Program.
Criteria for eligibility
In order to be eligible for the Michael Strong Award the applicant must meet all of the following criteria. Please address each point below in an essay format – maximum of 1,500 words. Each point must be addressed in order to be eligible for the award.
- Currently enrolled University of Oregon student
- First generation student, defined as “students whose parents/legal guardians did not complete a 4-year college bachelor’s degree.”
- Currently pursuing the Outdoor Pursuits Program’s Leadership Certificate; has taken at minimum wilderness survival and has taken or is currently enrolled in any of the 3 professional development classes (Leadership Dynamics, Field Leadership, Leading in Nature)
Please address each point below in an essay format – maximum of 1,000 words. Each point must be addressed in order to be eligible for the award.
- How has participation in Outdoor Pursuits Program classes impacted you and your college experience?
- Why are you pursuing the OPP Leadership certificate?
- How would the funds associated with this award be used to help you further your personal or professional development in outdoor pursuits?
Application Process
Students can submit an application to the Director of the Outdoor Pursuits via an online application portal. During the academic year (first day of fall term through finals week of spring term) applications will be processed and responded to within 21 business days. Applications will not be accepted during the summer breaks and terms.
Award Amount and Schedule
Each successful applicant will be awarded $300, which will be deposited into their student account.
In an academic year there can be a maximum of 2 individual awards given. Additional applications will not be accepted after 2 awards have been distributed. The application link will be edited to reflect any change in availability that may occur.
Each individual student can only receive one award a year. The application eligibility restarts the first day of fall term classes.