Outdoor Pursuits Fund Honoring Michael Strong

Help us create the Michael Strong award - aimed at helping first generation college students participate in and have access to the Outdoor Pursuits Program. 

Many UO students can't afford to participate in the Outdoor Pursuits Program.

In addition to the tuition and fees associated with the Outdoor Pursuits Program classes themselves, students face additional out-of-pocket costs for personal equipment, technical clothing, Wilderness First Responder certificate, and similar expenses. First generation students, who make up about 40% of UO incoming freshmen, tend to face additional financial barriers. By creating the Michael Strong award, we hope to reduce financial barriers to participating in the Outdoor Pursuits Program and make the leadership certificate more accessible to these students. 

Michael Strong has been shaping the lives of students through the Outdoor Pursuits Program at the University of Oregon for over 31 years. Michael was born in the Yukon territory of Canada. Despite the frigid climate much of the year, Michael was outdoors whenever possible and was known to ask his mom ‘…if it warms up to 30 below, can I go outside and play?'

He was able to attend college through scholarships where he studied to become a physical education teacher. After an influential National Outdoor Leadership School course and a historic summit of Mt.Logan, Michael attended graduate school at the University of Oregon. Michael was the first of his family to go to college, much less complete a graduate degree. He is a testament to the the power of higher education. Just as his life was changed by attending university, so has be influenced the lives of many students lucky enough to cross paths with him and the Outdoor Pursuits Program. He has dedicated his life and his career to the students he teaches and serves as an example of integrity, humility, and compassion for the many people who view him as a role model. 

We are hoping to continue the momentum that Michael spent a career building and start an award in his name for first generation college students pursuing the leadership certificate in the Outdoor Pursuits Program. Any contribution made will go directly towards the award and to a first generation college student. Help us honor Michael's incredible career!