Dinner with the President

Lynae N.

October 25, 2009 - 4:46 PM

This past Wednesday I had the huge honor of eating dinner with Richard Lariviere, President of the University of Oregon, along with his wife and about 50 other students who received a Diversity Building Scholarship (DBS). The heart of this scholarship focuses on individuals who excel academically, represent a unique slice of the University's student body, and who routinely give back to either the campus or the community. This was the first year any president in the history of the DBS has offered to hold the annual banquet at their house. It was very flattering to have been awarded this scholarship, but even more so to be invited to have dinner with the president.

I was very impressed when I met Mr. Lariviere. I can't say I'd spent much time imagining what the U of O's president would be like, but I'm sure if I'd tried to imagine him I would have underestimated him. He was a very kind and generous man and he took the time to introduce himself to every student and ask us questions about our experience at the U of O. But more than what I got to know of Mr. Lariviere by my brief conversation with him was what I learned by listening to him speak and hearing what others had to say about him. I consider the U of O blessed to have a president who takes such a genuine investment in the students and who offers such generosity. In his speaking, he shared his excitement for the students and charged us to go on from the University and change the world. This may seem like a tacky or programmed message for a scholarship banquet, however, it was the heart of how these words were said that showed a piece of Mr. Lariveire's character. All of those who knew the University's president more closely spoke with enthusiasm about him and there was a constant excited murmur throughout the house about the amazing things that were being instituted on campus and in the community as the result of Mr. Lariviere's presidency.

It was also very exciting to meet some of the other students who received a DBS. I am horrible with names and don't think I could recall their names if I saw them on campus, but I know I would recognize them. Everyone I met seemed to be a remarkable person. They were all so motivated and so passionate about their areas of study. I found it kind of strange to be counted among these individuals I met. It was quite a lot of fun to meet other students who aren't a part of my cohort. I hope to see some of my new friends around on campus and if I can get a copy of some of the pictures taken at the banquet, I will be sure to post them for you all to see.