UO Healthy Campus Initiative

Trafton B.

October 24, 2010 - 10:24 AM

Seeing a mob of students and Eugene community members dressed in everything from workout clothes to cutoff jean-shorts and wigs might seem out of the ordinary to most people, but it was just another typical Friday on the University of Oregon campus. And I had the privilege of volunteering at the 5K Fun Run (or 1-mile Walk) with UO President Richard Lariviere.

At first I really didn't know much about the event. My billiards teacher, Dave, was in charge of the run/walk and he asked our class for volunteers to stand along the raceway and direct traffic. I'm the kind of person that likes being involved in campus activities (and volunteering for free t-shirts) so I offered to lend a helping hand. I showed up at the EMU at 3:00 PM and was assigned to my post right outside the Duck Store on 13th & Kincaid Street.

About fifteen minutes after I reached my corner, still not knowing exactly what I was supposed to be doing, I looked down 13th at the center of campus and noticed a mass of people creeping towards me. According to Dave my job was to make sure the street was relatively clear for ‘the runners.' I had no idea there would be a thousand people storming past me all at once.

A first wave of fleet footed students zipped past me trailed by a second group of less ambitious yet equally enthusiastic walkers. President Larivere (pictured above in the yellow shirt and brown hat) was spotted somewhere in the middle of the pack of walkers. He was particularly noticeable thanks to his entourage of security escorts. I'm impressed that he took the time to join in for the event, and I was excited to see that he was wearing the same t-shirt that I was.

Like I said before though, I really didn't know too much about this event. When I walked back to the EMU Amphitheater to pick up my bike I was shocked to see that this was more than just a 5K run. The University a cappella groups, "On the Rocks" and "Divisi," were just beginning a Friday afternoon concert. There were pottery wheels representing the Craft Center and I think I even saw bicycle-powered blenders making smoothies.

I couldn't stay for long because I had to meet my friend, Lydia, on the tennis courts at Washington Park, but I felt the urge to delve a little deeper to find out exactly what I'd just volunteered at. Turns out I was at the kickoff event for the University's Healthy Campus Initiative.

From what I've read the Healthy Campus Initiative is a collaborative effort across several campus departments to "create a culture in which the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle is valued, physical and mental health is fostered, and all members of the university community are encouraged to take responsibility for choosing to be well." I'll let you check out the link above for more specifics.

I know I say it a lot, but it's these times that I love being a Duck. The University of Oregon never ceases to amaze me with new programs and fun campus events. Now that I'm a Senior I'm becoming more aware of these sorts of events and trying as hard as I can to not take them for granted. Eugene is a pretty special place. I'll be sad to move away at the end of spring, but I know I'll always be able to come back and call this town home.