With a genuine love for the outdoors, Ryan worked in RecSports as an Outdoor Guide, Equipment Manager, and Program Assistant. He was also awarded the Dison Scholarship in Fall 2007. Ryan credits his experiences leading trips with allowing him to see a very human side of UT and helping increase his passion for working in natural environments.

What sparked your interest about working for RecSports?
I spent my first night on the 40 Acres right across 21st street from Gregory Gymnasium in Jester East dormitory. When I first left my dorm to go exploring, Gregory was the first place that I checked out. Once I found out about the Outdoor Program I just knew I had to be a part of it. I submitted my resume twice but got no phone calls. All of the positions had been filled at last year’s spring job fair I was told. So in mid-September I went in to submit my resume for a third time, but insisted that I hand it directly to the boss. I was then introduced to Miss Nicole Olmeda and had a 20-minute or so chat with her. Looking back, that “chat” ended up being my interview, because the next day I did get a phone call, and was asked to start work immediately.

What memories will you remember most fondly as you look back at your time here?
Out of all the beneficial aspects of working for RecSports, I will most fondly remember the people. This was best embodied when I was chosen to lead a backpacking trip to Lost Maples Park in the fall of 2004. The trip consisted of 10 participants, myself, and another guide. On that trip we had a married couple, a law student, a Nuclear Physicist, international students, Professors, and freshmen not 2 months into their stay on the 40 acres. That crew best embodied the diversity of RecSports, and of UT. It was such a fun trip to learn about everyone’s different heritage and backgrounds. I have loved every minute here with RecSports, but that microcosm of UT is what will stick with me the most.

What was your reaction to winning the Thomas W. Dison Endowed Scholarship?
I was overwhelmingly excited and a little surprised, but most of alI, honored. I had read about the mission of the scholarship and was so grateful that the committee thought I best represented that mission, and the mission of RecSports.

What are your current plans after graduating?
I will graduate with 2 Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Petroleum Engineering, and one in Geosystems Engineering. I have signed on with BP Alaska as a Reservoir Engineer and will be moving to Anchorage, Alaska in July and starting work in August 2008.