Pacific University Outback

 

 


 

 

 

Phil Friesen

Pacific Outback Interim Directer Pacific Voyages Coordinator

Outdoor Leadership Minor Director

Student Life
503-352-3080
phil@pacificu.edu

 

Phil loves to wrestle with his two boys, go for long trail runs and alpine climb. He has a master's degree in Experiential Education with a focus on leadership development. He currently serves three roles at Pacific Univerity—Director of the Outdoor Leadership Minor, Outback Interim Director and Voyages Coordinator. He is passionate about teaching outdoor leadership and helping students explore beyond preconceived limits. Phil has taken the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) ten-day Rock Instructor course and is working towards becoming a certified rock instructor. He has a particular interest in the connection between climbing and spirituality so if you ever want to get him talking just ask him about these two topics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alec Bowcock

Alec Bowcock

Senior

As a native Oregonian, rain and greenery have become a necessary part of life for me.
Those are just two of the reasons I chose Pacific for my education. This fall, I will be a senior
majoring in physics. When I’m not trying to wrap my head around quantum mechanics, I take refuge in the outdoors—be it canyoneering, biking, running, backcountry skiing, kayaking,
backpacking, or rock climbing. Last fall, I did many of these while travelling through the
Rockies on a National Outdoor Leadership School course. Apart from becoming a “mountain man,” I honed my leadership skills, baked a lot of backcountry bread, and made great friends. Growing up in the country, I enjoy nothing more than to hike into a forest, sit-cross legged in a meadow of golden grass, and listen to the wind rustle through the clearing. I hope you will find similar adventure and harmony on an Outback trip this year.

 

 

NiKole Gebhart

Senior

Hey! I’m NiKole and I’m a senior majoring in Integrated Media and minoring in Photography. I have spent the majority of my life in Bozeman, Montana where I fell in love with all things outdoors- including, but not limited to, hiking, climbing, camping, and skiing. I love to go adventuring outside, which is a big reason why I chose to go to Pacific University. I have loved being able to explore the mountains and the beaches that surround the Pacific Northwest. I'm stoked to go on some trips with you!

 

 

Richard Harman

Senior

Hey, what’s up! I am a non-traditional transfer student. This is my third year at Pacific.. I am an avid fan of all things outdoors and I have a fabulous sense of humor. As a former Marine, I have a proven track record of ensuring that you will have an exhilarating Outback adventure. My studies here at Pacific have been all-encompassing yet focused on a degree in Exercise Science. Quoting Dan Pitluck, “Rich is awesome! One might say he is a boss!"

 

 

 

Kylie McDermott

Senior

Hi my name is Kylie and I'm a senior exercise science major here at Pacific with lots of other interests on the side. I can’t wait to meet you all and set out on an adventure! There’s not much that I take more delight in than trotting up through the woods to sit on warm, mossy rocks in the sun, or tooling around islands and bays by kayak. Back around my home, Mount Vernon, Washington, I love spending my days poking around in tide pools, hiking up to explore bat caves, and enjoying spectacular views of the Cascades and the Puget Sound. If I’m not at school studying about glomeruli, alveoli, and other interesting body parts, you might find me playing a tune on my trumpet, thinking big thoughts with my dear friends, sticking my nose in a book, or squishing in the mud and exploring whatever little woods, brooks, and nooks I can. When I leave this Grove, I want to help people heal and be able to do what they want with their lives to the fullest extent. Let’s go wander together, there’s a ton to discover out there!

 

 

 

Hanna Landrus

Senior

I grew up in Bend, Oregon, in the heart of Central Oregon. Growing up in such a beautiful place I came to love the outdoors at a young age. I went from playing wolves and rock hopping on the banks of the Deschutes to running along the same river and climbing the cliffs at Smith Rock. Climbing has provided me with the opportunity to see so many beautiful sights; few things are more awe inspiring then the view from the top of a climb. I will never forget the sight of the red Idaho moon hanging over the City of the Rocks, or stepping out of my tent one night in the Steen’s and being greeted by clouds illuminated by lightening. Beauty can happen at any moment, especially outdoors. Along with climbing and running I enjoy hiking, kayaking, rafting, caving, bridge jumping, camping and simply being in the outdoors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megan Zumbuhl

Senior

I live in the present.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Punneh Abdolhosseini

Junior

Hey everyone! My name is Punneh and I have been working for Outback for three years. My favorite outdoor activities include rock climbing, backpacking, and trail running. I am going to be a junior this year majoring in International Studies and minor in Outdoor Leadership. I have done trips in many different states and am looking forward to more adventures to come.

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan Bourgaize

Junior

Hello world, my name is Ryan Bourgaize and I love working for outback. I am a junior this year, and am working towards my major in Chemistry. I love rock climbing with Ted and mountain biking with Ted. I am from the city of Angels. I am excited to be working for outback and I want to meet all of you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mattie Huffman

Junior

Hello! I'm Mattie and I am a Biology major here at Pacific, hoping to pursue pharmacy in the future! I grew up in Reno, Nevada, which is not just like Vegas and where we get all four seasons! In fact, its where my love of the outdoors began. Some of my favorite things to do up here in the beautiful and rainy Pacific Northwest are hiking, canoeing, sea kayaking, and dabbles of other outdoor activities. Although I don't have a specific passion, I am willing to try anything to get out and go exploring! I also co-edit Outback's Newsletter with my dear friend Becca Klassy. Hope you all come out on some adventures this year!

 

 

 

Dan Pitluck

Junior

I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and then came out to Oregon in 2010 to attend Pacific University. The outdoors have become a big part of my life ever since going on a Canoeing and Backpacking Voyage as a freshman. From there I became a Voyage leader and a part of the Outback staff, looking for any opportunity to learn something new. My passions include rock climbing, mountaineering, and just being in the wild.

 

 

 

 

 

Kristine Valdez

Junior

What's up all, I'm Kristine, who enjoys being around people and making people smile. Born and raised in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, I've been around trees and fresh air my whole life. I'm always up for trying new things. I love all kinds of sports and activities, swimming,cycling, snowboarding, hiking, etc. But my all time favorite is relaxin' on a cozy couch bundle up with blanketsand sippin' on a nice hot cup of cocoa...or tea. But I am always up to go on a new adventure.

 

 

Jessica Hattig

Sophomore

Growing up nature has always allured me in multiple ways. As a child, I was always caught exploring untouched earth hidden beyond coniferous tree's and diving into creeks to discover salamanders and fish. Nature has fueled my natural curiosity by allowing me to discover new aspects of living and has allowed me to expand my realm of being by giving peace within myself. Working at Outback I get the opportunity to do a few of my most favorite things: Working with people and expressing my love of the outdoors.

 

 

Hailey Jongeward

Sophomore

Hailey Jongeward, Sophomore from Bellingham, Washington! Majoring in Excellence, and minoring in sleep, however I am very interested in the sciences and the outdoors. So eventually, I will probably major in Environmental Science with a minor in Outdoor leadership. My hobbies consist of Skiing, eating, and sleeping, but I'm up for any kind of new adventure outside!

 

 

 

 

Becca Klassy

Sophomore

Becca Klassy's the name. Don't forget it. I meandered to Forest Grove all the way from Portland, I just can't get myself out of the Northwest. I am a sophomore at this here Pacific University and majoring in Psychology with a minor in Outdoor Leadership. As for working at Outback, it's alright. Actually it's pretty FANTASTIC. I love rock climbing, it's a big passion of mine that I have recently discovered, but I really love anything that gets me outside, such as hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding. Come on some Outback trips my Pacific bros! I also am a proud co-editor of Outback's Newsletter, "The Monthly Debrief," with my homegirl Mattie Huffman.
Love always,
BHK

Autsen Taylor-Kohn

Sophomore

Hello all! My name is Autsen and I'm super excited for Outback this year. I'm an Oregon native, born and raised in Portland, and have long been captivated by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I came to Pacific University last fall pursuing a degree in philosophy and quickly found myself caught up in the school's outdoor program. Now I hope to find a career that allows me to spend time in the wilderness, as well as share my passion for outdoor adventure with others. Activities that allow me to spend time on, in, or anywhere near the water are particularly dear to me (especially kayaking), but I enjoy pretty much anything that lets me get off campus and into the back country. I wish you a summer full of adventure, and look forward to meeting you all in the fall!

Ted Wogan

Sophomore

Ted is the man with a banana guard(from Canada) and sometimes a pop tart protector. His passions include Alpine Sking, Alpine Touring, Mountain Biking, Backpacking, Slacklining and Rock Climbing. Although Ted is really interested in everything that inclueds the great outdoors. He is working on on a major in Exercise Science. and double minor in Psychology and Outdoor Leadership. Ted is always trying to push the himself to new limits.

 

Britta LaVoie

Freshman

Hey folks! My name is Britta and I'm in love with the outdoors! Ever since I can remember, I've been happiest when hiking a mountain, climbing a tree or simply sitting in the sun soaking in the beauty of the world we live in. I'm super excited to be getting involved with the Outback program on campus and be able expand on my outdoor experiences. I'm majoring in Education and German with the ultimate goal of teaching in some foreign country where I can discover new adventures to fill my life with. My passions include backpacking, pole vaulting, bike touring and skiing, but I'm down for trying any new thing thrown my way. Adventure is out there!

 

 

Jenae Rasmussen

Freshman

Aloha! I'm Janae all the way from Oahu, Hawaii. I am undecided on my major, but I am passionate about political science and biology (I have considered either medical school or becoming a college professor thus far). I love to write, draw and paint, dance (hula and Zumba), hike, sing, act, public speaking, drinking chai tea lattes and eating dark chocolate, photography, and being in nature. :)

 

 

 

 

 

Health Professions Campus Crew

 

Molly Devens

My name is Molly Devens. I am a second year pharmacy student at the health professions campus and will graduate in May 2014. I moved to Oregon from central Texas where I went to undergraduate at Baylor University. In my free time I like to bake and I try to run three 5K races per year. I enjoy hiking, running and sea kayaking.

 

 

 

 

Kiryl Shada

My name is Kiryl Shada and I am a second year student at SPP. I work for Pacific Outback and advocate for the Graduate Students located in Hillsboro. My job is essentially to get the word out about Pacific Outback as well as to encourage Graduate Students to join some of the wonderful trips and activities that Pacific Outback offers. Feel free to contact me or any other graduate advocate during the weekdays on the first floor of HPC 1 or HPC 2, just look for the red and white Pacific Outback sign.