Q & A with Northern California Chapter President Lynn Murphy ’82
I grew up in Milwaukie, Oregon, southeast of Portland. From the time I was a sophomore in high school I knew that I wanted to attend the University of Oregon. I graduated from the U of O in Health Education and Biology and knew from the time I set foot on campus that I was in the right place. I completed my Masters Degree in 1982.
While at the U of O I had two great opportunities that to this day have had an impact on me. I was a Resident Assistant at the University Inn (now Barnhart Hall) for two years and also had the opportunity to work for the Athletic Department as a tutor and supervisor of the nightly study hall for student-athletes. Both were jobs that were not only fun but also challenging. I learned a whole lot about working with people.
I am currently employed by a software company in San Jose and have been there for 25 years. I manage post sales support and customer education across eight western states.
I have lived in the bay area for 25 years and it has always been amazing to me how many Oregon alums reside in this area. I wanted to be able to give back to the University of Oregon and what better way than to be a part of the alumni association to help let others knows about what a great place the U of O is. Being involved with the alumni association has been a great way to meet people who share the passion that I have for the U of O. I also enjoy helping with Duck Athletic Fund activities in the bay area as well.
The NorCal chapter is growing and we hope to do some activities this year that we have never done before. The great thing about being involved with the chapter is that it does not matter when you graduated; it just matters that you want to continue to see the University of Oregon grow and continue to be one of the preeminent institutions of higher learning.
Q: What are your fondest memories of UO?
A: My best memories of the University of Oregon were the people and the great support system for all students. You could always get the help you needed whether academically or personally. It just always felt like home.
I also remember two professors that taught me a great deal. Dr. Robert Kime was just an amazing professor. He always had time for his students and always put his students in a position to succeed by allowing you to explore what you were most interested in, and Dr. Lorraine Davis, her classes were tough and demanding but she taught me that one of the most important things that you have to have to be successful and continue to cultivate throughout the rest of your life are strong analytical skills.
Q: Could you describe what it is like volunteering for your local Chapter?
A: It’s a great way to give back. It does not take a lot of time and it’s just a great opportunity to meet with people who care about the University of Oregon.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a part of the local Chapter?
A: It’s energizing and it’s fun to get together with people with whom you have a common bond. It’s a great way to be a part of something that is so vital and helps to further enhance the image of the university.
Q: What qualities, experiences or opportunities do you most appreciate regarding your education at the University of Oregon?
A: Everything! As I look back on it I realize more every day what a great place the University of Oregon is. I travel domestically quite a bit for business and there is no better feeling than when I get the opportunity to talk with people and they ask me about my background and saying that I graduated from the University of Oregon is the such a source of pride.
Q: What are some of the improvements or changes at the UO, UOAA or local chapter that you are most excited about?
A: I hope to get more people involved. Once you get started the possibilities are endless. We do everything from football tailgaters to activities for incoming freshmen. The best part is there is something for everyone.
The UOAA office is a great help and they are so open and receptive to ideas that help make the chapters viable and something people want to be a part of is easy.