Q:  Tell us about yourself Betty.

Betty:  I grew up in Fairbanks Alaska and attended Lathrop High School there. My husband and I moved to Oregon in 1979. I didn’t attend the University until much later—my youngest daughter started high school when I started college. We had a great time studying together. She was a much better student than I was. It wasn’t until I graduated in 1997 from the Lundquist College of Business that I became involved with the Alumni Association. I was encouraged to attend an alumni reception at President Frohnmayer’s home by Jeanne Havercroft—and no one said “no” to Jeanne! Shortly after graduation I worked for the local convention and visitors association and met Larry Newby. Larry invited me to a chapter board meeting and I have been involved since.

Q: Jenny?

Jenny:   I grew up in Portland, graduated from Wilson High School, and enrolled at Portland Community College receiving my associates’ degree in architecture; I came to the University of Oregon in 2002 to further pursue architecture. However, the plan changed and I graduated in 2005 with a degree in art and a minor in business administration. I currently work in Eugene for SportHill, Inc. I work on social media marketing, graphic design, and customer service. I became involved with the UOAA 2 years ago when I attended a UOAA football watch party. I met Betty Schmitt who was hosting the event-- she invited me to a board meeting and I have been a part of this great organization ever since.

Q:   What are your fondest memories of the UO?

Betty:  My fondest UO memories are of the chapter board retreats held annually at an Odell lake cabin. They are great fun and a wonderful way for us to get to know each other. I love learning the history of our Chapter and hearing the stories of past retreats.

Jenny:  My fondest memories of Oregon are the ones with my dorm mates; getting up early on a Saturday dressed in our duck gear, having breakfast at Carson hall and trekking through campus across Autzen footbridge to the football games. Then waiting with eager students to be the first ones in the student section--once we got our seats (had to be front row), we would spend the next 2 hours before game time sharing the weekly events of campus life.

Q:  Could you describe what it is like volunteering for your local Chapter and working together?

Jenny:  Volunteering for Lane Chapter is a rewarding experience; it is a great opportunity to continue to be a part of the university, be active in my community and to network with the business world. Our board has inspiring and talented members--and as a young alumnus it has been beneficial for me to be a part of an organization that has a diverse set of mentors. 

Betty:  Our chapter board includes members who are part of the class of 2006 to Class of 1940 something. This gives us a broad range of experiences to draw from and makes it fun for us all. I appreciate learning from the younger alums and I enjoy the wonderful friends I have made.

Q:  What do you enjoy most about being a part of the local Chapter?

Betty:  As a Chapter close to campus, we are able to connect with more alumni and are able to help them maintain their relationship with the University.

Jenny:  The thing I have enjoyed the most about the UOAA is working with individuals who share a common bond, the fondness and compassion for the University of Oregon. It is a great teamwork environment-- I look forward to our monthly meeting and planning events to help past and future alumni and friends stay connected.

Q:  What qualities, experiences or opportunities do you most appreciate regarding your education at the University of Oregon?

Betty:  Graduating from college the week after my daughter graduated from high school was a huge accomplishment for me. I knew that I had the ability to set a goal and achieve it and the confidence to set future goals.

Jenny:  My time as a student at the University of Oregon has shaped me to be who I am today. It was more than an education-- it taught me some great lessons about life.  I value the time I spent at Oregon and I’m happy and thankful to have the opportunity to give back to the University of Oregon.

Q:  What are some of the improvements or changes at the UO, UOAA or local chapter that you are most excited about?

Betty:  The Alumni Center is the most exciting thing that has happened since I became involved with UOAA. We will finally have a place to gather and feel at home.  It is also exciting to know that our Chapter is contributing to that accomplishment.

Jenny:  I agree--I’m excited about the new alumni center--it will be a great meeting place for past alumni as well as a tool to teach the public and future ducks about the University of Oregon. I think the University is moving in a good direction--from the new buildings on campus and in Portland to the arrival of a new UO President.  It’s an exciting time not only as an alumnus but as a member of the Eugene community.

Q:  Do you have a single contribution as a UO student or volunteer that you are most proud of?

Jenny:  I’m most proud of our chapter’s contribution to the community. We just recently had our first Art and Pub Crawl-- this was a great event that invited alumni and friends of the university to visit local art galleries (most owned by alumnus) and to enjoy local restaurants. In addition, our chapter took part in the Eugene Marathon by having a water station. Marathoners were so happy to see the UO represented-- their thanks and smiles made it a rewarding volunteering experience.

Betty:  I am most proud of the scholarships that the Lane County Chapter has awarded and the endowments we are building. We work hard and have a great time raising the money to give Lane County students the opportunity to attend the UO.

Q:  If you were to sum up why you are “a part of the UOAA” in one sentence or paragraph, what would that be?

Betty:  I was a busy mom as a student so being involved now allows me to stay connected and share with other Ducks.

Jenny:  The UOAA is an organization that makes you feel proud to be a DUCK!