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University of Idaho Group Climbs For a Cure
May 2, 2007
Photos available at www.today.uidaho.edu/PhotoList.aspx
MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho students have successfully scaled Stevens Peak, a prominent peak in northern Idaho, to place prayer flags bearing the names of local survivors and victims of cancer.
Stevens Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Saint Joe Mountains of the Bitterroot Range at 6,838 feet, but is not tall by Idaho standards. However, with spring snow conditions on the mountain’s steep north ridge and corniced summit, the 4,000-foot climb can be a great challenge and learning experience for fledgling mountaineers. Eleven members from the University of Idaho Women’s Center, Outdoor Program and mountaineering class summited the peak last week.
“I reached the top of Steven’s Peak just two weeks before I graduate from college," said Adrienne Boland, who will receive a degree in resource recreation and tourism next week. "The physical and mental anguish endured through this experience was far greater than any academic challenge I have come across, and getting the prayer flags to the top made it even more worthwhile."
The “Climbing for a Cure” program was developed last fall through the Women’s Center and Outdoor Program. Jessica Helsley and Pam Rogers, outdoor programmers for the Women’s Center, initiated the idea. Both groups have collected flags and donations throughout the year. The flags are created by the donor and convey a message, prayer, memorial or inspirational quote inscribed on the flag through art and words. The flags are then flown on a significant peak or during an event. Prayer flags have been used for thousands of years to send prayers, messages and blessings through the wind.
“Climbing mountains takes courage, just like fighting cancer does. This has been a great program that combines an educational experience with a social cause like cancer, which has affected and touched so many people's lives," said Mike Beiser, class instructor and Outdoor Program coordinator. “I'm proud to have been a part of it."
All funds raised are given to the American Cancer Society to aid in the fight of cancer. This year, more than $200 was raised. Beiser said they plan to keep the “Climbing for a Cure” program active and grow it for years to come.
Student climbers, all of whom graduate from the University of Idaho this year, include: Dan Turner, Bear Lake; Eric Barnett, Mentor, Ohio; Ryan Beck, Kimberly; Adrienne Boland, Moscow; Brian Claypool, Moscow; Forrest Hannan, Anchorage, Alaska; Sam Hensold, Tumtum, Wash.; Ashley Niles, Olympia, Wash.; Patrick Riffie, Emmett; Justin Staab, Lewiston; and Aaron Teats, Kooskia.
For more information about the university's Outdoor Program, visit www.campusrec.uidaho.edu/outdoor. Additional information about the Women's Center is available at www.students.uidaho.edu/womenscenter.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University of Idaho researchers attract more than $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the university is the only institution in Idaho to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Its high academic performers include 42 National Merit Scholars and a 2006-07 freshman class with an average high school grade point average of 3.42. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Contact: Mike Beiser, University of Idaho Outdoor Program, (208) 885-6810, mikeb@uidaho.edu
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