The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the leading national coalition advocating for the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy, has announced a significant partnership with the University of Denver’s Leadership in the Outdoor Recreation Industry (LORI) program. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in nurturing the next generation of leaders within the outdoor recreation sector. As a new Preferred Academic Partner, the University of Denver’s LORI program is set to play a crucial role in training and developing individuals who will drive the future of the outdoor recreation industry.
Jessica Wahl Turner, President of ORR, emphasized the importance of this alliance, stating, “This is a really exciting moment for ORR. Our partnerships are fundamental to addressing the key challenges and opportunities within the outdoor recreation economy. We are confident that our collaboration with the University of Denver will contribute to a more robust and sustainable environment for both businesses and outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.” Turner further highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the partnership, from bolstering the industry’s workforce to promoting greater inclusivity in outdoor access. ORR anticipates a fruitful collaboration with DU in empowering future leaders and supporting the businesses and consumers within this dynamic market.
Launched in early 2023, the University of Denver’s LORI program was made possible through a $3 million grant from The VF Foundation. LORI distinguishes itself with a fully online curriculum comprising focused, one-credit “Sprint” courses. This innovative approach is tailored to meet the professional development needs of both established and emerging leaders in the outdoor industry. The program strategically leverages the expertise of three University of Denver academic units: the Daniels College of Business, the Sturm College of Law, and the Josef Korbel School of International Studies. By becoming an ORR Preferred Academic Partner, the University of Denver joins Oregon State University’s Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy in this esteemed distinction. This partnership provides LORI program students with enhanced access to ORR’s extensive network and diverse programs, enriching their educational and professional trajectories.
Chris Castilian, Senior Executive Director of LORI, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are grateful for this partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and are thrilled to connect our unique, interdisciplinary graduate-level program with ORR’s premier network of national outdoor recreation industry leaders. Working together, we can ensure that DU’s professional education offerings are precisely aligned with the evolving needs of the outdoor recreation industry. This collaboration will create significant growth opportunities for students, whether they are embarking on new career paths or seeking to advance within their current outdoor-focused organizations.”
Gloria Schoch, Senior Director of VF Corporation and Executive Director of The VF Foundation, also voiced strong support for the partnership. “VF has a longstanding commitment to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), and The VF Foundation is delighted to witness the University of Denver joining forces with ORR. This collaboration is vital for cultivating both emerging and experienced leaders within the thriving outdoor industry,” Schoch commented. She further noted The VF Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the outdoor workforce through targeted scholarships for underrepresented students and by leveraging ORR’s broad network across public and private sectors. Schoch emphasized that this collaboration will significantly amplify their collective efforts to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce extending beyond VF’s organizational boundaries.
The long-term prosperity of the outdoor recreation sector, like all industries, is intrinsically linked to the availability of highly skilled, creative, and dedicated professionals. The University of Denver, through its LORI program and partnership with ORR, is playing a critical role in developing this essential workforce. This initiative underscores the growing recognition within universities of the significant student interest in outdoor recreation careers. These careers not only bolster both urban and rural economies but also facilitate greater access for Americans across the nation to experience the numerous benefits of spending time in the outdoors.
