Reckies Reunite: Celebrating 50 Years of Outdoor Recreation Management
Published21 January, 2025
Photo credit Patrick Leung, Dave Sarkany and Maxine Bulloch Photography
Alumni gather to reconnect, celebrate 50 years of outdoor recreation leadership and inspire the next generation of environmental advocates and outdoor leaders.
“Reckies reunite!” was the rallying call for alumni of Capilano University’s Outdoor Recreation Management (OREC) diploma program to come together for a 50-year reunion this past October, at CapU’s main campus in North Vancouver.
The event paid homage to the adventurous spirit of OREC alumni who have shaped the landscape of outdoor recreation in British Columbia and beyond.
More than 200 alumni, students, and current and past employees were on hand to celebrate the program’s success and discuss the future of outdoor leadership.
Generous attendees contributed towards the OREC Alumni Bursary through individual donations, a silent auction and hat sales, raising $4,200 in support of students in financial need.
School of Outdoor Recreation Management
Plan ahead with this calendar of important program information sessions and open houses.
Upcoming Info SessionsThose gathered listened to program founder Brian White and instructor Roy Jantzen (Class of ’91) chat about the early days and how, over the years, the OREC program added a co-op work experience and a variety of management courses, enabling students to ladder into CapU’s Bachelor of Tourism Management degree.
Alumni spoke about how the two-year diploma program helped connect their passion for outdoor adventure, education and conservation with a career.
“When I started OREC I had never camped in the backcountry, sea kayaked or ski toured. Through OREC I was taught the skills to not only enjoy these activities safely and ethically but to lead others in doing so as well.”
After graduating from the program in 2022, Baker cycled across Canada with her dad, raising $7,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. She now works seasonally in regional parks during the summer and as a ski patroller in the winter.
And while the reunion saw alumni reconnect and reminisce about past adventures, it was also an occasion to look towards the future.
Andrew Stegemann, OREC convenor and instructor, spoke of the three values that connect OREC’s past and future: connection, transformation and professionalism.
“Like a single-track winding through otherwise untouched powder, these three values connect the mountain ranges of students from 50 years ago, through to today and into the future,” Stegemann offered, ending with a friendly invitation to future reckies to embark on an adventurous career path with OREC at CapU.
“All are welcome: outdoor experience or not.”
