Lucas Rhyan

This is a photo of me (on the right) with my partner. We are at Mosier Cape viewpoint with the Columbia River (looking NW) in the backdrop. Just a typical weekend of us exploring the beauties of Oregon. Every trip I go on outside of class is a field trip. I learn something new about the state every time I travel. Exploration is the best recipe for learning.

Degree: Master of Community and Regional Planning

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2023

Prior Degree: BS in Environmental Geography, Ohio University, Athens

2022-2023 Scholarships
John and Karen Baldwin Scholarship in Environmental Planning
Joseph M. Edney Memorial Scholarship

I Am Originally From Athens, OH

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose UO for two reasons. Oregon is a foundational planning state and a great place to learn about planning on a regional/state level. The program itself is highly rated amongst other planning schools.

I knew during my undergraduate career that planning was a field of interest to me. I have a passion for the natural environment but am also interested in human progress and social issues. This field is a great bridge for someone with an undergraduate degree in geography.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I have served in the Army Reserve for eight years. With my career in the army I have been a mechanic; a cadet; a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) staff officer, and a civil affairs officer. Through this, I have had various opportunities on teams and leadership roles. These experiences have contributed greatly to how I navigate my civilian roles.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
Professor Gerard Sandoval has been a very influential professor. His insights on the history of planning and recommendations for process facilitation and equity are inspiring.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I played on an intermural league in spring 2022 and hope to start playing intermural sports each term. It has been a great experience to be on a sports team again – building esprit de corps. I find team sports, especially with peers or co-workers, to contribute greatly to organizational strength and comradery.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
The best experience I have had so far has been working as a lab instructor as a graduate employee. Having the opportunity to work with younger undergraduates is a very rewarding experience. Their inquisitiveness and interest in the subject material makes teaching exciting.

AFTER GRADUATION
My greatest hopes are that I am able to directly contribute to the policy making that influences a reduction in houselessness, increase homeownership, and decrease renter exploitation. I also want to work toward a reduction city greenhouse gas emissions while increasing quality of life. I plan to remain in the Army Reserve and become a successful team chief in my unit, contributing to soldier development and unit success. The course material and leadership experience gained from the College of Design will all contribute directly to my ability to achieve these goals.

YOUR GIFT
This scholarship is a direct contribution to my education and future career. I see it as an investment by someone into my future ability to foster positive change in society. I will undoubtedly reflect on contributions by organizations in my past when I look back and see how my education here helped shape my career.

I am honored that you have invested in being a part of my career. Thank you!