As I write this I’m sitting in the comfort of my own home. Paddy and I enjoyed a home cooked meal after unpacking the van and I shaved off my beard. It will take a bit of time to adjust but it sure feels good to be home.
Today I got to run across the finish line in Hood River surrounded by family and friends who have been supporting this endeavor. Columbia Gorge CC did a fantastic job of putting together a great finish party. A DJ was playing all of the daily songs that I had posted along the way, there were phenomenal bagels and after some speeches a few of us jumped into the Columbia River. After 53 days of running across the state of Oregon and visiting all 17 community colleges, it was a perfect ending. I was able to thank a lot of people during my speech and I want to do the same here as well.
Paddy Cook - I’ve said it over and over that Paddy had a harder job than me. She drove the Sprinter van, “Roxy”, approximately 5,000 miles, made sure I was fed and had all I needed, organized the crew support, arranged press interviews and so much more. We make a great team and I couldn’t imagine doing this without her, I’m forever grateful for her love and support.
Planning Team - The logistics of this run took nearly a year to plan. The team worked with all of the communication and foundation staff statewide and helped plan all of the details that went into this journey. The team consisted of:
Lori Hall - Clackamas CC Communications and Marketing Executive Director
Debra Mason - Executive Director of CCC Foundation
Haley Stupasky - Director of College Advancement
Kattie Riggs - Executive Assistant to President Tim Cook (Me)
Paddy Cook
Fernando Rojas - Faculty member at Clatsop CC, who biked to all the 17 CC’s in 2021 and gave me the seed for this journey
Crew Members - Every leg of the run had two crew members who assisted Paddy with routes, nutrition, van maintenance, errands, etc. Crew members: Allan Niemi, Mark Thomas, Ed Dennis, Mark Hopkins, Rachel Alm, Megan Cook, Owen Cook, Jeff & Shayna Butler, Rob Nosse & Jim Laden, Howie Howard, Colm Joyce, Carrie Anderson, Casey Layton, Debbie Corcoran, Ken Dankenbring, Matt & Kate Schweitzer, Melody & Lance Lile, Sandra Kindley, Michelle Lowe & Michelle Thomas
Sponsors - Rivermark Credit Union, Johnson RV, Daimler Truck, Ford Family Foundation, Carson Oil, Rob Nosse & Jim Laden, Desireé Caldwell.
CC Presidents who supported the run, helped with housing, fed us, and welcomed us to their campuses.
