EUGENE, Ore. -- (Sept. 23, 2009) - Knock, knock. It might be a familiar face stopping by to say hello next week. The leaders for the City of Eugene and the University of Oregon will go door to door in the South and West University neighborhoods on Tuesday, Sept. 29, the first day of UO classes, to encourage neighborly behavior and demonstrate collaboration.
UO and community leaders will welcome students living off campus back to school and to the City of Eugene. The intent of the event, called "Community Welcome," is to build and strengthen relationships between long-term residents and students.
"University of Oregon students are important members of our community and can have a huge impact in their neighborhoods and the community as a whole," said Mayor Kitty Piercy. "The city warmly welcomes UO students to Eugene. We are happy to help them learn more about the community, and we are very pleased to take this step in partnership with the university."
The university and the City of Eugene are participating in the event to demonstrate how each person plays a part in creating neighborhoods that are respectful of everyone.
"Meeting students where they live off campus is a great way to start the academic year," said UO President Richard Lariviere. "As new neighbors ourselves, my wife, Jan, and I appreciate the active participation and support of the City of Eugene and other community partners."
Mayor Piercy and President Lariviere will be joined by many other leaders for the walking tour including: Associated Student of the University of Oregon (ASUO) President Emma Kallaway, City Manager John Ruiz and Assistant City Manager Sarah Medary, Eugene Police Department Chief Pete Kerns, UO Department of Public Safety Chief Doug Tripp, UO Vice President for Student Affairs Robin Holmes, UO Dean of Students Paul Shang, City Councilor Alan Zelenka, and neighborhood association leaders.
Student involvement is an important aspect of the event. "Representing student government, I'm excited to join the other partners on the Community Welcome event to connect with students at their homes and demonstrate our work for them," said Emma Kallaway, ASUO president. "As residents of the near-campus neighborhood, my roommates and I are happy to know our city leaders and university decision makers are supportive of the safety concerns, neighbor relationships and general well-being of students outside of the classroom."
Leaders will gather at 4 p.m. at fellowship hall in Central Presbyterian Church, 555 E. 15th Ave. Students, UO administrators and City staff will assemble into teams and visit portions of West and South University neighborhoods from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Teams will greet students and long-term residents to encourage positive neighborhood relations and distribute related resources. Resources include:
• Living Off Campus: A Guide for Students - published by the UO
• Working Together to be Good Neighbors: Tips for Homeowners and Students Living Off Campus - published by the UO
• Partying in Eugene: Be Safe. Be Legal. - published by the Eugene Police Department, City of Eugene
• Rental Housing Program guidelines - published by the City of Eugene
• Information about neighborhood associations/neighborhood services - published by City of Eugene
Following the neighborhood tour, Mayor Piercy will be joined by City Councilor Alan Zelenka and UO President Lariviere in the monthly mayor's one-on-one session, where community members can share questions and comments. The session will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Central Presbyterian Church, 555 E. 15th Ave.
About the City of Eugene
The City of Eugene provides a full spectrum of high quality municipal services to Oregon's second-largest city of more than 150,000 residents. Eugene is often recognized as one of the "greenest", most livable cities in America. Residents and visitors enjoy more than 33 miles of walking, running and bicycling paths including 12 miles along the Willamette River, 120 parks, more than 3,000 acres of natural areas, and a wealth of cultural amenities. Twenty-one active neighborhood associations are a vital part of the community's culture.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contacts: Julie Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185 (office), 541-743-1038 (mobile for on-site Tuesday), julbrown@uoregon.edu; Jan Bohman, City of Eugene communications, 541-682-5587, Jan.L.BOHMAN@ci.eugene.or.us
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