Big Life Series Heads to the Pacific Northwest
Big Ten student-athletes to engage in immersive educational experience
ROSEMONT, Ill. - As part of the “Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest”, the Big Ten will host over 150 student-athletes, coaches and administrators from all 18 Big Ten schools in Portland, Ore. from Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12. The program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the region’s rich history, culture and communities through an immersive educational experience.
Programming will begin Friday evening with a nature walk through Multnomah Falls to showcase the region’s deep ties to nature and the history of the Pacific Northwest landscape.
On Saturday, student-athletes will visit the Oregon Historical Society and have the chance to learn about the Japanese American West Coast experience and hear firsthand from a member of the Oregon Black Pioneers. Through discussions centered on resilience, community, and historical impact, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the individuals and stories that have shaped the Pacific Northwest.
The group will then travel to the Grand Ronde Reservation for a Veterans Powwow, which will provide an opportunity to engage with living cultural traditions and better understand the history, values and contributions of the Native American communities across the region.
The evening will conclude with a dinner at Cooper Mountain Vineyard, where student-athletes will have a hands-on discussion about the agricultural history of the region and the grape-growing operation.
The Big Life series is an immersive educational experience started in 2022 that focuses on engaging, educating, and empowering Big Ten student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. With trips to Selma, Alabama; Mount Vernon, Iowa; and Portland, Oregon attendees learn about the historical and cultural significance of the region. Since its inception, over 500 students-athletes have participated in these programs. Along with the educational component of the experience, the Big Ten uses these trips to leave a lasting impact in the communities it visits.
For a full list of Big Ten student-athletes attending “Big Life Series: Pacific Northwest”, click here .