Welcome to the Montana State University Outdoor Recreation Program. We are dedicated Students, Staff and MSU community members who work to provide outdoor recreation opportunities and education to all members of the MSU Community.

Our Mission

The MSU Outdoor Recreation Program engages, develops, and empowers the leaders of tomorrow using the outdoors as our classroom.

Program Core Values

Leadership: We develop the leaders of tomorrow by utilizing outdoor recreation as our laboratory. Our graduates are well equipped to lead others against the challenges that face our world.

Community: We believe in a robust community of learners and adventurers who grow and develop together. Our graduates embody that belief through intentional community building and effective communication skills.

Self-awareness: We foster a space for students of all backgrounds to develop an awareness of themselves. Our graduates possess a growth mindset and robust critical thinking skills that apply beyond the boundaries of outdoor recreation.

Our Staff:

Ty Atwater

Ty Atwater: [email protected]

Director of Outdoor Recreation Programs

Ty grew up in the pacific northwest spending as much of his time as possible outside on the river or exploring local climbing areas.  After completing his undergraduate studies at Oregon State University where he worked as a student trip leader and member of the climbing gym staff, he left to pursue a career in fisheries and wildlife biology.  Quickly realizing that his time spent mentoring and teaching others about various outdoor recreation activities was his true calling, he turned down further work as a fish biologist and moved into his Subaru Loyale wagon at Smith Rock State Park in Oregon.  After spending time as a climbing guide, lift operator, wilderness medicine instructor, and exploring Patagonia he returned to Oregon State University where he worked in a variety of roles for the Adventure Leadership Institute.  His time in Corvallis was spent refining his outdoor education, student and leadership development skills.  He and his wife and their son are excited to join the outdoor recreation community in Bozeman and at MSU and are all looking forward to winters with snow on the ground and ice to climb.  If he’s not in the office you’re likely to find Ty exploring the local trails and crags with his family or out on a long run.

Dan Sandberg

Dan Sandberg: [email protected]

Assistant Director

Dan grew up in the great state of Maine, before moving to Vermont to pursue cross-country ski racing as a student at Saint Michael’s College.  During his first year Dan got involved with the college outdoor program, eventually leaving competitive skiing behind to focus on working as a trip leader.  After graduation, Dan decided to pursue outdoor recreation as a career.  He has worked as a guide and instructor throughout the Northeast U.S., Colorado and Utah, as well as internationally in Bolivia.  Dan began his role at Montana State University in July, 2017 and is thrilled to be in Bozeman and to join the team at the Outdoor Recreation Programs (ORP).  Right now his obsessions are backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and whitewater travel of any sort, but climbing has always been a passion, and he is excited to take advantage of all the great local climbing options Bozeman has to offer. After work, you’re most likely to find him exploring the local crags, trails, and rivers, or at a local coffee shop.

callielajza

Callie Lajza: [email protected]

Coordinator- Expeditions, First Year Experience

Callie began her professional outdoor pursuits during her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida. There, Callie worked as the Challenge Course Manager and received a B.A. in Communications and Nonprofit Management in 2016. From there she continued into higher education at the College of William & Mary. Callie worked as a Graduate Assistant for Tribe Adventure Program and received a M. Ed in Higher Education in Counseling and Outdoor Education.  

In 2018, Callie moved to Jackson, WY and began working for Teton Science Schools as a Field Instructor, connecting her passions for science and the natural world with her experiences leading in outdoor education. Living in Jackson, Callie also worked for the forest service, ski resort, and raft guided. In January 2022 Callie moved to Bozeman to continue her passions at Montana State University working as the Coordinator for First Year Experience in Outdoor Recreation Program. 

When not out inspecting rocks in high alpine environments for hidden wildflowers, Callie enjoys hula hooping, roller blading, trail running, cooking colorful meals, backcountry skiing, yoga, rock climbing, and learning about the ever-evolving intersections between people and the environment in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

Oakley Wurzweiler

Oakley Wurzweiler: [email protected]

Coordinator- Rental Shop

Oakley is originally from Colorado but was most recently living in Washington while attending Gonzaga University. She studied Environmental Studies and spent most of her time working in the Outdoor Recreation Club, Gonzaga Outdoors. During her four years at Gonzaga, she enjoyed leading others in outdoor adventures around the Pacific Northwest, as well as took part in playing soccer for the school.

During the summers, she spent her time in the outdoor education and nonprofit world. This is where she found her passion to help create an inclusive outdoor industry for all. After graduation, Oakley spent 5 months hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. During her 150 days on trail, she realized she wants to pursue outdoor education as a career, thus bringing her to Bozeman. She is excited to be a part of the Outdoor Recreation Program and continue her education in the outdoor industry.

Oakley loves fly fishing, skiing, and romping around in the woods, but is hoping to continue to try new activities and get outdoors as much as possible. She hopes to make the Outdoor Recreation Program accessible to more students and staff at Montana State University, as well as continue to create a fun, inclusive environment for all! If Oakley is not in the Rental Shop, you can find her skiing at Bridger, meandering through the woods, or baking some delicious goodies!