[LWJ]

Here is something that I can credibly comment on.

I am an alumni of UO (1988) and lifelong Oregonian. I found that UO gave me a very high quality educational experience. About the education, I found most of my upper level courses to be excellent. Basic courses were just that: basic. I believe that as an educational institution it will provide as much as a student is wanting to get out of it. Having attended two other universities at the graduate level, I can assure you that UO certainly is not a slouch act. There are of course institutions that attract a higher average level of student.

Eugene is a wonderful place. My wife and I tried for years to come up with a plan to allow us to live there. We think it is the perfect place to raise a family. Yes. There are smelly hippies. They are just part of the local color that makes Eugene a great place.

As to education. I believe that many schools can provide the level of education needed for achievement. Perhaps more important than the formal education, is the informal network and geographic area.

Where is your son planning to live after school? I subscribe to the thought that people tend to stay where they went to school. Certainly many many of my friends have migrated to Oregon after attending school here.

Also, if your son is to be in any field that is business related at all, the informal network established at college is extrememly valuable. I don't recollect much of my formal education. However, I do use my network daily.

Shameless plug: at the UO, I was a member of an amazing fraternity: Phi Kappa Psi. You have seen the building as the "Omega House" on the Animal House movie. As a board member of the fraternity, we have just completed a significant remodel and are looking to sign some quality members to carry on the tradition. Something to think about perhaps.

Good luck. UO may not be the perfect fit for your son. It was an outstanding experience for me and many of my friends.

LWJ