Leadership in the Outdoor Recreation Industry
Find Your Edge
The LORI graduate certificate is your inside track to the outdoor industry.
Elevate Your Skills
Learn from leading outdoor industry experts and world-class faculty.
Expand Your Networks
Develop new connections with outdoor industry professionals and peers.
Explore New Opportunities
Discover advancement opportunities and new career paths within the outdoor industry.
About the Program
Developed in partnership with the VF Foundation, the University of Denver’s Leadership in the Outdoor Recreation Industry graduate certificate equips students with real-world business and leadership skills specific to the outdoor industry. LORI’s challenging and engaging online curriculum includes courses in the Daniels College of Business, Josef Korbel School of International Studies and Sturm College of Law.
How it Works
5-Week Sprints
Each LORI course is a five-week intensive. Classes meet two hours per week for the first four weeks, with assessments scheduled the fifth week.
10 Core Courses + Elective Tracks
LORI’s required core courses cover topics such as leadership, sustainability, supply chains, business models, talent management, public policy and more. Between core courses and electives 16 total credits are required.
Online Format
LORI’s live online classes bring together students from all over the world in real time. Earn a valuable graduate certificate from anywhere.
The U.S. outdoor recreation industry contributes
5 million jobs
$1.1 trillion in annual consumer spending
2.2% of the U.S. GDP
Be part of this $1 trillion industry!
Featured Faculty
Dan Kwong
Dan currently serves as the vice president of talent and culture for Woodward, a part of the POWDR adventure lifestyle portfolio. In his role, he oversees full-cycle human resource management, risk management and organizational development for the division. Prior to POWDR, Dan held HR and operational leadership roles at Vail Resorts.
Dan is passionate about helping people find their path using sports and the outdoors as inspiration. When he’s not on his skis or a bike, you can find him seeking diverse life experiences all around the world.
Why teach for LORI?
“I’m passionate about bringing more diverse talent to the outdoor industry and sharing the dynamic and authentic culture that exists. The outdoors are for everyone, and everyone can work in the outdoor industry.”
Chris Perkins
Chris is vice president of programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy. This work focuses on rural economic development through outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation infrastructure, state outdoor recreation advocacy, the outdoor recreation workforce, and building a more inclusive outdoor recreation community. He has also worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
As a recent dad of two kids under two, Chris has taken his appetite for the outdoors close to home. He spends his free time running, kayaking and cross-country skiing, with the sole goal of trying to beat his little brother in sports.
Why teach for LORI?
“Leaders in the future of the outdoor industry need to understand not only their own verticals but also how they are a part of a $1.1 trillion economy and a movement to regain and maintain our collective connections to the outdoors in the midst of many opposing forces.”
James O’Donnell
From June 2021 through March 2023, James was president of the Mountain Division of Vail Resorts. James originally joined Vail Resorts in June 2002, and held numerous roles during his time there, including EVP of hospitality, retail and rental, and real estate; senior VP of lodging and real estate; COO of VR hospitality; VP of strategic development/M&A; and director of finance.
As a leader within the outdoor industry and recreation space, James believes in fostering relationships with his peers, students, direct reports and workforce through radical candor and open communication. James and his teams strive to create emotional connections with the outdoors across diverse user groups.
James lives in Denver and frequently spends time with his students outside of class. He enjoys bringing his practical work experience and learnings in the outdoor travel and leisure space to the LORI program. He is married with two children, and is an avid snowboarder, hiker and gardener.
Rob Bingham
Rob is a social impact director in Colorado, where he works with multiple nonprofit organizations to create strategic growth and maximize their impact. He’s a retired Colorado Army National Guard Officer and Blackhawk helicopter pilot serving 20 years in the military, including two combat deployments and one NATO peacekeeping deployment.
Rob served as the director of development for one of the nation’s largest adaptive sports organizations, learning the critical impact of inclusive sports on physical and mental health, the importance of adaptive programs in fostering community and resilience among participants, and the necessity of advocating for accessibility in all aspects of life. In his free time, Rob enjoys hiking with his wife and dogs, mountain biking, camping, scamping, and general aviation.
Why teach for LORI?
“”Because sharing stories of access encourages people to see the world through others’ eyes and to appreciate the diverse ways in which people interact with nature. It’s helps us recognize that every person’s journey is unique and valuable. By championing accessibility, we are creating a more just and compassionate society, where the beauty of the natural world is a shared treasure, enriching the lives of all who experience it.””
Why LORI
Together with the VF Foundation, LORI and the University of Denver are working toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive outdoor industry, where all professionals have access to the skills and leadership training they need to succeed in the outdoor economy.
Is LORI for You?
Tuition
$1,612 per credit hour*
*For the 2024-2025 academic year. Cost per credit hour is set by the University of Denver.
Financial Aid
We offer both merit and need-based scholarships. Once you begin your application, we will reach out to share information about how to apply for need-based aid.
100% of LORI students receive scholarships ranging from 10-90% of tuition.*
*When combining both merit- and need-based aid
Contact Us
If you have questions about the LORI program, contact Senior Executive Director Chris Castilian, JD, at christopher.castilian@du.edu.
How to Apply
In the online application system, select the Daniels College of Business as the college or school, then choose Specialized Graduate Certificate (4-course) from the degree options. From there you can choose the Leadership in Outdoor Recreation certificate.
To receive more information on the LORI program, please fill out the information below.
Hear From Our Students
“I can’t speak highly enough about the LORI program. The instructors have been world class and bring an amazing depth of knowledge and experience to each class. The content has been relevant and practical and has provided a solid foundation in areas that were previously outside my knowledge base, but will be useful going forward. I’m enjoying learning from both the faculty and fellow students, who bring a diverse wealth of knowledge and perspective to each class.”
Dave Gray
Director of Guest Services, Snowmass Ski Area
“The LORI program allows cross-functional collaboration with other outdoor industry leaders both internal and external to my organization. This collaboration and shared learning experience have been a key contributor to diversifying my skillsets and areas of expertise as a leader. The LORI program has actively increased my interest, knowledge and engagement all around, but has also surprisingly unfolded learning and engagement in areas outside of my wheelhouse.”
Mikala Ford
Director of Talent Acquisition, Aspen Skiing Company
“I was fortunate to be nominated for the first cohort in the LORI program at DU. After taking four courses I would say that it has exceeded my expectations. The professors have been passionate and thoughtful in their educational approach and content selection. The workload has been interesting, timely and relevant to my career. I’ve also gotten some great networking opportunities with my fellow students.”
Nathan Garfield
Director, Snowmass Ski Patrol
About the VF Foundation
The VF Foundation is the philanthropic arm of VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest outdoor apparel and footwear companies, and is headquartered in Denver. The VF Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in driving movements for the betterment of people and the planet.
