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:

Dan Sandberg

Dan Sandberg: [email protected]

Senior Coordinator

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.

Ben Montgomery headshot

Ben Montgomery: [email protected]

Climbing Wall Coordinator

Ben's outdoor journey began amidst the vast landscapes of the Lone Star State, where he discovered his passion for rock climbing at the Texas A&M University-Commerce Rec Center Climbing Wall. Embracing his love for the outdoors, he dedicated his undergraduate years to immersing himself in the Outdoor Adventure Program at that University and served as the Climbing Wall Manager for several years.

Following his graduation, Ben returned to his alma mater, stepping into a leadership role at the Outdoor Adventure Program there. However, there’s only so many Texas summers one can take before a good Montana winter sounds preferable. While here, Ben keeps his adventurous side alive amongst the mountains while rock climbing, fly fishing, and skiing.

Beyond these exhilarating adventures, Ben finds solace in the simple pleasures of life—a well-crafted cup of coffee paired with a captivating book, enjoying a board game with friends, and passionately cheering on his favorite Formula One drivers.

callielajza

Callie Lajza: [email protected]

Trips Coordinator

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]

Rental Shop Coordinator

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!