Southwestern University President Embarks on 63-Mile Hike for “Find Your Summit” Campaign

Southwestern University’s president has embarked on a 63-mile hike in the Sierra Nevadas as part of the university’s “Find Your Summit” campaign.

“On August 1, [President Laura Skandera] Trombley will be challenging herself by embarking on a strenuous 63-mile hike along the picturesque John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains,” according to Southwestern University. “It’s a stretch of the trail that she’s attempted four times before, but injury, snow, and altitude sickness have prematurely ended the trek in her past efforts. The president admits that turning 60 this year and having recently recovered from hip-replacement surgery have made the itinerary a bit more daunting as well. Still, Trombley looks forward to another go at hiking all of the five mountain passes, all of which approach or exceed 12,000 feet above sea level. Modestly describing herself with a laugh as “not the best backpacker,” she has been training assiduously by walking and hiking, engaging in Pilates classes, weight training, and eating a primarily plant-based diet.”

Map of President Trombley’s Hike 63-Mile Hike | Courtesy: Southwestern University

The hike is part of a larger 10-day campaign the university is promoting called, “Find Your Summit,” which encourages Southwestern community members to set goals and make progress towards that goal during the event.

“Find Your Summit is an inclusive event; although Trombley’s goal will be a literal mountaintop, Southwestern community members can set goals of any kind,” according to the university. “Some will choose to train for and run a 5K. Nonphysical activities will abound as well, from completing a class on how to code to putting the finishing touches on a screenplay that’s been on the backburner. For others, the “summit” will be applying for a dream job or reaching out to an old friend. The only limits are that progress toward the goal must be made during the 10-day event. Participants will post updates on social media about their progress and achievements using the hashtag #FindYourSummitSU.”

Those who make a gift to Southwestern University will receive a Southwestern decal, while those who make a gift of $63 or more (in honor of President Trombley’s hike) will receive a commemorative challenge coin.

For more information, visit www.southwestern.edu/find-your-summit.