Backup QB Ryan Gunderson addresses President’s Circle
Ryan Gunderson completed only one pass last fall. Still, the Beavers backup quarterback felt it was one of the most rewarding seasons in his football career.
While he did not see much playing time, Gunderson was a leader for the Beavers, signaling plays from the sidelines, supporting fellow quarterback Matt Moore, and serving as Coach Mike Riley’s right hand man during practices and games.
“I learned a lot,” he told a crowd of more than 150 President’s Circle members at an April reception in Corvallis. “What I really love is just being part of the team and being around those guys. And in the end, the lessons that I’ve learned on the football field and in the classroom I think will really take me a long way in life.”
The President’s Circle is a special recognition group for donors who contribute $1,000 or more in a given year. At receptions held throughout Oregon and other regions, participants get a chance to hear about OSU from President Ed Ray and often directly from students like Gunderson who have benefited from their contributions.
A highly-sought after football recruit as a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Portland, Gunderson chose Oregon State University for its strong engineering program as well as the chance to play football. Since then the 22-year-old senior has excelled in his construction engineering management major, one of OSU’s most challenging courses of study. After he graduates, Gunderson plans to become either an engineer or a football coach.
While his college athletic career has not gone exactly as he originally planned, Gunderson told the President’s Circle members he was grateful for his time at Oregon State and for all the opportunities to learn that their support helped provide.
“I just want to say thank you for making my experience at OSU possible, and thank you for making the experience of all my teammates possible,” said Gunderson. “Your support really does make a difference.”
Learn more about the President’s Circle
