When he’s not busy leading the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Dean Frederick Morin, M.D., likes to engage in challenging outdoor activities, so it was only natural for him to choose winter mountaineering as the focus of his fundraising campaign – “Three Peaks in Four Weeks” – in honor of the Class of 2018 and their Match Day.
When he’s not busy leading the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Dean Frederick Morin, M.D., likes to engage in challenging outdoor activities, so it was only natural for him to choose winter mountaineering as the focus of his fundraising campaign – “Three Peaks in Four Weeks” – in honor of the Class of 2018 and their Match Day.
Launched one month out from Match Day on February 16, 2018, the campaign consists of three milestones at which Morin will climb a mountain and contribute funds for this year’s Match Challenge. Originally, Morin set his sights on summiting Vermont’s three tallest peaks – Camel’s Hump, Killington, and Mount Mansfield. But after reviewing the routes, he decided to replace the less-challenging Killington with Mount Marcy in New York’s Adirondacks and altered his plan to the three tallest peaks you can see from campus.
Morin is challenging 375 medical alumni to make donations during this campaign. Recently, he summited Camel’s Hump after the campaign met its first goal – 100 medical alumni donors – and donated $2500.
“Camel’s Hump can be an easy hike, with good conditions,” said Morin, who completed the hike following the Forest City trail to the Long Trail to the summit, which he explained makes the hike 50 to 100 percent longer, and more difficult.
An experienced winter climber, Morin wears a combination of layers for his mountain ascents and descents. Upon reaching the tree line, he adds a windbreaker and down jacket to provide protection from the winds and colder air at the summit.
With the Match Challenge campaign’s recent surpassing of 200 medical alumni donors, Morin took on a second peak – Mount Mansfield. His first attempt was solo and more challenging than expected. He opted to take “the road less traveled” and found a trail that was abandoned in the early 1960s, around the same time when the Given building was built. Due to deep snow and waning daylight, he had to return to the base before reaching the top. However, his second attempt,with friends, was successful, and was followed by a $5000 gift.
The campaign’s final goal – 375 total medical alumni donors during the Match Challenge – will prompt a hike up Mount Marcy and Morin’s final gift of $7500, for a total gift of $15,000
Give now! Visit the Match Challenge page
here.