On June 22, Drew Pfefferle will be stepping out of his role as graduate student and into a new role as Outreach Specialist for Commuteride, a ride share agency that aims to reduce single occupancy commuting in Boise, Idaho. Drew will be partnering with employers, governmental agencies, community groups, and transportation professionals throughout Ada County to reduce traffic congestion by promoting alternatives to driving alone. Says Drew, “I’m excited to be moving back to Boise directly after graduation, and coincidentally, my new office will be two blocks from where I was working before I moved to Oregon to start my graduate program at the University of Oregon.”
Drew is graduating in June of this year with a Masters in Community and Regional Planning. “I’m really grateful for all the opportunities that the Planning, Public Policy and Management Department has offered me.” reflects Drew. “Whether it’s the practical planning I have gained through the Community Planning Workshop or the connections I’ve made with PPPM faculty and my fellow Community and Regional Planning colleagues, I can’t find a way to appropriately express how much the last two years have meant to me.” Drew recognizes the amazing people and many friends he has made throughout his time on campus. “It’s bittersweet.”, he says. “I’ll miss interacting and learning from them every day but I’m also excited to see where everybody’s skills and talents takes them as we all transition into our professional fields.”
Congratulations to Drew. We wish him a safe trip home and all the best in his future endeavors!