The Sports Product Management program has a reputation for producing exceptional graduates who thrive in leadership roles in the sports and outdoor product industry.
90 percent of our alumni work around the world in large and small brands, including Nike, adidas, Under Armour, New Balance, On Running, Hoka, and Specialized, as well as SmithOptics, Hydroflask, and Outdoor Research. The program has an active alumni association, and graduates regularly give back through mentoring, guest speaking, and offering jobs and internships.
Your time in the program may be over, but that doesn't mean our support for you is over. We are always here for you.
In addition to the Sports Product Management Alumni Network, below are resources and information available to help you—our alumni—stay connected, network, and pursue the lifelong learning that helps propel success.
Visit the UOAA’s Sports Product Management Network
Lifelong Connection
One of the defining characteristics of Sports Product Management alumni and students is a passion for connection. We offer a variety of opportunities for our alumni to interact with current students and fellow graduates:
- Annual Industry Event: We kick off the new year each year with a large industry event where our industry partners such as the Industry Advisory Board, mentors, guest speakers, and alumni come and network with our students in a fun and festive environment.
- Alumni Events: Throughout the year, the Sports Product Management Board hosts a a wide range of events.
Look for these and more events on the Sports Product Management event calendar.
Connect Online
- Log in to the Sports Product Management Alumni Network
- Sign up for the SPM newsletter
- Follow us and connect on LinkedIn
4:15–6:30 p.m.
Join us for "Elevating Women's Sports, Empowering the Next Generation," a fireside chat-style conversation with Vanessa Gidden, during our annual UO Portland Soaring Together event celebrating leaders impacting the sports product industry and beyond.
Vanessa Gidden is the Lead Global Merchant of Jordan Women's Sport Footwear and Apparel at Nike, a trailblazer whose journey spans from professional athlete to global leader in sports product merchandising. From the court to the boardroom, Gidden drives the future of sports product innovation while championing athlete development and industry growth.
With a career that bridges the worlds of elite competition and business innovation, Gidden has shaped the future of women's sports footwear and apparel, and she has also dedicated herself to empowering the next generation of athletes. Don't miss hearing her story of resilience, leadership, and the power of sport to create opportunities and drive change.
Event Overview
We are offering this event both in person and virtually. The virtual session is from 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT. Virtual attendees will receive a UO Business YouTube link upon registration. The in-person event will be held at UO Portland, Library and Learning Center, 2800 NE Liberty St., Portland, OR. Please choose virtual or in-person attendance during registration.
Schedule
4:15 p.m. - Doors open 4:30 p.m. - Vanessa's session begins, moderated by SPM student Jordan Wilmoth 5:30 p.m. - Mix and mingle, hors d'oeuvres 6:30 p.m. - Event wraps up