When Illinois State University students resume classes in Downstate Normal this month, it’s doubtful any can tell a taller tale about the summer than the school’s own president, Al Bowman. He spent three days in July scaling Washington’s Mt. Rainier, one of North America’s most formidable peaks.
“Incredibly exhilarating,” said Bowman, 52. “The summit was the size of a football field. I saw some of the prettiest crevices I’ve ever seen with ice that had to be 300 feet thick.”
Bowman is an experienced hand who has been climbing for more than 25 years. This ascent was with a four-man team and required pitching a tent twice to sleep in frigid conditions.
The adventure also was a 14,410-foot tuneup for his goal of scaling some of the world’s tallest peaks. Next is Argentina’s 22,840-foot Mt. Aconcagua, a three-week undertaking he plans this winter. Also on his list: Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,342 ft.), Russia’s Mt. Elbrus (18,513 ft.) and Alaska’s Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft.).
Bowman said the physical challenges–he works out year-round–have parallels to his work as ISU’s chief executive officer, including dealing with changing conditions, meeting goals and teamwork. “Of course, the first thing people want to know is why I do it. Some think it’s interesting, but others question why I’d put myself in this situation.”