NOLS Presents Alumni Achievement Award to Metcalf

LANDER—The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) awarded Peter Metcalf, founder and CEO of Black Diamond Equipment, with its 2015 Alumni Achievement Award Thursday.The Alumni Achievement Award is given to an alumnus who has taken what they’ve learned at NOLS and become notably successful in the outdoor recreation, education, or conservation industry.

Metcalf’s life work is not only synonymous with outdoor recreation, but is also instrumental in a number of conservation initiatives, particularly in Utah.

Metcalf took a NOLS Mountain Guides Course in 1971, where his instructors noted his skills—both physical and interpersonal. He was the youngest member on his course, something he built on in athletic and entrepreneurial ventures thereafter.

Metcalf went on from his Mountain Guides course to become the youngest person to climb Kain Face on Robson and set a new route on Mount Fairweather with what remains the youngest group to make a first ascent on a major Alaskan peak.

Then, at the young age of 34, he created Black Diamond Equipment from the assets of Chouinard Equipment, and that endeavor has grown into one of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry. Throughout his impressive career, Metcalf has also been a consistent leader in conservation. 

“[Metcalf] is an exceptional person who has made his passion his profession. Outdoor people, the mountains, and our threatened wild places benefit from his personal skills and professional commitment. His company and his life provide great leadership models for us all” said NOLS Executive Director John Gans as he presented the award to Metcalf.

About NOLS

Since legendary mountaineer Paul Petzoldt founded the school in 1965, more than 254,000 students have graduated from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), the leader in wilderness education. Whether through field-based courses offered in some of the most awe-inspiring locations in the world or classroom-based courses, the school provides transformative educational experiences to students of all ages. Graduates emerge as active leaders with lifelong environmental ethics and outdoor skills. To discover the NOLS experience or to bring a course to your business or organization, call (800) 710-NOLS (6657) or visit www.nols.edu.