FE449 - Corporate Financial Management: strangely enough that’s where Clay’s climbing path started. A few weeks after completing the course, he headed out on his first solo trip, hitchhiking New Zealand. This experience solidified his passion for the outdoors and ignited a full-fledged addiction to traveling. Upon returning from New Zealand, Clay moved to Washington, D.C. and ended up living with a friend he had met in FE449, who just so happened to be in search of a climbing partner. After 18 months of working with federal agencies and way too much indoor climbing, Clay dropped everything and went to South America to blow his savings, clear his head, and learn a bit of Spanish. Once all that was taken care of, he returned to his hometown of Philadelphia and took up climbing again, but this time with the goal of getting off the top rope and out of the gym. While exploring overlooked corners of the globe (sans-rack) remains his true love, outdoor climbing has taught Clay a thing or two about mental toughness, calculated risks, and respect for the forces of nature, which have all proven to be valuable tools during his time on the road.

Climbing style: Unconventional

Favorite alcoholic beverage:  Bourbon

Favorite read: “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck

Music: Lets start with Nashville Skyline and work from there.

Favorite Web site: rmi.org, philebrity.com

Pastime other than climbing: Cycling, hiking, traveling, gardening, writing, skiing, and grilling.

Favorite quote: sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes the bear eats you