The colors of the Great Reno Balloon Race grab the imagination. The majestic scene of balloon after balloon hovering majestically over Rancho San Rafael on a clear September morning is something few ever forget. This year’s Great Reno Balloon Race began on Friday, Sept. 10 and runs through Sunday.

Count University of Nevada, Reno Balloon Race Scholarship recipient Christopher Douglas among those who has always felt the special tug of one of Reno’s most memorable special events.

“I remember going on a field trip to see the Balloon Races in elementary school,” Douglas recalled recently. “And it amazed me how hot air can give enough force to cause lift-off. That’s one of the reasons I’m extremely grateful for receiving this scholarship, aside from the monetary gain.”

From the wonder of seeing balloons through a youngster’s eyes, Douglas’ intellectual curiosity has continued to grow while at Nevada. The junior from Reno is majoring in three disciplines: Biochemistry, Biology and Spanish.

“I plan on getting my medical degree, hopefully specializing in either emergency medicine or ophthalmology,” said Douglas, who also works as an EMT in the emergency department at Saint Mary’s Medical Center.

He plans on putting his Spanish major to get use in the near future.

“I have plans to volunteer for a clinic in Honduras using my skills as an EMT,” Douglas said.

Each year, the University’s Balloon Race Scholarship Committee awards two scholarships to University students, one to an undergraduate student and one to a graduate student. Along with Douglas, this year’s other recipient Megan Gibson of Sparks. Gibson is a journalism master’s degree student.

Find out more about the Balloon Race Scholarship Committee.