Steve Mital wasn’t going to let an orientation session for 300 potential transfer students and their parents go dark during a series of power tests on Aug. 7.

Alternate power arrangements were needed, but his first thought wasn’t a diesel generator. Instead, Mital’s mind went to a truck ad he’d seen.

“The ad was for a Ford F-150 Lightning, and it showed someone powering their house with it during a storm,” said the University of Oregon director of sustainability and utilities and energy.

After checking with technicians and finding out that the truck could power the AV equipment for orientation, all Mital had to do was locate someone who owned one. A few days later he went fishing with UO Vice President and General Counsel Kevin Reed. Reed was towing his drift boat with a Ford F-150 Lightning.

“When [Steve] suggested my truck might replace a generator during electrical testing day, I was delighted to offer its use,” Reed said.

Up to this point, Reed mostly appreciated the roominess of the truck’s cabin, which is where he stows his turnout gear as a volunteer with McKenzie Fire and Rescue.

“I will learn a whole lot more about its capabilities this week,” Reed said.