Student Finds Success as Nightingale Gallery Director

Hadley Marshall, a junior from Burns, just wrapped up is her first year as Student Director for the Nightingale Gallery in Loso Hall. Through this hands-on experience, she’s discovered her ability to lead after embracing this position.

What have you learned about yourself? 

“I have learned to lead a team, which is something I didn’t think I could do. I’ve been able to lead a team of attendants, and also communicate with visiting artists. When I leave this position, I want to be in a spot where I continue to develop those skills. This college fosters an environment where students can succeed. I think that will be a crucial skill moving forward in my professional and personal life. You learn so much, including how to work with visiting artists, and how to install work, that is something that most colleges don’t offer.”

Why did you choose EOU? 

“It’s a small school with a level of education that feels more like that of a private school. EOU is an amazing fit for me. I love the community and the professors, my peers, and just all the opportunities.”

How did you become the Student Director? 

“I saw the opening for the position and as somebody who loves the arts and loves to be involved in the arts, decided to apply.”

Would you recommend EOU to others?

“I would absolutely recommend EOU to others. This campus and this school, it’s just so unique!”

Building Lifelong Connections

Success can be measured in the many  meaningful connections made during your college experience. Savannah and Naomi Potter found far more than academic success at ��ݮ��Ƶ, where they built lifelong relationships that will extend well beyond graduation. 

“I took full advantage of connecting and meeting people here, and I’m going to build on those relationships for the rest of my life,” Savannah shared. “Those are what are going to outlast my experience here.” 

Echoing her older sister’s sentiment, Naomi appreciates the meaningful and close-knit relationships with faculty at EOU. 

“The small campus allows you to get close with the faculty, in a way you just can’t at a larger campus,” Naomi said. “It’s incredible the friendships you make with your professors.    They will change your life, and that’s so different from a big campus.” 

Savannah agreed, adding that the faculty have made her experience phenomenal.

A Journey of Discovery and Growth

Savannah’s early experience was shaped by the pandemic and online classes at a community college. Her decision to transfer was influenced by convenience and EOU’s  reputation. Raised in Baker City, she found the intimate environment provided a sense of community that was invaluable. Inspired by the science faculty, Savannah shifted her focus to chemistry. 

“From a very young age, I was always intrigued by science,” she said. “I was planning to become an ophthalmologist, but the encouragement from my chemistry professor changed my path.” 

Initially hesitant about attending college, Naomi found EOU’s unique charm irresistible. 

“I didn’t initially want to go to college, and I certainly didn’t want to go to EOU because it was so close to home. But it turned out to be the best decision of my life,” Naomi admitted.

A Shared Passion

Coming from a musical family, the sisters often perform together both on and off campus, balancing their academic commitments with their love for music. When Professor of Music Peter Wordelman asked them to perform at a Board of Trustees meeting, they felt deeply honored. 

“Our music faculty are exceptional. I changed my major to be more music-focused because of Peter,” Naomi said. “He has been such an inspiration, just like  Savannah’s chemistry professors.” 

Savannah added, “Music keeps me grounded when science gets crazy. My sister and I are almost always up for any gig or performance, and we love it.” 

Looking Forward

Naomi reflected more on the importance of savoring the college experience. 

“These were the most amazing years of my life, and they go by so fast. I try to slow down and enjoy them,” she said. 

Savannah encourages freshmen to explore various experiences. “I had no plans to pursue chemistry initially, but by participating in the chemistry club during my first year, I discovered a genuine passion for it,” she said.

“We have a long, lovely list of the ways EOU has impacted our life and our family,” Phyllis Arnst said. “Our journey started in Eastern Oregon in 1968 in Wallowa County and then to La Grande. The journey has been as beautiful as this region itself.”

The couple met at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage and a move to Winifred, Montana where Fred took on roles as a head coach and PE teacher.

 “I was taking summer classes at the University of Montana and met the superintendent for Wallowa County who told me about an opportunity.”

 After six wonderful years in Wallowa County, a new opportunity arose in La Grande. 

“Not long after we moved to La Grande, I found a position with Eastern–I worked for three presidents, and three name changes,” Phyllis said. “I started working for a state college and retired from a university!”

“So many of our children and grandchildren have attended Eastern and earned degrees here,” Phyllis continued. “Because of our backgrounds and interests, it got us thinking about the type of students we want to support. We’re interested in supporting students who can use help, so we wanted to make sure our scholarship is renewable,” Phyllis commented.  

“It was important to us to establish rapport with students. Providing renewable scholarships makes the students feel good, knowing there are people out there who want to support their journey and help them succeed.”

“It’s a big deal,” Fred said. “It’s just one of the ways we can help students get through school–to be successful now, but also helping students succeed in life.”

“EOU does a good job helping students see the importance of philanthropy in their own lives and communities,” Phyllis reflected. “In our retirement years, we look back and see all of the benefits from our educational opportunities. We want to pay it forward, so students can have fulfilling and productive lives. It’s our hope they’ll be inspired to one day give back to their  own home communities.”