Greetings to our alumni, supporters, and friends. I hope you are energized by the amazing work of EOU students! My first year was inspiring, and witnessing the power of higher education to transform students continues to deepen my commitment to our sharedIn this issue, we focus on student success, a theme that captures the essence of our university’s impact. We bring you the narratives of remarkable students, each a reflection of determination, creativity, and resilience. These accounts are not just about their achievements but highlight the critical moments and challenges they’ve overcome, supported by the rich educational environment and our community spirit.

In this issue, we focus on student success, a theme that captures the essence of our university’s impact. We bring you the narratives of remarkable students, each a reflection of determination, creativity, and resilience. These accounts are not just about their achievements but highlight the critical moments and challenges they’ve overcome, supported by the rich educational environment and our community spirit.

EOU is a place where dreams grow, shaped by the opportunities and learning experiences we provide.

The stories in these pages are proof of the significant roleour university plays in guiding students toward their goals. From reaching new heights through unexpected journeys to enriching community connections, from academic triumphs to leadership in extracurricular activities, our students are making their mark, driven by the foundational values and knowledge gained at EOU.

I am appreciative of the collective effort it takes to create such moments of success. It’s clear that our alumni and supporters are pivotal to this journey. Your continuous support of our mission enables these stories of growth.

While celebrating these successes, we remember they began with a dream which, when nurtured by a community committed to unlocking potential and embracing possibilities, becomes a success for our students, our community, and our region.

Thank you for being a vital part of our ongoing story鈥攈ere’s to a future filled with more achievements, growth, and success. One student at a time.

With gratitude,

Kelly A. Ryan, Ph.D.

President, 蓝莓视频

Dear Friends of 蓝莓视频,

As we embark on another academic year, I continue to be filled with excitement and anticipation since stepping into my role as President of 蓝莓视频 just a few short months ago. It is with immense pleasure
that I express my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support and commitment to our institution.

Taking on the role of President has been a remarkable journey, one that has offered me an up-close look at the incredible community which makes up EOU. In these few months, I have been deeply moved by the dedication and passion that our alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and friends have for this institution.

EOU has a rich history, and I am honored to play a part in its future. I firmly believe that a thriving university is the result of a collective effort, and your generosity and philanthropic spirit are at the heart of what makes us so special.

Our shared vision is a transformative educational experience for our students 鈥� one that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in a constantly changing world. Your contributions, whether through scholarships, infrastructure improvements, or program support, are instrumental in helping us realize this vision.

As we look ahead to the coming months and years, we have ambitious plans and exciting initiatives in store. We aim to foster innovation, promote student success, and deepen EOU鈥檚 impact in the local and regional communities we serve. Your continued partnership is vital to our success, and I am confident that, together, we can achieve remarkable accomplishments. Your belief in EOU’s mission and your dedication to our students are truly inspiring. I invite you to engage with us, visit our campus, and connect with our vibrant community. Your presence and insights will undoubtedly enrich our journey.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your ongoing support. You are our collaborators, our advocates, and our partners in shaping the future of 蓝莓视频. I am excited to see the incredible progress we will make together. As we embark on this new chapter in the life of our institution, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey.

Together, we are shaping a better tomorrow for generations to come!

With heartfelt appreciation and warm regards,

Kelly A. Ryan, Ph.D.
President

To my fellow alumni and friends of 蓝莓视频,

It gives me great pleasure to introduce this issue of the Mountaineer Magazine. As a 2006 and 2008 alumna of 蓝莓视频 and the current President of the EOU Alumni Association, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with and for the Alumni Association for the past nine years. It has been a wonderful blend of being able to give back while staying engaged with the University that has been foundational to my life endeavors.

EOU holds a very special place in my heart. When I think back to what has shaped me as a person, EOU is at the top of my list. EOU not only provided me with a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education with hands-on learning that equipped me for a successful career at a global tech company, but it gave me diverse experiences that I would have never had access to at a different institution. I was able to excel in academics, give back to the community, gain experience as a teacher鈥檚 aide and tutor, and participate in extracurricular activities. The experiences I gained and lessons I learned at EOU have shaped me into the mother, wife, businesswoman, and community member I am today.

No matter your background, EOU provides transformational education for students and one-of-a-kind experiences, both in the classroom and in the field. Every class, club, and campaign are opportunities for experiential, real-world learning. Whether this be ongoing professional development for current teachers of rural school districts, to onsite archaeological digs in Croatia. From ongoing research and impact projects in eastern Oregon, to finding inclusivity and lifelong relationships right here on campus. The people of EOU 鈥� students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and community 鈥� make every opportunity for new experiences which stay with and shape them throughout their own life journeys.

Wishing you the best as we look forward to summer and to the future.

Thank you.

Adriana DalSoglio, 鈥�06 and 鈥�08

President, EOU Alumni Association Board of Directors

Season鈥檚 greetings fellow alumni, colleagues, and friends,

As we come towards the close of another year, we give thanks for the many blessings we have 鈥� our students have successfully completed the fall term, our faculty and staff continue making Eastern a world-class experience, and our programs continue to thrive.

I have had the distinct privilege of serving on the EOU Foundation Board for five years, and I am completing my second year of service as the Chair of the Board.  We have tremendous support and have seen some really exciting progress on major projects and campaigns.

These projects 鈥� from the Fieldhouse, with the Neely Health and Human Performance Center, to the launch of new programs, like the Agriculture-Entrepreneurship degree, to bringing baseball back to EOU 鈥� are what keeps us moving forward.  The university constantly strives to not only meet the needs of our current students, but also to meet ongoing needs of the economies, ecosystems, and communities we serve.  The EOU Foundation, with your support, provides hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to EOU students and helps make these projects a reality.

But, at the center of all of this 鈥� the people.  The people who work tirelessly and are so committed to ensuring these projects can take shape.  Those who have stepped up and provided support, pledges, donations 鈥� these are the people who keep us going.  These are the true inspiration.  You鈥檙e about to see real gifts from real people and the impact these have.  As one student said 鈥� 鈥淲e鈥檙e working hard for them because of what they have already done for us鈥� 鈥� and that rings so true.  Your gifts make an impact.  Your gift matters.  To me.  To the Foundation.  To the students.  To the university.

Wishing you the best and brightest this holiday season,

Mark Pearson | 鈥�77

Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors

Excellence in teaching and learning are at the center of EOU鈥檚 identity, and you鈥檒l find these themes woven throughout this issue of The Mountaineer. Our shared legacy includes nearly a century of preparing teachers to serve schools throughout our region. These last several years have only highlighted the all-important role classrooms of all shapes and sizes play in their communities. 

Through a screen, in a gym or on the job, EOU alumni continue teaching and learning in a range of fields. Our distinctly rural context deepens opportunities for partnership and innovation, bringing cutting-edge solutions to today鈥檚 educators. Creative writers and poets reach the next generation of readers with inspiration, while new data sets reveal striking insights about local populations. Co-curriculars like internships, clubs and athletics strengthen the student experience and guide Mountaineers toward connection with peers and mentors. Community organizations work with the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center to tap into faculty expertise and student energy. 

All the while, I have the privilege of sharing these stories with colleagues and friends across the state. Telling our stories often compels others to get involved, and this winter the Oregon legislature invested $4 million in our story regarding the Grand Staircase. The restoration of this historical access point marks a concrete step in EOU鈥檚 ascent. 

I鈥檓 grateful to be among you, also teaching and learning, as we move forward together. 

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Insko, 鈥�94 | President

As I write this, students are in classes with their peers and professors. The return to in-person instruction and activities is a triumph achieved by every member of our university community.

Many of you can attest to the impact of engaging, one-on-one conversation with faculty and mentors. Those relationships are central to what makes EOU so special and allows our students to thrive and achieve their dreams.

As always, we remain committed to the health and safety of the EOU community. Last year, we came together and found the optimal balance of in-person activities and health protocols that enabled EOU to be one of just a handful of universities to have in-person classes. And, this year, tools such as vaccines, masking, daily health checks, and testing allow us all to safely come together for learning.

The energy created when Mounties are together is transformative. Throughout this issue of The Mountaineer you鈥檒l find stories of alumni interacting in the world beyond EOU. Whether they鈥檙e leading young people through national parks, or leading one of Oregon鈥檚 largest beef companies鈥擡OU alumni recognize one another through a shared set of values and principles.

Lately, I鈥檝e been struck by how often interdependence arises as crucial to our shared success. I鈥檓 grateful to count each of you as a member of our EOU family.

Thank you,
Thomas A. Insko, 鈥�94
President

It is my pleasure to introduce this latest issue of The Mountaineer. Just like so many aspects of our university, this publication has transformed since I joined EOU鈥檚 newly established Board of Trustees in 2015. As an EOU Foundation Board Member, through scholarships I witnessed the opportunity of a college degree dramatically change the lives of our students. Today, as Chair of the EOU Board of Trustees, I continue to experience the myriad ways our community grows, thrives and serves the region on a daily basis. 

My own career began at an EOU campus noticeboard, where a job posting connected me with a network of entrepreneurial opportunity that has continued to flourish today. The confidence instilled in me by the faculty and staff at EOU has had a dramatic affect on my life. My own children and neighbors have also discovered their potential at EOU. Giving back to the institution that has given me so much is truly an honor and a privilege.   

As we work to grow the number of lives impacted, I am constantly reminded of the transformational education EOU provides. Low-income, first-generation, rural and traditionally marginalized students thrive in the supportive, tight-knit culture fostered here. These stories exemplify EOU鈥檚 role as an educational, cultural and economic engine for rural places. 

Expanding access, opportunity and completion promises a growing workforce, thriving communities, and renewed commitment to service and philanthropy. This issue of The Mountaineer showcases EOU students, alumni and faculty contributing to the wellbeing of our region. EOU is able to grow, thrive, and serve because of the individuals who do just that both personally and in the public square. 

I am interminably grateful to work alongside you all. 

Sincerely, 

Richard Chaves, 鈥�73

Chair, EOU Board of Trustees

鈥淭ogether, it鈥檚 possible鈥� is my mantra. Interdependence is one of our core values at EOU because we recognize opportunity is enhanced and success is achieved through the cultivation of vibrant connections and relationships. It is through our collective capabilities and strong alignment of purpose that EOU has served so many in its 91-year history. Resiliency is a byproduct of embracing our interdependence and we enter EOU鈥檚 92nd academic year poised to meet the challenges of today.

Access and opportunity are at the heart of our mission to serve this region and its students. Last fall, we welcomed our most culturally and ethnically diverse freshmen class in school history. In the last five years, the proportion of ethnically diverse students attending EOU has doubled. We have made strides in supporting and retaining these students, essentially eliminating the achievement gap, both online and on campus. Overcoming intersecting systems of oppression, many of our Black, Indigenous and students of color model resilience every day. 

This year, the global pandemic has tested our resiliency. As we resume in-person instruction this fall, every member of our community is testing their strength to rebound, reorganize and reimagine. We do so knowing that together, it鈥檚 possible.

During this moment in history, recognizing our interdependence is a powerful act. We celebrate it in this issue of The Mountaineer. Pageant contestants, student body presidents, organizers, educators, doctors, scholars and 鈥渂allers鈥� are valued for their contributions to the community. Continuing to learn about and address institutions, such as systemic racism, that create barriers to success for some is a way that we live out our value of interdependence. 

As always, our students are leading the way. In this distinct and often difficult time, Mountaineers remain as compassionate, courageous and determined as we have come to expect them to be. 

Sincerely, 

Tom Insko, 鈥�94

President

Fellow Alumni and Friends,

Two years ago, 蓝莓视频 was designated 鈥淥regon鈥檚 Rural University.鈥� This moniker symbolizes EOU鈥檚 commitment and interconnection to our region, rural eastern Oregon. Until now, we never knew how much it meant.

EOU serves as the cultural, educational, and economic engine of rural places, and our success is inextricably linked to the communities where students actively engage and learn. As we navigate this unprecedented time, I stand proud of the EOU community and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of this university have adapted quickly to continue living out our mission and values. When spring term classes on-campus shifted to remote-access, academic departments and support staff collaborated to transition curriculum and services in every area of the institution, drawing from our long history of delivering education at a distance.

Although our main campus has been empty these last few months, our students have remained engaged. Club events, leadership opportunities, coursework, and study sessions are taking place in new, virtual environments.

As we ensure the educational success of current students, we are continually reminded of the difference EOU alumni are making in their communities. Stories enclosed here illustrate how the Mountaineer network powers countless companies, organizations, and neighborhoods around the globe, especially in times of crisis.

I am blessed to have graduated from Oregon鈥檚 Rural University. I am thankful for all that our alumni contribute to society and the communities they call home. 蓝莓视频 is an engine because its alumni, friends, employees, and students unlock cultural, social, and economic opportunities amid every kind of challenge.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Insko, 鈥�94
President

Altruism, giving selflessly to empower one another through inclusiveness, appreciation, and stewardship, is a core value of our EOU community. We are all beneficiaries of this value and it makes for an especially distinctive student experience 鈥� an Eastern Edge.

Frequently, I see altruistic service amongst EOU Mountaineers. Meaningful mentorship, creative curricular and extracurricular endeavors, celebrations of individual and community success, and encouragement in the face of challenges bring out the best in us. The meaningful relationships between faculty and students continue to impact our graduates as they experience successful careers and fulfilling lives.

Altruism runs deep at Oregon鈥檚 Rural University and makes EOU a great place to work and learn. This fall, we welcome two new deans to the faculty: Matt Seimears in the College of Education and Ed Henninger in the College of Business. They join ranks of accomplished faculty and dedicated alumni in each field. As we mark the university鈥檚 90th academic year, I look forward to the first stages of construction on the Fieldhouse and reaching our goals to grow the number of lives impacted. New relationships will support a growing number of online and on-campus learners from the region and around the world.

We are committed to cultivating success for our students. We are blessed with a wonderful community of Mountaineers 鈥� employees, alumni and friends 鈥� and we celebrate this by sharing some of our stories. I look back on my years as an EOU student with gratitude and fondness. Altruistic people elevated my experience as a student and now encourage me as the university鈥檚 president. I appreciate each of you for helping continue our legacy of altruism into the future.

In gratitude,

Tom Insko, 鈥�94

President

It is my honor to write this issue’s opening letter. I am a 2011 and 2013 graduate of 蓝莓视频, and the current President of the EOU Alumni Association Board of Directors. It has been my pleasure to work with the Alumni Association for the last six years, and stay involved with the university that gave me so much.

It was because of EOU that I moved to La Grande in 2009. It was because of EOU that I stayed to complete my MBA. It was because of EOU that I met my husband and found my place as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. So much of my life was impacted when I moved to the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley, all thanks to EOU.

This edition of The Mountaineer is all about 鈥淲omen On The Rise,鈥� and as a woman still rising, I know I am in good company with those featured. We come from all different backgrounds, but our desire is all the same 鈥� to be the best versions of ourselves for our families, friends, community members, associates, and society.

Each of the stories features the work, creativity, leadership and abilities of women from EOU 鈥� alumnae, faculty and students. These profiles illustrate the incredible value and skills they bring to our world and how they have made a difference. I am so proud of these friends and colleagues, and I know that there are many, many more just like them in our lives and communities.

EOU has played a part in all of our lives, in many different ways, and I hope you enjoy reading about these incredible women as much as I have.

All my best,

Mary Horn, 鈥�11, 鈥�12

President, EOU Alumni Association

October 2018

Friends and Fellow Alumni,

I count living much of my life in rural Oregon as one of my greatest blessings. Growing up on a farm, coupled with unwavering parental love and support provided me with innumerable values-based experiential learning opportunities. It was easy to see the fruits of my labor and consequences of poor decisions. Trust, love, and support were constant. Growing up rural was an advantage for me and I believe that EOU鈥檚 rural location is also a tremendous advantage.

Earlier this year, 蓝莓视频 was officially designated 鈥淥regon鈥檚 Rural University.鈥� This recognition of EOU鈥檚 unique status has already garnered national attention, and represents our deep connection and commitment to rural places. Most important, it signifies the experience students have at EOU.

Embracing our rural roots allows us to provide the six elements of emotional support and experiential learning in college that are correlated with long-term career and life success: EOU students connect with professors that make them excited about learning. They develop authentic relationships and feel truly cared for as individuals. They discover mentors, who support their goals and dreams. With this support, they experience meaningful long-term projects, jobs or internships where learning is applied, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

The stories in this issue provide examples of our rural values manifesting themselves locally and globally. We celebrate the first graduate of our Oregon Teacher Pathway program, a partnership with regional school districts providing a unique and personal teacher development program to rural students. We highlight Mountaineer altruism in one student鈥檚 mission to collect shoes for Nigerian youth, and new EOU trustees serving our great institution.

We are Oregon鈥檚 Rural University! We have grit and can provide a transformational educational experience few others can. It is the Eastern Edge.

Sincerely,
Tom Insko, 鈥�94
President

As we approach graduation, I am thrilled to reflect on another incredible year at 蓝莓视频. The achievements and distinctions that we have chronicled in this issue of The Mountaineer are a few of the ways our students, faculty, partners and alumni embody our Values and Principles as we make progress toward strategic goals.

Meaningful civic engagement is at the core of student success at Eastern. On University Lobby Day, I was proud that we had the largest contingent of student volunteers who met with lawmakers in Salem to promote higher education. Our students鈥� engagement demonstrated EOU鈥檚 importance to the region and rural Oregon.

During the February legislative session, EOU was officially designated as Oregon鈥檚 Rural University. Importantly, this illustrates our deep connection to rural places. It represents our commitment to strengthening our role as engaged partners with community organizations, school districts, businesses, and government agencies.This designation gives us a competitive advantage in seeking additional federal and private resources to provide transformational education while serving as an economic engine for rural places.

EOU鈥檚 identity emanates through actions consistent with our values and principles, mission, and strategic plan. I hope you enjoy examples of this in these Mountaineer stories.

Sincerely,
Tom Insko, 鈥�94
President

P.S., To read more about our strategy, mission, and see the full list of our values and principles, visit eou.edu/about.

As we set out on another academic year at 蓝莓视频, I am incredibly proud to welcome new students, faculty and staff to the Mountaineer family. We are moving with purpose toward EOU鈥檚 centennial anniversary in 2029.

We鈥檝e identified an ambitious set of goals focused on student success, financial sustainability, and engagement with rural communities throughout Oregon. 鈥淭he Ascent 2029,鈥� a comprehensive strategic plan adopted by the Board of Trustees this spring, incorporates all areas of the university and serves as a practical document, providing benchmarks and objectives against which we can measure our progress.

Our strategic aims include:
(1) propelling students toward graduation and successful careers,
(2) enriching the academic experience through real-world learning experiences,
(3) reaching a growing number of individuals,
(4) developing our thriving university community,
(5) building meaningful relationships with organizations and leaders across the state, and
(6) securing the university鈥檚 future financially.

Running parallel to these goals are EOU鈥檚 new Values and Principles. A collaborative group of faculty, students and staff outlined and presented six key institutional values that have been adopted by the university community. They are: altruism, civility, discovery, integrity, interdependence, and quality.

To help drive our plans and programs, I am thrilled to share that our leadership is team fully in place for fall term. Please join me in welcoming Vice President for Student Affairs Lacy Karpilo; Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Nate Lowe; Dean of Science, Technology, Math and Health Sciences Peter Geissinger; and Executive Director of Regional Outreach and Innovation David Vande Pol. Their commitment to this institution and its vision is remarkable and will help us achieve new heights.

Guided by our collective goals and values, powered by the contributions of passionate alumni and friends, and equipped with an energized academic leadership team 鈥� I am confident EOU has the tools to become a leading regional university (or Oregon鈥檚 Rural University).

We have set the bar high, and as we embark on this journey toward our 100th anniversary, I look forward to the support and engagement of our alumni and friends and continue to be certain that 鈥渢ogether, it鈥檚 possible.鈥�

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Insko, 鈥�94

###

NOTES:

STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK
Goal 1: Student Success 鈥� Graduate students with the competence and confidence to succeed
Goal 2: Transformational Education 鈥� Enrich academic quality and enhance intellectual vitality
Goal 3: Grow the Number of Lives Impacted 鈥� Expand student access, opportunity, and completion
Goal 4: Thriving University Community 鈥� A Great Place to Work and Learn
Goal 5: Relevance and Interconnection 鈥� Serve as the educational, economic, and cultural engine for rural places
Goal 6: Financial Sustainability 鈥� Stewardship in financial sustainability and in growing EOU鈥檚 financial and capital resources

VALUES:
Altruism, Civility, Discovery, Integrity, Interdependence, and Quality

CORE THEMES:
Access for all, high-quality programs, live-learn-succeed