When Lisa MacPherson opened her acceptance email from 91传媒, she didn鈥檛 expect to cry. Confetti fell across the screen, and for Lisa, that moment carried so much weight.

鈥淚t was the moment I realized I was finally doing something for me,鈥� Lisa said. 鈥淚 felt so much pride knowing I was going to the same school my dad once did.鈥�

Lisa, now an online psychology student at 91传媒, returned to the university her father attended in the early 1970s. When the institution was known as Eastern Oregon State College. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 55.

鈥淚 regret not asking him more about his college experience,鈥� Lisa said. 鈥淣ow I鈥檓 always looking for ways to feel connected to him.鈥�

She softens her tone and smiles with affection when talking about him.

鈥淢y dad was everything that you would hope for in a parent. He was loving, kind, patient, and funny. He loved to make us laugh. He was a really good listener鈥� really empathetic. He was just a really good man.鈥�

Inspired by her journey, Lisa and her partner created a video reflecting on returning to college, the influence of her late father, and the sense of connection she has found at 91传媒.聽

After moving to Oregon just over a year ago, Lisa found herself closer not only to her roots but to a long-delayed goal.

鈥淚 always knew I wanted a college degree,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut the timing never seemed right. And then life happened.鈥�

She married young, became a single parent, and focused on raising her daughter, now 20,  while building a career in mental health. For years, school felt out of reach.

鈥淚 was 21,鈥� Lisa said. Life just took me in a different direction for a really long time. School just wasn鈥檛 something I felt like I could prioritize.鈥�

Working alongside students pursuing their own goals, Lisa draws inspiration from the young people around her.

鈥淚 used to tell them, 鈥業f I could go back 20 years, I鈥檇 be doing exactly what you鈥檙e doing,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淎nd they would always respond, 鈥榃hy don鈥檛 you start now?鈥欌��

When her daughter graduated from high school and Lisa relocated to Oregon, the timing seemed right, but more importantly, her perspective shifted.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I realized you have to make those opportunities happen. You can鈥檛 just wait for them,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 scary, you take a breath and jump.鈥�

Lisa enrolled in 91传媒鈥檚 online psychology program.

鈥淎s an online student, I really feel like part of the 91传媒 community,鈥� she said. 鈥淓veryone, from professors to classmates, wants you to succeed. You can feel that.鈥�

That support became tangible early on when a faculty mentor, Felicia Kademian-Saini, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Psychology, helped direct her path.

鈥淪he reached out and said, 鈥榃e should talk,鈥欌�� Lisa said. 鈥淪he helped me really focus on what I鈥檇 be good at, got me involved in research, and helped guide me toward grad school. She didn鈥檛 have to do any of that, but she chose to.鈥�

The experience, Lisa says, changed her trajectory.

鈥淲hen I decided to come back to school, I came back with a purpose, and 91传媒 has fulfilled everything for me along the way,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know if it鈥檚 because I鈥檓 older or it鈥檚 just that good of a school, but that鈥檚 how I feel. I love 91传媒.鈥�

Even while studying remotely, she describes the university as something rare.

鈥淭here鈥檚 something special here. You can feel it,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t still feels like a small, tight-knit family.鈥�

Balancing school and life hasn鈥檛 always been easy. As her coursework intensified, so did the demands on her time.

鈥淎t first, the balance was pretty easy,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut as I got further along, it became really heavy. I had to learn where my limits were.鈥�

With support from faculty and peers, she鈥檚 adjusted her workload and learned to give herself time.

鈥淚t鈥檚 something you have to keep finding,鈥� she said. 鈥淓very term is different.鈥�

Through it all, her journey has remained deeply personal.

鈥淢y dad walked these paths decades ago,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd through my own journey, I get to walk beside him.鈥�

When asked what he might say if he could see her now, Lisa didn鈥檛 hesitate.

鈥淚 think he鈥檇 smile his proud smile and pull me in for a hug,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd he鈥檇 say, 鈥榊ou found your way.鈥欌��

Her voice cracked, recalling her late father鈥檚 belief in her. 

鈥淗e always believed in me more than I ever did鈥� and that would be enough.鈥�

Today, Lisa encourages others, especially those waiting for the 鈥渞ight time鈥�, to reconsider.

鈥淚f you鈥檙e on the fence, you might be waiting for a while,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he truth is, it鈥檚 up to you to make it happen.鈥�

For her, returning to school has been more than earning a degree. It鈥檚 been a way to reconnect with her past, invest in her future, and honor the person who helped shape both.

鈥淎nd I know,鈥� she said, 鈥渉e鈥檇 be proud.鈥�

Sometimes higher education takes students away from home. Sometimes it brings them back.

For Cassie Moore, 鈥�01, her return to the rural community of Unity, Ore., completed a circle. Moore now serves as superintendent of Burnt River Charter School in Unity, one of the most rural school districts in Oregon. The school serves just over 30 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

In April, 91传媒鈥檚 choir tour made a stop at Burnt River. For Moore, the visit carried both professional and sentimental meaning.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really important because I have a couple of kids who are really interested in music, and we don鈥檛 have music programs,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really enlightening to have something they can be inspired by and relate to.鈥�

The visit doubled the population of the small school. When the 91传媒 choir arrived by motorcoach with 44 members, they more than doubled the school鈥檚 population for the day. For many students, it was a rare chance to experience a live choral performance.

Burnt River faces the same challenges as many rural schools across the country, especially limited access to programs and resources. Opportunities like the choir tour help bridge that gap, even if briefly.

鈥淭his is a first for 91传媒 coming here, so we鈥檙e super excited,鈥� Moore said.

Moore鈥檚 path to Unity began at 91传媒, where she studied education. She said the university offered both opportunity and support.

鈥�91传媒 was big enough that you got the full college experience, but small enough that they took care of you,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淭he education department was one of the best in the northwest. It probably still is.鈥�

After graduating, Moore began her career teaching in Ontario, Ore. Moore, who has lived in the Burnt River Valley for 19 years, worked in Baker City, Ore., for 22 years, including as dean of students at South Baker Intermediate and principal at Haines Elementary.

Her connection to the region runs deep. Moore recalls commuting daily over Dooley Pass, a winding mountain route along Oregon Route 245 known for its sharp turns and steep grades. Today, her commute is shorter. She and her husband operate a ranch in the Unity area, surrounded by the Blue and Elkhorn mountains.

Moore said 91传媒 prepared her well for the classroom, especially in teaching foundational skills.

鈥淚 felt really prepared to teach when I left,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淚 felt really confident teaching students to read and to be a professional.鈥�

That confidence has shaped not only her career but her recommendations to others. Moore encourages students, especially those interested in education, to consider 91传媒.

Asked whether she would recommend 91传媒 to her students, Moore is quick to reply. 鈥淎bsolutely, I would recommend it,鈥� Moore said. 鈥淓specially for aspiring teachers.鈥�

Her ties to the university extend beyond her own experience. Her husband also attended 91传媒 through the agriculture program in partnership with Oregon State University. Their son is graduating this year with college credits earned through 91传媒鈥檚 outreach programs. Several members of their extended family are also alumni.

鈥�91传媒 was affordable, it was small enough, but big enough,鈥� Moore said.

As the choir鈥檚 voices filled the Burnt River gym this spring, Moore saw more than a performance. She saw a continuation of the same institution that once prepared her, now reaching the next generation of students in rural schools like Unity.

And for just an afternoon, 91传媒 came to her home.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 (91传媒) will host its annual Career Expo on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Field House. 

The 91传媒 Career Expo brings together a wide range of employers offering part-time positions, seasonal work, internships, and full-time career opportunities. The event is designed to help students explore career pathways, build professional connections, and gain insight into current workforce needs.

New this year, 91传媒 is expanding access to include online students through a dedicated Online Access Station, supported by the Enrollment Support Services Department. Virtual participation will be available from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., creating additional opportunities for engagement beyond the in-person event.

The Career Expo reflects 91传媒鈥檚 ongoing commitment to student success by fostering meaningful connections between students and employers while supporting career readiness and workforce development in Eastern Oregon and beyond.

Students are encouraged to attend and come prepared to network, ask questions, and explore potential career paths.For more information about the EO Career Expo, visit .

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 (91传媒) has earned the 2026 Military Friendly庐 School Gold designation in the Small Public category, recognizing its commitment to creating meaningful educational pathways for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

91传媒 was also named a 2026 Military Spouse Friendly庐 School (Small Public category), earning the Designated award for its support of military spouses pursuing higher education.

Military Friendly庐 ratings are based on public and proprietary data collected through the annual Military Friendly庐 survey, which is offered at no cost to institutions nationwide. Survey topics are developed with input from an independent Advisory Council of experts in veteran education, and the scoring process is fully automated to ensure objective evaluation standards.

Institutions are assessed on their ability to meet established benchmarks in areas such as student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, and overall support services for the military community.

鈥淲e are proud to receive the Gold designation,鈥� said Kerry Thompson, 91传媒 Director of Military Services. 鈥淥ur goal is to ensure that veterans, service members, and their families feel supported from their first inquiry through graduation. Many of us have military experience ourselves, and we understand the importance of clear guidance, strong resources, and a welcoming campus community.鈥�

La Grande veteran Brandon Anger, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps before enrolling at 91传媒, said the university鈥檚 supportive environment made his transition back to college seamless.

鈥淲hy not?鈥� Anger said. 鈥淚鈥檓 from here. I don鈥檛 have any complaints 鈥� the smaller class sizes are better for me. Smaller is better.鈥�

Anger, a Health and Human Performance major, said his experience at 91传媒 has been positive from start to finish.

鈥淚鈥檝e got nothing to say but good things,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t has all been super smooth.鈥�

91传媒 will be featured in the 2026 edition of GIJOBS Magazine庐, and its updated designation will appear on MilitaryFriendly.com beginning March 25, 2026.

91传媒 provides dedicated support services for military-connected students, including personalized advising, assistance with federal education benefits, and connections to campus and community resources.

To learn more about opportunities for veterans and military families at 91传媒, .

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒鈥檚 Bennie Moses-Mesubed, Associate Vice President for Strategic Equity Initiatives,  has been named a recipient of the 2026 Outstanding First-Year Student Advocates Award, presented by the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition in collaboration with Penguin Random House Publishing.

The National Resource Center is dedicated to setting the standard of excellence for supporting student transitions and facilitating educational success for diverse student populations. Each year, presidents of American higher education institutions are invited to nominate one educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advancing first-year student success through high-impact practices.

Moses-Mesubed serves as Associate Vice President for Strategic Equity Initiatives and the TRiO Project Director at 91传媒. TRIO is a set of federal outreach and student services programs designed to support low-income, first-generation, and disabled students in higher education. In this role, she provides leadership and strategic vision to develop and coordinate campus initiatives that advance equity and belonging, working across campus units to foster collaboration and alignment across units toward a shared, campus-wide approach. She also oversees the MOSAIC Center & HUB, International and Native American programs, Study Abroad, and the Benefits Navigator, while supporting efforts that strengthen intercultural competency, inclusion, and improve the enrollment, retention, and completion for underserved student populations.

During her tenure at 91传媒, Moses-Mesubed helped establish what is now known as the MOSAIC Center and launched several transformative programs, including the Celebrate, Educate, & Appreciate Diversity Conference, the Mountie Allies program, and Kickstart Orientation, now known as Summer Bridge. The Summer Bridge program was recognized as a national model for student success by the National Humanities Alliance.

Her scholarship and leadership extend beyond campus. Moses-Mesubed has presented at the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), the 44th Annual First-Year Experience Conference, and the Conference on Community Writing. She also co-authored legislation expanding in-state tuition eligibility for students from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations and special immigrant visa holders.

Currently a doctoral candidate at Oregon State University, Moses-Mesubed鈥檚 research examines how cultural mismatch and systemic barriers impact persistence for Compact of Free Association (COFA) students, and the mechanisms utilized by students to persist and progress; using those findings to inform high-impact practices, highlighting the shared barriers COFA, first-generation, and rural students often experience.All 2026 award recipients will be recognized on the Center鈥檚 website, social media channels, and in the spring issue of Insights for College Transitions.

LAGRANDE, Ore. – When Hannah Brown steps onto the stage in Loso Hall this March, she won鈥檛 just be performing Shakespeare. She鈥檒l be singing it.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very different,鈥� said Brown, a senior at 91传媒. 鈥淣ick took all of those Shakespeare words and put them into songs. The words are Shakespeare, but the music is all originally Nick.鈥�

The music belongs to Nicholas Vece, 鈥�24, who returned to campus to premiere Thou Hast Thy Will, a 14-piece song cycle built from Shakespeare鈥檚 sonnets and monologues. The Winter 2026 production runs March 12鈥�14 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 15 in the Schwarz Theatre.

For Vece, the idea began during rehearsal several years ago when he was still a student.

鈥淚 was working on a monologue, and the director stopped me and said, 鈥楽hakespeare鈥檚 just music. It has rhythm. It has flow,鈥欌�� Vece said. 鈥淭hat stuck with me. If it鈥檚 already music, then it could be music if I wrote it that way.鈥�

Over the next two years, including his final year at 91传媒 and after graduation, Vece began composing. The result blends jazz, folk and musical theater styles, all grounded in Shakespeare鈥檚 original language.

The production is intentionally lean. It requires no elaborate set and no costly performance rights. It features four student vocalists, a piano, percussion and bass. For a rural university where creativity often meets practicality, it is high-impact art built with intention.

Junior Jakob Graffunder said the concept drew him in immediately.

鈥淭aking the sonnets and putting them into music, it鈥檚 such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience,鈥� Graffunder said. 鈥淚 knew I wanted to be part of it.鈥�

Brown said rehearsals have pushed the cast.

鈥淥h yes, lots of Shakespeare to memorize,鈥� she said, laughing. 鈥淏ut we鈥檝e had so much fun performing it.鈥�

For Vece, returning to campus as a director feels different than being a student.

鈥淲hen you鈥檙e at a place like 91传媒, you don鈥檛 just stay in one lane,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 worked in the costume shop. I was a teaching assistant for acting and stage combat. I studied jazz theory and music production. You learn how everything fits together.鈥�

That hands-on experience shaped the way he built this production. He writes the music, directs the cast and collaborates closely with student performers. A fellow alum, Hannah Johnson, 鈥�24, serves as music director, and an alum bassist will return to perform with the ensemble, creating a production that bridges graduating classes.

鈥淭hese are students who remind me of myself a few years ago,鈥� Vece said. 鈥淚f I can create a space for them to perform something original, that matters to me.鈥�

After graduating in 2024, Vece remained in La Grande. He now works in pediatric behavioral health, running an integrated primary care program that teaches adolescents skills to manage anxiety and depression. He is awaiting word on admission to a Ph.D. program, with the goal of becoming a university psychology professor.

Even as he looks toward five more years of study, he says theater will remain part of his life.

鈥淚 never wanted to make it a job,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 wanted to keep that fire alive.鈥漌ith Thou Hast Thy Will, that fire returns to the Schwarz Theatre stage, carried by student voices and shaped by an alum who once stood where they stand now. For Eastern Oregon audiences, it is both a new production and a reminder of what can grow when graduates come back to build something.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 will take nearly thirty students, faculty, staff, and Trustees to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to participate in 2026 University Day, joining the state鈥檚 seven public universities for a day of advocacy in support of higher education.

Students participating in University Day represent both 91传媒鈥檚 La Grande campus and its online student population from communities across Oregon, reflecting the university鈥檚 statewide footprint and commitment to access for rural and place-bound learners.

University Day provides 91传媒 students with a hands-on opportunity to engage directly in the legislative process, meet with elected officials, connect with higher education advocates, and network with fellow students from across Oregon. Participants will attend meetings, learn about current policy issues affecting public universities, and experience firsthand how advocacy shapes higher education at the state level.

鈥淭his is a meaningful extension of 91传媒鈥檚 commitment to civic engagement,鈥� said Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement. 鈥淏y bringing students from across Oregon into the Capitol and giving them direct access to lawmakers, we are helping them understand how public policy impacts higher education and empowering them to be informed, engaged citizens. These experiences reinforce 91传媒鈥檚 role as a steward of leadership and advocacy for rural Oregon and the state as a whole.鈥�

Presidents from all seven public universities will also be present at the Capitol, spending the day alongside students to advocate collectively for Oregon鈥檚 higher education institutions and the importance of continued state investment in access, affordability, and student success.

As part of the day鈥檚 activities, 91传媒 students will meet with Representative Bobby Levy and Senator Todd Nash in a regional-focused meeting to connect directly with eastern Oregon legislators, ask questions about current legislation, learn about the career paths that led them into public service, and discuss issues impacting rural communities and higher education.

鈥淔or 91传媒, being visible and present alongside our peer institutions matters,鈥� said Diego Vergara Zuber, President of the Associated Students of 91传媒. 鈥淯niversity Day shows that 91传媒 students鈥攚hether they are studying on campus or online all over the state鈥攁re part of the statewide higher education conversation. It鈥檚 an opportunity to share our perspectives, advocate for our communities, and ensure rural student voices are heard at the Capitol.鈥�

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 will host a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program information session for prospective candidates interested in a 10-month, accelerated path to the classroom.

The session will be hosted by Kristin Johnson, MAT pre-admissions advisor, and Christina Thew, MAT program coordinator. Attendees will learn about the MAT program schedule, prerequisites, cost, and outcomes, with time for questions. 

鈥淭he session will help prospective candidates decide whether the cohort-based MAT is the right fit,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淲e will outline admission steps, time commitment, costs and how the program prepares graduates for licensure and teaching positions in Oregon schools.鈥�

91传媒鈥檚 College of Education offers a full-time, accelerated MAT program that combines real classroom experience with the coursework needed to prepare for teaching. Students move through the program as part of a cohort over four consecutive terms, starting in summer and finishing the following spring. Hybrid classes make it possible for candidates to complete student teaching placements across Oregon while staying on track with the program.

MAT information session details

Date: Feb. 4, 2026

Time: Noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Zabel Hall 224, 91传媒

Hosted by: Kristin Johnson and Christina Thew

鈥淧articipants will leave with a clear plan for next steps, what to expect week to week, and how the 10-month MAT is designed to move candidates from preparation to the classroom.鈥�

The MAT program prepares candidates to teach in public or private schools at either the elementary or secondary level. Because the program is cohort-based, candidates begin together and progress through the full program as a group. 

Prospective candidates can learn more at .

LA GRANDE, Ore. New statewide wage data reinforces what 91传媒 demonstrates every day: an 91传媒 degree delivers measurable economic value for graduates and strengthens Oregon鈥檚 workforce. As the public university serving rural eastern Oregon, 91传媒 aligns affordable, career-focused programs with regional and statewide labor needs to ensure students see tangible returns on their education.

Data compiled by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and reported by The Oregonian shows that graduates of Oregon鈥檚 public universities earn a median income of about $57,000. Individuals who stop at a high school diploma earn roughly $40,000 in the same period. The gap reflects a clear and growing return on higher education.

Federal College Scorecard findings strengthen this picture. 91传媒 has the lowest average annual cost of attendance among Oregon鈥檚 public universities, with an estimated cost of about $16,000. The Scorecard also reports median alumni earnings of $50,000. Together, these figures indicate that 91传媒 students receive the best earnings-to-cost ratio compared to other Oregon Public Universities. 91传媒 graduates also hold some of the lowest levels of student debt in Oregon, which contributes to long-term financial independence.

91传媒鈥檚 mission directly supports the industries driving eastern Oregon鈥檚 economy. Employers in healthcare, education, forestry, technology, and business consistently seek graduates with the skills 91传媒 develops through applied learning and employer partnerships. The university designs academic pathways that connect students to in-demand roles across the region.

Academic majors continue to influence early career earnings. The statewide analysis found that graduates in STEM and specialized health disciplines often surpass $100,000 annually within five years. Physical science graduates typically earn between $71,000 and $90,000. Many of these high-growth fields mirror 91传媒鈥檚 expanding program areas, including computer science, biology, chemistry, business, and health sciences majors.

鈥淭he data confirms what we prioritize at 91传媒,鈥� said 91传媒 President Dr. Kelly Ryan. 鈥淎 college degree creates economic mobility. 91传媒 provides affordable pathways and high-quality programs that prepare students for meaningful careers and long-term financial stability.鈥�

91传媒 continues to invest in technology-rich learning environments, undergraduate research, and career-connected experiences that link academic training with real workforce demand. These investments reinforce the university鈥檚 commitment to producing graduates who contribute immediately to Oregon鈥檚 economic vitality.

鈥淎s Oregon鈥檚 economy evolves, 91传媒 will grow degree pathways in fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare, and teacher education so more Oregonians can access the lifelong advantages of completing a college degree,鈥� Ryan said.

91传媒 prepares graduates to meet workforce needs across the state through rigorous liberal arts and professional programs offered on campus, online, and at centers throughout Oregon. Visit eou.edu to learn more.

Sophomore pre-nursing major Conner Fecht is the newest student voice on 91传媒鈥檚 (91传媒) Board of Trustees. From his seat at the table, he brings his own perspective as a rural student preparing for a career in health care, along with the story of a family deeply rooted in 91传媒鈥檚 traditions of service and community.

Conner鈥檚 parents, Russell 鈥�99 and Jennifer 鈥�99 Fecht, both studied education at 91传媒. His older brother, Tim, graduated in 2024 after serving in the student government. Now, the Lovelock, Nevada native, is writing the next chapter of that Mountaineer story.

鈥淚 like the small community,鈥� Conner said. 鈥淵ou really get to know people here.鈥�

Conner is aiming for the OHSU-La Grande Bachelor of Science in Nursing program based on 91传媒鈥檚 campus. He plans to apply this winter.

鈥淚 find joy in caring for people,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding.鈥�

A family of Mountaineers

For his parents, watching their youngest son step into leadership at their alma mater is powerful.

鈥淎s 91传媒 graduates and longtime supporters of the university, watching Conner continue the Mountaineer legacy is both humbling and deeply meaningful,鈥� Russell Fecht said. 鈥淗is service on the Board of Trustees is something we never could have imagined when we first set foot on campus years ago.鈥�

Conner鈥檚 mom, Jennifer Fecht, remembers arriving at Eastern from Long Creek, Oregon, where her high school graduating class had just seven students.

鈥淭ransitioning to 91传媒 was a smooth experience,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he professors recognized me by name, and I could easily reach out to any of them for help when needed. 91传媒 was more than just a college. It was a community that made me feel at home and prepared me for success.鈥�

That sense of connection has lasted. When the Fechts return to campus to support their sons, they still run into professors who remember them.

鈥淭hat says everything about the kind of institution 91传媒 was and continues to be,鈥� Russell said.

When it came time for Tim and Connor to choose a college, Jennifer tried not to steer them.

鈥淚 made a conscious effort not to pressure them into attending 91传媒 and let them make their own decisions,鈥� she said. 鈥淥f course, I was delighted when they both chose 91传媒 because I knew they could thrive and participate in as many activities as they wanted. Watching Conner feel confident to join clubs, participate in student government, and become an RA makes me proud that he is living his college life to the fullest.鈥�

A student voice at the table

On campus, Conner鈥檚 involvement runs deep. He serves as a student representative on 91传媒鈥檚 Board of Trustees, a significant commitment for a second-year student, and as a justice with the AS91传媒 student government. He applied for the trustee position as soon as he heard about the opportunity.

鈥淚 was interested in the inner workings of the university,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think I鈥檇 get it, but I wanted to help, offer a student perspective.鈥�

That perspective felt urgent at his first board meeting.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very complicated, every component of it,鈥� he said, reflecting on the challenges facing higher education. 鈥淚t鈥檚 sad to see the numbers going down,鈥� he said of national enrollment trends. 鈥淚 just want to help.鈥�

His parents see this as a natural extension of what he has seen at home.

鈥淐onner鈥檚 service on the Board of Trustees has shown me that he is interested in staying informed about educational issues,鈥� Jennifer said. 鈥淗aving grown up observing his parents and brother, who are educators, he is very aware of various education issues. He pays close attention to details and considers both sides before making decisions. These traits will certainly benefit his career in rural health and emphasize the importance of community service.鈥�

Shaped by rural roots

Conner grew up in Lovelock, Nevada, a town of about 1,600 people, roughly 75 minutes from Reno. On his mom鈥檚 side, his family is from near Long Creek, Oregon, and their ranch is just over an hour from La Grande, another tie that makes 91传媒 feel like home.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a big shortage of health care in rural areas,鈥� Conner said. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 also the community. Everyone looks after each other. I want to be a primary care provider in rural areas, go where I鈥檓 needed.鈥�

His parents say that the desire to 鈥済o where he鈥檚 needed鈥� has been there all along.

鈥淲e鈥檝e always seen in Conner a strong sense of purpose and empathy,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淭he fact that he wants to return to rural communities, places that often struggle to attract and retain health care professionals, speaks volumes about who he is.鈥�

Growing up in a small town, Jennifer said, taught him that giving back is essential.

鈥淗e learned that when everyone works together toward a common goal, the result is often positive,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith this mindset, Conner recognized that volunteering would be an important part of his life. He has dedicated his time to the local recycling center, participated in his church鈥檚 events, and assisted the local Lions Club whenever needed. With his kind heart and willingness to help, Conner would fit in perfectly within a rural community. A community would benefit just as much from him as he would from the connections he would form there.鈥�

Russell sees Conner鈥檚 career path as more than a job.

鈥淲hat stands out most is that this isn鈥檛 just a career choice for him; it鈥檚 a calling,鈥� he said. 鈥淗e wants to be the kind of person who shows up where he can make the most difference.鈥�

Quiet, steady leadership

Day to day, 91传媒鈥檚 small-school advantages are already shaping Conner鈥檚 education.

鈥淭he class sizes make a difference,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 really get to know my professors.鈥�

Even the largest courses feel manageable. Anatomy started with more than 100 students and 鈥渄windled down,鈥� while most of his classes now hover around 20. The relationships, he said, help him learn and keep him moving toward his goals.

His parents see the same quiet leadership they watched grow during his high school years.

One defining moment came when Conner was recognized as a Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) Top Ten Student Athlete for the entire state of Nevada.

鈥淭hat award wasn鈥檛 just about grades or athletic ability; it reflected his leadership, character and sportsmanship across three different sports,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淐onner has always led by example. He worked hard, treated others with respect and inspired his teammates simply by the way he carried himself.鈥�

They still remember a comment from a parent who is also a teacher in their school district. That parent told them that Conner exemplified what he wished every Mustang would strive to become, and that his own son looked up to Connor.

鈥淗earing that as parents was incredibly meaningful,鈥� Russell said. 鈥淚t showed us that Conner鈥檚 influence went far beyond his own achievements; he was making the people around him better.鈥�

Jennifer points to another story that captures who her son is.

鈥淐onner is the kindest person I know,鈥� she said. 鈥淗e has always been incredibly aware of others and their feelings.鈥�

During his early high school years, a classmate invited the entire class to a party. When Conner realized very few people planned to attend, he quietly gathered his closest friends. He convinced them to go, bought a gift card, candy, and a card for everyone to sign, and showed up.

鈥淲e didn鈥檛 find out about it until afterward, when we learned that they were the only ones who attended,鈥� Jennifer said. 鈥淭his story perfectly captures who Conner is. He consistently includes those around him, goes out of his way to make others feel welcome, and befriends everyone.鈥�

鈥淭hat quiet, steady leadership,鈥� Russell added, 鈥渋s the same quality we see now at 91传媒, whether he鈥檚 serving fellow students as an RA, pursuing nursing, or representing the entire student body on the Board of Trustees. It reflects who he genuinely is at his core.鈥�

Looking ahead: 鈥楪et yourself out there.鈥�

Conner is realistic about the competitiveness of nursing. If he鈥檚 accepted to the OHSU-La Grande program next fall, he鈥檒l transition to OHSU enrollment while taking classes on 91传媒鈥檚 campus and finish a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After that, he hopes to earn a master鈥檚 degree and become a family nurse practitioner serving rural communities.

Would he recommend 91传媒 to other students, whether they鈥檙e into nursing, English or theater?

鈥淵eah,鈥� he said confidently, noting he鈥檚 already recruiting friends from home. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a good fit for people who don鈥檛 want a huge campus.鈥�

His advice to classmates is equally direct:

鈥淕et yourself out there. Be involved as much as you can while you鈥檙e here.鈥�

For the Fecht family, that mindset feels like the perfect expression of what it means to be a Mountaineer: show up, serve others, and make the most of every opportunity.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the kind of leadership that runs in the family,鈥� Russell said.

For Conner Fecht, carrying on a legacy isn鈥檛 about following a script. It鈥檚 about going where he鈥檚 needed and making sure the communities that shaped his family continue to have the opportunities and the care they deserve.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒鈥檚 Board of Trustees met November 12鈥�13, with a focus on student success, fiscal resilience, and 91传媒鈥檚 mission as Oregon鈥檚 Rural University. Trustees elected a new chair, celebrated progress in academics, athletics, community partnerships, and university operations, and reviewed budgets and contracts, looking towards the school鈥檚 future. 

President Kelly Ryan reported strong institutional momentum, citing recent accreditation commendations recognizing 91传媒鈥檚 鈥渦nwavering commitment to fostering student success,鈥� collaborative culture, and regional partnerships. 

鈥淚 continue to believe deeply in the power of this university and our mission,鈥� Ryan said. 鈥淲e are serving students with heart, purpose, and integrity during an important moment in the history of higher education.鈥�

Ryan also highlighted major successes this fall, including three Cascade Collegiate Conference titles, national recognition for 91传媒鈥檚 online Exercise Science degree, and highly visible community-engaged learning projects. She emphasized the importance of expanding pathways for rural students and reaffirmed the university鈥檚 commitment to addressing opportunity gaps across eastern Oregon and the state. On the second day of the Board meeting, Ryan delivered a State of Higher Education presentation, situating 91传媒 within broader sector trends.

The board unanimously voted to renew 91传媒鈥檚 partnership with Risepoint, its online program partner. Also, it approved the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, which includes continued investment in students and employee compensation.

Trustees elected Chuck Hofmann, M.D., as the next Board Chair, succeeding George Mendoza, who completed his term with widespread appreciation for his leadership. Mendoza reflected on the significance of the board鈥檚 work during a year marked by national shifts in enrollment, affordability, and confidence in higher education. 

鈥淲hat we do here truly matters,鈥� Mendoza said. 鈥�91传媒 changes lives, strengthens communities, and lifts up this entire region. It has been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated trustees, faculty, staff, and students.鈥�

As chair, Hofmann will lead the Board of Trustees in its work to provide stable, thoughtful governance for 91传媒. The chair presides over board meetings, sets agendas in collaboration with university leadership, appoints committees, and serves as the board’s representative. Guided by his deep ties to eastern Oregon, Hofmann aims to support the president and administration in strengthening student success and advancing 91传媒鈥檚 mission across the region.

Hofmann grew up in La Grande near the campus, attended 91传媒 and the University of Oregon, and practiced medicine in Baker City for many years. He has also served as Mayor of Baker City, President of the Oregon Medical Association, and President of the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative.

鈥淭he strengths of this university are our students, our faculty, our rural Oregon community, and our leadership,鈥� Hofmann said. 鈥淚’m acutely aware of how important 91传媒 is not only to rural Oregon but to the entire state. I’m honored to serve on the Board of Trustees and for the confidence my colleagues have in me as Chair. It鈥檚 a task I take very seriously.鈥�

The Board also heard faculty presentations highlighting interdisciplinary teaching and regional engagement, and student leaders emphasized transparency and expanded campus involvement. 

In closing remarks, outgoing chair Mendoza encouraged the board to continue building deep relationships, centering the student experience, and advocating fiercely for higher education across the state. He added, 鈥�91传媒 is filled with good people doing extraordinary work. This university is a bright light for eastern Oregon, and its future is full of possibilities.鈥�

Members of the public were invited to attend in person and via livestream, with a recording available on the Board鈥檚 webpage. The Board of Trustees will reconvene for its next regular meeting in February 2026.

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 (91传媒) has launched a new 91传媒 Advocacy Platform to empower alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members to speak up for Oregon鈥檚 rural university and the value of higher education statewide.

The platform offers a simple, nonpartisan way for supporters to Oregon鈥檚 Rural Voice in Higher Education affecting 91传媒 and to send messages to lawmakers with just a few clicks.

鈥淎dvocacy is how we move 91传媒鈥檚 mission forward鈥攈ow we ensure that the voices of eastern Oregon and rural communities are heard in Salem and across the state,鈥� said Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement. 鈥淲hen supporters sign up to become 91传媒 Advocates, they鈥檙e helping position the university to advance opportunities for students, strengthen our region鈥檚 economy, and expand 91传媒鈥檚 impact far beyond eastern Oregon.鈥�

Advocates can sign up to receive timely action alerts and share their voices in support of higher education funding, student aid, and regional investment.

Participation is quick, private, and impactful. Visit eou.edu/ua/government-relations to become an 91传媒 Advocate today.

Before turning 22, 91传媒 (91传媒) alumna Megan Gustafson turned classroom lessons into real-world success, launching her own marketing firm, landing her first client, and wrapping up her MBA. These days, she balances business plans, client meetings, and soccer coaching with an energy that reflects both drive and purpose.

The Boise native earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing with a minor in Spanish at 91传媒 and is finishing her MBA this term, all while building her brand, MG Creative.

鈥淚 came to 91传媒 for soccer,鈥� Megan said with a laugh. 鈥淏ut I stayed for the community. I loved the small classes, how close you could get with professors, and how people there truly helped me grow.鈥�

A Foundation Built at 91传媒

Megan鈥檚 path began on the soccer field, but it really took shape in 91传媒鈥檚 classrooms. Courses in marketing, strategy, and communication helped her discover her passion for telling small-business stories and finding her professional voice.

鈥淔rom freshman year to now, it鈥檚 wild how much I鈥檝e grown in confidence and public speaking,鈥� she said. 鈥淐lasses like Dr. Shari Carpenter鈥檚 pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, they taught me how to lead, speak up, and take on challenges.鈥�

Mentorship also played a key role in her journey. Megan credits Professor Shari Carpenter of the College of Business for her academic guidance and Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services, for providing hands-on experience and encouragement through her campus job.

鈥淗aving mentors made such a difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淒r. Carpenter pushed me to be my best, and Shawna kept giving me opportunities to grow. 91传媒 is the kind of place where people invest in you.鈥�

Her experience working on campus gave Megan more than a paycheck; it offered a chance to apply what she was learning in the classroom and discover her strengths in a professional setting.

鈥淢egan developed opportunities at 91传媒,鈥� said Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services. 鈥淪he turned her student campus job into an advanced internship experience. She took on the challenge of directly applying her coursework and self-learning to design and problem-solve department projects. Megan built confidence in interacting professionally with administrators, community members, faculty, staff, and students. That鈥檚 what 91传媒 does so well. We create spaces where students can explore possible routes to solving problems and turn those experiences into career-readiness.鈥�

Building MG Creative

After completing her undergraduate degree in just three years, Megan moved straight into 91传媒鈥檚 MBA program. As graduation neared, she took the next leap鈥攕tarting her own business.

鈥淲hen I moved back to Boise after earning my undergraduate degree, I saw how much small businesses needed marketing help,鈥� she said. 鈥淏oise is growing fast, and not every small business can afford a full-time marketer. I saw an opportunity to help them tell their stories鈥攁nd to challenge myself.鈥�

That vision became MG Creative, a firm offering design, photography, and digital strategy for small businesses. Her first client, Mosaic Remodeling, hired her to modernize their logo, design business cards, photograph completed projects, and build a new website.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so exciting to watch it all come together,鈥� Megan said. 鈥淲e launched the site, we鈥檙e connecting it to Google, and we鈥檙e creating lawn signs. Marketing helps people show their work and credibility, that鈥檚 rewarding.鈥�

Lessons in Leadership and Balance

Running a business while finishing grad school and working part-time isn鈥檛 simple. 91传媒鈥檚 MBA program provided tools Megan uses every day.

鈥淥ne of my favorite classes at 91传媒 was Emotional Intelligence,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t focused on building habits for success and balance鈥攈ow to stay grounded and avoid burnout. Those lessons have been huge as I juggle everything.鈥�

That mindset carries over outside the classroom, too. Megan recently completed a Half Ironman race, a 70.3-mile test of endurance including swimming, cycling, and running.

鈥淪tepping out of my comfort zone always makes me grow,鈥� she said. 鈥淎fter that race, I thought, 鈥業f I can do this, I can do anything.鈥� That mindset carries into business.鈥�

Defining Success

For Megan, success isn鈥檛 measured by numbers alone, it鈥檚 about fulfillment.

鈥淚 heard a quote that said, 鈥業f you love what you do, you鈥檒l never work a day in your life,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淭hat really stuck with me. To me, success means finding something I鈥檓 passionate about, helping others, and continuing to learn and grow.鈥�

Her advice for current 91传媒 students who dream of starting a business? Don鈥檛 wait.

鈥淭he first step is just doing it,鈥� she said. 鈥淐reate a name, make a plan, and take it one step at a time. There鈥檚 never going to be a perfect moment鈥攜ou have to take the leap.鈥�

Looking Ahead

As she finishes her degree and grows MG Creative, Megan plans to stay in Boise for now, expanding her client base and refining her brand. She鈥檚 grateful for where she started, and excited for what鈥檚 next.

鈥淚鈥檓 just getting started,鈥� she said. 鈥�91传媒 gave me the foundation. Now I get to build on it, helping other businesses grow while continuing to grow myself.鈥�

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� Teaching for the future starts by honoring the past. On the hillside at the Lower Cove Cemetery, Megan McGinness and her class of 91传媒 students steer a ground-penetrating radar over the ground, tracing a pioneer cemetery so every resting place is remembered.

Eleven 91传媒 students set out across Lower Cove Cemetery, under a perfectly blue autumn sky, a small cart in tow. Inside is ground-penetrating radar (GPR), a noninvasive tool that sends pulses into the soil and records reflections from what lies below. The goal is both practical and profound: help caretakers of the pioneer cemetery, still in use today, locate unmarked or deteriorated graves so future burials can proceed respectfully and accurately.

Leading the project is archaeology professor Megan McGinness, who says the day in the field transforms what students learn in lectures into a lived, career-shaping experience.

鈥淚鈥檝e tried to teach excavation methods in class, but it hits so differently when they can actually get their hands on the tools and physically do the work,鈥� McGinness said. 鈥淭he application is so much more meaningful than just seeing it on a screen.鈥�

The class will return with an even larger team, 13 students, to complete a full grid of the cemetery. Working in pairs, students establish reference points, pace out survey lanes, collect GPR profiles, and log observations that will later be developed into a subsurface map. Along the way, they practice the habits that make real-world research possible: communication, careful note-taking, ethical decision-making, and a respect for the people and histories beneath their feet.

Sophomore Ali Abbott, who is minoring in anthropology, says that being on site brings home the community impact of the work.

鈥淚t鈥檚 going to help people鈥檚 future鈥� planning and understanding of where loved ones were,鈥� Abbott said. 鈥淎nd [it鈥檚] helping Cove natives know where their history lies鈥� It鈥檚 interesting. It鈥檚 really cool to be able to see where people are in the ground.鈥�

McGinness remembers feeling the same spark as an undergraduate. 鈥淚 was in a class like this and realized, 鈥榊ou can actually do this for a job?鈥欌�� she said with a laugh. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot more to it than standing outside and looking at the ground, but showing students that science can be hands-on, and that it serves people, is the point.鈥�

Respect, accuracy, and service

Because many markers at the cemetery have deteriorated or disappeared, and because the site remains active, GPR offers a respectful way to confirm burial locations without disturbing the ground. The students鈥� survey will help cemetery stewards plan new interments while honoring those already at rest. For students, the work underscores that archaeology is as much about care as it is about discovery.

鈥淥ne student said, 鈥榃e get to do this? This is half our class credit?鈥� McGinness said. 鈥淵es鈥攁nd it鈥檚 the half they鈥檒l remember. For many, it鈥檚 their first time doing this kind of work, and it鈥檚 an experience you rarely get otherwise.鈥�

By the term鈥檚 end, students will have collected and interpreted data, communicated their findings, and reflected on what it means to apply science in the service of people. That is what 91传媒 means by student success and transformational education.

La Grande, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 (91传媒), along with 91传媒 Athletics, the 91传媒 Foundation, and the 91传媒 Alumni Association, extends a heartfelt thank-you to all who braved the cold and rain to take part in the 2025 Homecoming festivities.

Alumni, friends, families, students, and guests gathered throughout the weekend to reconnect at events including the Alumni Association Tailgate Zone, the annual Fun Run, the Mountaineer March Homecoming Parade, and alumni athletic matchups.

91传媒鈥檚 Ag Club took home this year鈥檚 Parade Cup Trophy, with the Chemistry Club recognized as runner-up for their creativity, enthusiasm, and design among dozens of parade entries.

91传媒 also extends special thanks to our proud community partners, Benchwarmers鈥揊amily Friendly Pub & Grill for sponsoring the Mountaineer March, Nate Conklin State Farm for sponsoring the MAA golf scramble,聽 and聽 Legacy Ford for powering this year鈥檚 Tailgate Zone.

鈥淗omecoming brings together the heart of what makes 91传媒 special 鈥� the people who love this place,鈥� said Rich Sipe, Chair of the 91传媒 Alumni Association Board. 鈥淓ven with the weather challenges, our Mountaineer spirit shone bright all weekend.鈥�

91传媒 extends its appreciation to Athletics, student volunteers, Facilities, Event Services, A/V and IT, Security, University Advancement, and all campus and community partners whose collaboration ensured a successful and spirited celebration.

Plans are already underway for next year鈥檚 Homecoming, and the University looks forward to welcoming Mountaineers back to campus once again.

Contact: University Advancement | 91传媒
advancement@eou.edu | 541-962-3740

PORTLAND, Ore. 鈥� Former 91传媒 standout distance runner Nic Maszk crossed the finish line of the 2025 Portland Marathon in first place on Sunday, Oct. 5, completing the 26.2-mile course in an astonishing 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 52 seconds, more than two minutes ahead of the runner-up.

That time ranks Nic within the top one percent of marathon performances worldwide, solidifying Maszk鈥檚 place as an elite runner.

鈥淢y goal was to win,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou never really know who鈥檚 going to show up, but when all the training lands on the goal, that鈥檚 the best feeling.鈥�

From Baker to 91传媒: Building the Foundation

Maszk鈥檚 running journey began at Baker High School, where he discovered a natural talent despite frequent coaching changes. But it was at 91传媒, under long-time coach Ben Welch, where he said he found the structure and consistency that shaped his growth.

鈥淲hen I got to college, Ben was my coach the entire time,鈥� Maszk said. 鈥淭hat structure was the majority of my growth as a runner. His coaching style taught me how to be tough and how to give 100% of myself on days I didn鈥檛 want to. You can apply that lesson to anything in life.鈥�

Maszk earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in molecular biology in 2017 and a master鈥檚 in education in 2018, both from 91传媒. He went on to teach science at North Powder Charter School for three years before deciding to pursue a new career path. Today, he鈥檚 completing his nursing degree.

The Road to Portland

The Portland Marathon marked Maszk鈥檚 third marathon, following strong showings in Eugene and Anchorage, where he also claimed a win.

鈥淭he race in Portland went really smoothly until the last four miles,鈥� Maszk recalled. 鈥淏oth my hamstrings started to lock up, and I just kept thinking, 鈥楬ow can I finish this without cramping?鈥� I knew I was on borrowed time.鈥�

Despite the pain, he powered through to victory, proof that his methodical training and mental preparation paid off.

鈥淚鈥檓 self-coached,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 make a training sheet, plan the workouts, and practice the pain every day. Race day is unique, though, there are always unknowns you can鈥檛 fully prepare for.鈥�

Motivation and Mindset

Now a father of two, Ari, 4, and Ivy, 2,  Maszk says his motivation extends beyond competition.

鈥淚 want my kids to see what discipline looks like,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s I鈥檝e gotten older, I鈥檝e found more intrinsic motivators. Running keeps me grounded and healthy, and the better you do, the more opportunities you get to travel and compete.鈥�

Looking Ahead

Maszk isn鈥檛 slowing down anytime soon. He鈥檚 already preparing for his next challenge and has his eyes on completing all seven of the world鈥檚 major marathons.

鈥淭here are seven majors now, with Sydney being added recently,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檇 love to do them all. Boston and Chicago are probably at the top of my list.鈥�

Words for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he鈥檇 offer current 91传媒 student-athletes, Maszk stepped into a coach鈥檚 mindset:

鈥淒on鈥檛 just focus on the physical side of your sport,鈥� he said. 鈥淟earn why your training works. Be a student of your sport. When you understand the 鈥榳hy,鈥� you can tweak and adapt, and that makes all the difference.鈥�

He added that athletics teach lessons that carry far beyond the track:

鈥淵ou learn how to fail and how to lose. Running is fickle; things don鈥檛 always go your way. But when they do, you feel like the luckiest person in the world. Learning to be grateful when things go right, that鈥檚 the best lesson running ever gave me.鈥�

Maszk continues to represent Eastern Oregon with pride, both on the road and in life. From his days as a Mountaineer to his recent marathon triumph, his journey reflects the resilience, discipline, and heart that define the 91传媒 spirit.

La Grande, Ore. – 91传媒 (91传媒) is proud to once again serve as a presenting sponsor and host venue for the Eastern Oregon Film Festival (EOFF) as it celebrates its sixteenth year of bringing world-class independent cinema and live music to La Grande.

From Oct. 15th through the 18th, 2025, downtown La Grande and the 91传媒 campus will showcase screenings, panel discussions, concerts, and community events designed to inspire and connect audiences. Screenings will be held at McKenzie Theater and Schwartz Theater on the 91传媒 campus, as well as at the Liberty Theatre, HQ, and additional partner venues.

鈥淓astern Oregon Film Festival has become one of the region鈥檚 most anticipated cultural events,鈥� said Christopher Jennings. 鈥淲e are proud of our filmmakers, musicians, and audiences from near and far, and to help foster the kind of community engagement and creative expression that this festival embodies.鈥�

The festivities begin on Wednesday, October 15, with a staged reading of Bad Day for Bigfoot at 91传媒鈥檚 Schwartz Theater, setting the stage for three full days of feature-length films, short film programs, music showcases, and special events.

Highlights include:

• Opening Night (Oct. 16): Double feature at McKenzie Theater 鈥� hitol谩ayca (Going Upriver) and Burrowing Owls: A Love Story 鈥� followed by a Q&A and live music.
  
• Short Film Blocks (Oct. 17鈥�18): Innovative programming across multiple venues, including Party Shorts, Oregon Comedy, Drama Shorts, and Horror/Thriller Shorts, spotlighting both regional and international filmmakers.
  
• Feature Documentaries: Firebreak and The Opener, films that explore resilience, creativity, and transformation through powerful storytelling.
  
• Closing Night (Oct. 18): McKenzie Theater hosts It鈥檚 Only Love and Into the Unknown: My Cancer Story with filmmaker Matthew Thomas Ross in attendance, followed by a festival-closing celebration at HQ.
  

In addition to in-person events, EOFF will also offer virtual screenings through its online platform, expanding access to audiences beyond La Grande.

Founded in 2009, the Eastern Oregon Film Festival has grown into a cornerstone cultural event for the region, recognized for its bold curation and welcoming atmosphere. 91传媒鈥檚 continued sponsorship underscores the university鈥檚 commitment to supporting the arts, strengthening community ties, and providing unique cultural opportunities for students, alumni, and residents of eastern Oregon.

Festival Passes and Tickets
Passes are available online at. Single screening tickets go on sale September 25. Discounted rates are available for students and community members.

Box Office Hours
Opens Wednesday, October 15 at 4:00 p.m. at 91传媒 and Saturday mornings in front of the Liberty Theatre.

For the full catalog of films and schedule, visit:

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� When Jamie Acton steps into her new role as General Manager of Metro Transit in Madison, Wisconsin, she brings years of leadership and public service. She also carries something less obvious: the lessons and resilience from a journey that began 鈥� and eventually circled back to 鈥� 91传媒.

Metro Transit is Madison鈥檚 primary public transportation provider. It runs fixed-route buses, oversees paratransit services for people with disabilities, and manages a $77 million budget with 500 employees. It鈥檚 a position that requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and a deep commitment to meeting community needs, qualities Acton credits to her education at 91传媒.

鈥淚 had a non-linear path,鈥� Acton said. 鈥淚 showed up in person in 1997, played volleyball my freshman year, and in all honesty, I had a rough go. Not a traditional path.鈥�

After leaving La Grande and returning to Anchorage, Alaska, Acton set aside her original plans. But by 2012, she knew she wanted to finish what she had started. Through 91传媒鈥檚 flexible online programs and with the guidance of a supportive advisor, she earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration with an emphasis in interdisciplinary writing in 2015.

She calls it her 鈥榗hoose-your-own-adventure鈥� degree, and it has given her the skills she still relies on today. 鈥淚鈥檝e done a ton of grant writing,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat interdisciplinary writing focus has been invaluable.鈥�

Those skills proved essential as she advanced into leadership roles, serving six years as an executive director in Anchorage and later holding a mayoral appointment. Her path took her to Seattle and Phoenix, and now to Madison, where she will help lead a city making significant investments in public transportation.

For Acton, the return to a place with four seasons and a strong sense of community feels familiar. 鈥淭hat was the thing about Eastern, it had that small-town, hometown feel. La Grande prepared me for this,鈥� she said.

Her brother, Blake Acton, also found success at 91传媒, earning his MBA. Together, they represent the impact of a rural university that supports students no matter where their paths lead.

鈥淚 think Eastern taught me how to go into a community and not know anyone, how to stand on my own two feet,鈥� Acton reflected. 鈥淲hether it was a straight line or not, it鈥檚 something I鈥檓 very proud of.鈥�

She wants others to know that finishing a degree doesn鈥檛 have to follow one script. 鈥淚 need people to know it鈥檚 okay, I didn鈥檛 finish as planned. I did what was right for me, and 91传媒 gave me the freedom to do that. A lot of other schools wouldn鈥檛 have provided that flexibility.鈥�

Now, as she leads Madison Metro Transit into its next chapter, Acton sees the direct relevance of her 91传媒 experience. Just as she built her own academic path, she is now tasked with helping shape a transportation system that adapts to the unique needs of a growing and changing community.

For Acton, it wasn鈥檛 just about finishing a degree; it was about finishing it on her terms. 鈥淟ife has a way of working out,鈥� she said. 鈥淓astern gave me exactly the type of education I needed.鈥�

LA GRANDE, Ore. 鈥� 91传媒 celebrates Homecoming 2025 from Oct. 9 through Oct. 12. The 91传媒 Alumni Association invites all alumni, families, and friends to join in a weekend full of tradition, connection, and Mountaineer pride.

The long weekend features a wide variety of activities for all to enjoy. Events requiring registration include the Homecoming Fun Run and the Mountaineer Athletic Association (MAA) Golf Scramble. Registration forms are available on the 91传媒 Homecoming webpage.

Festivities begin on Thursday, Oct. 9, with the Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony at 6 p.m., honoring outstanding Mountaineer achievements.

On Friday, Oct. 10, will be the 27th annual Nate Conklin State Farm MAA Golf Scramble, teeing off at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. The four-person scramble raises scholarship funds for 91传媒 Athletics and continues its long tradition of community support. Goss Motors, a sponsor for 24 years, will again host hole-in-one and putting contests, with prizes including Mountie and Nike gear, local dining certificates, and free rounds of golf.

Later in the day, the Homecoming Parade will roll through downtown La Grande at 4:30 p.m., showcasing student groups, alumni, and community pride. At 6 p.m., alumni, athletes, and fans will gather for the Track & Field Celebration and Track & Field Reunion Celebration Reception, starting at 6 p.m. at the David E. Gilbert Center, followed by the traditional Mountaineer Spirit Bonfire at 8:30 p.m. to ignite campus energy.

Saturday, Oct. 11, brings a full day of competition and celebration. The begins at 8 a.m., and the Softball Alumni Game at 9 a.m. on the Peggy Anderson Field. At 10 a.m., the Baseball Alumni Game and the open, leading into the Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Wrestling Alumni Duels, held on the 91传媒 tennis courts, at 11 a.m.

91传媒 kicks off at 1 p.m., when the Mountaineers face Arizona Christian in the Homecoming Football Game, in Community Stadium. The day continues at Quinn Coliseum with the Women鈥檚 Basketball Alumni Game at 5 p.m. and the Men鈥檚 Basketball Alumni Game at 7 p.m.

Homecoming concludes on Sunday, Oct. 12, when the Women鈥檚 Lacrosse team takes the field at Community Stadium at 11 a.m. against an opponent to be announced, giving fans one last chance to rally around 91传媒 Athletics. For full details and registration information, visit the Homecoming webpage at .

Homecoming 2025 events: 

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

鈥� 6 p.m. | 2025 91传媒 Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

 Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

鈥� 9:30 a.m. | Nate Conklin State Farm MAA Golf Scramble

鈥� 4:30 p.m. | Homecoming Parade

鈥� 6 p.m.| Track & Field Celebration

鈥� 8:30 p.m. | Mountaineer Spirit Bonfire

 SATURDAY,  Oct. 11, 2025

鈥� 8 a.m. | Homecoming Fun Run

鈥� 9 a.m. | Alumni Breakfast & Awards

鈥� 9 a.m. | Softball Alumni Game

鈥� 10 a.m. | Baseball Alumni Game 

鈥� 10 a.m. | Legacy Ford Tailgate Zone Open

鈥� 11 a.m. | Men鈥檚 & Women鈥檚 Wrestling Alumni Duels

鈥� 1 p.m. | 91传媒 Football vs. Arizona Christian

鈥� 5 p.m. | Women鈥檚 Basketball Alumni Game

鈥� 7 p.m. | Men鈥檚 Basketball Alumni Game 

 Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 

鈥� 11 a.m. | Women鈥檚 Lacrosse vs. TBA

La Grande, ORE – 91传媒鈥檚 Johana Sepulveda carried her community with her when she graduated in 2025. With her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in hand, she returned to her hometown of Boardman, Oregon, to teach fourth grade at Windy River Elementary, the same district where she grew up.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 speak any English when I started kindergarten,鈥� Sepulveda said. 鈥淚 know the challenges my students are facing because I鈥檝e lived them. That鈥檚 why I want to provide the kind of support I needed when I was their age.鈥�

Sepulveda鈥檚 journey reflects the strengths of 91传媒鈥檚 MAT program: an accelerated, hybrid model that prepares teachers to thrive in rural classrooms. But her experience also illustrates the way student voices continually shape and improve the program itself.

Learning While Leading

The MAT is a demanding 10-month program that blends intensive coursework with full-time classroom experience. Many candidates, like Sepulveda, are already working under restricted teaching licenses when they enroll, teaching during the day and logging into online classes at night.

鈥淚t was challenging to balance work and school at the same time,鈥� Sepulveda admitted. 鈥淪ome nights I was energized and eager to learn. Other nights, I was exhausted. But the professors were approachable and supportive. They always made time for us.鈥�

That accessibility, she said, was surprising. 鈥淭hey got back to me on weekends, they answered questions quickly, and they made me feel like I could reach out whenever I needed help. That support carried me through.鈥�

A Program That Listens

According to Kristin Johnson, Admission and Retention Coordinator for the MAT program, that kind of feedback isn鈥檛 just appreciated, it鈥檚 essential. Each year, faculty gather input from students through surveys and an advisory council, then use it to refine coursework, structure, and delivery.

鈥淲e are continually improving the program by taking student feedback,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淚f we鈥檙e seeing similar feedback from a lot of students, we make that adjustment. We also meet twice a year with an advisory council that includes school administrators, practicing teachers, and our own students. That helps us stay current and relevant in the field so we鈥檙e not teaching outdated practices.鈥�

One of the biggest evolutions has been the program鈥檚 shift in modality. Today, MAT students spend only one week on campus at the start of the program. The rest of their coursework is conducted online through weekly Zoom sessions and independent study, an intentional design that supports rural candidates who cannot easily travel to campus.

鈥淚n the past, students had to come to campus more frequently, which we loved,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淏ut that鈥檚 just not what our candidates need now. Many are already teaching in their own classrooms, often in rural communities. By reducing the travel requirement, we make the program more feasible and responsive to their realities.鈥�

Staying Relevant in a Changing Field

Education, Johnson added, is not static. Best practices evolve as research deepens and student demographics shift. Some approaches stand the test of time; others are discarded as outdated.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important to stay connected to both our candidates and the field,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淥ur faculty are still in classrooms doing observations, so they鈥檙e not removed from the K鈥�12 setting. They see the challenges, the successes, and the changes firsthand. That keeps us relevant.鈥�

For Sepulveda, that relevance showed up in practical tools she could use right away. 鈥淚 learned so much about the science of reading,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 was able to take strategies from class and apply them to my students the very next day. That gave me confidence and helped me grow as an educator.鈥�

Rooted in Rural Communities

Now in her own classroom, Sepulveda embodies what the MAT program aims to deliver: prepared, resilient teachers who are rooted in the communities they serve. In Boardman, where many families speak Spanish at home, her bilingual skills allow her to bridge gaps for both students and parents.

For now, Sepulveda is happily rooted in her fourth-grade classroom, but she dreams of teaching Spanish again in the future. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 assume students know something,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 approach it in a way that makes it understandable for everyone. That鈥檚 what language learning should feel like.鈥�

鈥淩ural areas don鈥檛 always have the same resources as bigger cities,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut teachers can bridge those gaps. For my students, being able to ask questions in Spanish makes a huge difference. For parents, it means they鈥檙e included in their child鈥檚 education. That鈥檚 the kind of impact I want to make.鈥�

A Program That Grows With Its Students

For decades, 91传媒鈥檚 MAT program has launched teachers into Oregon classrooms. Today, it continues to evolve, driven by feedback from students like Sepulveda and informed by the needs of rural schools.

鈥淚 was able to apply what I learned right away,鈥� Sepulveda reflected. 鈥淚t helped me become a better educator. And that鈥檚 what matters most, helping students learn and succeed.鈥�

As Johnson sees it, that鈥檚 the heart of the program鈥檚 mission: preparing teachers who not only thrive in their own classrooms but also shape the future of the program itself.

鈥淥ur students鈥� voices matter,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淭hey help us grow, and in turn, we prepare them to go out and make a difference in schools across Oregon.鈥�