LA GRANDE, Ore. – Five 91´«Ã½ students will step onto the podium later this month as the 91´«Ã½ Chamber Choir presents its spring concert, “We Are One,â€� at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday,  May 28 in McKenzie Theatre.

Admission is free, and donations will be accepted at the door.

The concert follows the choir’s February performance, “True Colors,â€� and highlights the work of student conductors Jillian Newman, Jakob Graffunder, McKenzie Jonas, Hannah Brown, and Laylah Lucas. Each student is enrolled in 91´«Ã½â€™s Choral Methods course and has spent the past eight weeks rehearsing and preparing the ensemble for performance.

For many of the students, the experience has provided a first opportunity to lead an ensemble in a live rehearsal setting.

“The first time we stood in front of the choir was terrifying,� Lucas said. “But it’s been really fun seeing all of us get more comfortable and realize that we’re helping create the music, not just directing it.�

Many of the student conductors are preparing for careers in education, and the course gives them practical experience leading rehearsals, communicating musical ideas, and working with singers in real time.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to jump right in,� Jonas said. “It’s helped me become more comfortable leading students and developing teaching strategies.�

Graffunder said the experience has strengthened both his teaching skills and musicianship.

“This class gave me a foundation for teaching and managing an ensemble,� Graffunder said. “It’s helped me become a more well-rounded musician and better prepared for what comes next.�

Brown said the course also emphasized the importance of connection and collaboration within an ensemble.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself, new ways to teach, and how important it is to build connections with students,� Brown said.

Newman, who plans to become a music teacher, said conducting introduced a new kind of leadership experience.

“I’ve had to learn different teaching approaches and how to connect with the ensemble,� Newman said.

The concert repertoire explores themes of unity, connection, and shared human experience through music from a variety of traditions and cultures. Selections include “Sisi Ni Moja� by Jacob Narverud, “An Earth Song� by Marques Garrett, “Wade in the Water,� arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson, and “Indlu yeGagu,� arranged by Sizwe Mondlane.

Professor of Music Peter Wordelman said the course allows students to develop conducting skills through direct experience with an ensemble.

“You can study technique, but conducting only improves when you’re working with real people,� Wordelman said. “Learning how to lead an ensemble happens in the moment.�

The concert program includes:

Full Choir

• “Sisi Ni Mojaâ€� by Jacob Narverud — conducted by Jillian Newman
• “Hela Rotanâ€� (Indonesian Folksong), arranged by Ken Stevens — conducted by Jakob Graffunder
• “An Earth Songâ€� by Marques Garrett — conducted by McKenzie Jonas

Soprano/Alto Choir

• “Swifter Than Flameâ€� by Elaine Hagenberg — conducted by Hannah Brown
• “Wade in the Water,â€� arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson — conducted by Jakob Graffunder

Tenor/Bass Choir

• “Connectedâ€� by Brian Tate — conducted by Laylah Lucas
• “The Riverâ€� by Susan La Barr — conducted by Jillian Newman

Full Choir

• “Kama Mutaâ€� by Aaron Gage — conducted by Hannah Brown
• “Indlu yeGaguâ€� (South Africa), arranged by Sizwe Mondlane — conducted by McKenzie Jonas
• “Lovely Chanceâ€� by Jacob Narverud — conducted by Laylah Lucas

For more information about 91´«Ã½â€™s music program and upcoming performances, visit eou.edu.

When Lisa MacPherson opened her acceptance email from 91´«Ã½, she didn’t expect to cry. Confetti fell across the screen, and for Lisa, that moment carried so much weight.

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

Lisa, now an online psychology student at 91´«Ã½, 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.

“I regret not asking him more about his college experience,� Lisa said. “Now I’m always looking for ways to feel connected to him.�

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

“My 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… really empathetic. He was just a really good man.�

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´«Ã½. 

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

“I always knew I wanted a college degree,� she said. “But the timing never seemed right. And then life happened.�

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.

“I was 21,� Lisa said. Life just took me in a different direction for a really long time. School just wasn’t something I felt like I could prioritize.�

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

“I used to tell them, ‘If I could go back 20 years, I’d be doing exactly what you’re doing,’� she said. “And they would always respond, ‘Why don’t you start now?’�

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

“That’s when I realized you have to make those opportunities happen. You can’t just wait for them,� she said. “It’s scary, you take a breath and jump.�

Lisa enrolled in 91´«Ã½â€™s online psychology program.

“As an online student, I really feel like part of the 91´«Ã½ community,â€� she said. “Everyone, from professors to classmates, wants you to succeed. You can feel that.â€�

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

“She reached out and said, ‘We should talk,’� Lisa said. “She helped me really focus on what I’d be good at, got me involved in research, and helped guide me toward grad school. She didn’t have to do any of that, but she chose to.�

The experience, Lisa says, changed her trajectory.

“When I decided to come back to school, I came back with a purpose, and 91´«Ã½ has fulfilled everything for me along the way,â€� she said. “I don’t know if it’s because I’m older or it’s just that good of a school, but that’s how I feel. I love 91´«Ã½.â€�

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

“There’s something special here. You can feel it,� she said. “It still feels like a small, tight-knit family.�

Balancing school and life hasn’t always been easy. As her coursework intensified, so did the demands on her time.

“At first, the balance was pretty easy,� she said. “But as I got further along, it became really heavy. I had to learn where my limits were.�

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

“It’s something you have to keep finding,� she said. “Every term is different.�

Through it all, her journey has remained deeply personal.

“My dad walked these paths decades ago,� she said. “And through my own journey, I get to walk beside him.�

When asked what he might say if he could see her now, Lisa didn’t hesitate.

“I think he’d smile his proud smile and pull me in for a hug,� she said. “And he’d say, ‘You found your way.’�

Her voice cracked, recalling her late father’s belief in her. 

“He always believed in me more than I ever did… and that would be enough.�

Today, Lisa encourages others, especially those waiting for the “right time�, to reconsider.

“If you’re on the fence, you might be waiting for a while,� she said. “The truth is, it’s up to you to make it happen.�

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

“And I know,� she said, “he’d be proud.�

The Nightingale Gallery of 91´«Ã½ will close out our 2025-26 exhibition season with our annual celebration of student artists. The annual All-Campus Juried Student Exhibition will run from May 20 through June 12. The exhibit features work by 91´«Ã½ students from a variety of disciplines. There will be an opening reception on Wednesday, May 20, from 5-7 p.m. with presentation of awards at 5:30 p.m. Please note the day of the opening is on Wednesday for this particular exhibit, not our usual Friday opening reception.

Our juror this year is Katherine Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy is the Co-Founder and Curator of The Common Well. The Common Well is a dynamic community of artists and entrepreneurs who share space, collaborate, and network in an old factory located in Garden City, Idaho. Shaughnessy curates the dynamic gallery space located on the premises and is also an artist in her own right. She has had solo exhibitions in Chicago, Marfa, and Albuquerque, and her work has been in group shows at The Cleveland Museum of Art, National Museum of Women in the Arts, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Boise Art Museum, Sun Valley Museum of Art and most recently, Maintenant in Marfa, Texas, in a spring 2026 show titled “What Are You Fighting For?” 

Shaughnessy’s artistic practice is rooted in her examination of the natural world and its awkward intersection with human demands and desires – from bioengineering and borders to bridges and climate change. Her work’s medium and materiality shifts and responds to the concept she is investigating and includes painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, video, and installation. Shaughnessy thrives on the meditative process of art making, as well as its healing force, both personally and politically.

Shaughnessy will present a public talk on her curatorial and studio practices on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. in Huber Auditorium, Badgley Hall. The presentation is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

In addition to selecting works to include in the exhibit, Shaughnessy will select several works to be recognized with monetary awards.  In addition to the juror’s awards will be the presentation of the sixteenth annual Kathelene Galloway Memorial Scholarship and our seventeenth annual presentation of the Joseph Dickerson Memorial Award. 

The Kathelene Galloway Memorial Scholarship is a $500 award presented to a sophomore or junior-level Art major who exhibits exemplary technical and conceptual skill. The award is made in memory of Kathelene Galloway, who was a professor of printmaking and drawing at 91´«Ã½. Galloway, who passed away suddenly in December of 2009, was a highly dedicated and much-loved artist, teacher, and colleague. She was a passionate advocate for her students, art, artists, and 91´«Ã½. She lived to share knowledge and the wonder that comes with discovery. Galloway exemplified the excellence to which we encourage our students to aspire. 

The Joseph Dickerson Memorial Award is in memory of Joe Dickerson, an 91´«Ã½ freshman tragically killed in a 2009 auto accident. Following the loss of their son, Joe’s parents, Doug and Kyla Dickerson, made a gift of funds to the 91´«Ã½ Art program. Joe was a model student whose creative energy and enthusiasm for learning were infectious. In light of this, the 91´«Ã½ Art Program chose to use the funds so generously given by the Dickerson family to endow an award in their son’s name to be presented annually to a student who the Art faculty feels best exemplifies Joe’s dedication, curiosity, and creative spirit. 

All awards will be announced at the reception at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Please join us in celebrating the creativity of our 91´«Ã½ students.

The Nightingale Gallery is located in Loso Hall on the campus of 91´«Ã½ in La Grande, OR.  Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.  For more information, follow the Nightingale Gallery on and.
To request images of artwork for publication or to schedule an interview with one or more of the artists, please contact Gallery Director Cory Peeke at cpeeke@eou.edu.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ is one of 10 universities across the country to participate in workshops led by the Association of American State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) focused on the value of higher education. 

The Postsecondary Value Framework (PVF) defines and measures whether postsecondary education delivers meaningful value for students and society. It was developed by the Postsecondary Value Commission, launched in 2019 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by the Institute for Higher Education Policy.

University leadership, faculty, and staff spent an intensive day and a half examining how the PVF informs 91´«Ã½â€™s projects and programs, focusing on outcomes for students, families, business, industry, and communities. 

“The Postsecondary Value Framework (PVF) is highly aligned with 91´«Ã½â€™s existing strategic direction,â€� said 91´«Ã½ President Kelly Ryan. “The framework asks institutions to organize strategy around whether students receive equitable access, affordability, support, completion, earnings, and wealth-building value from a postsecondary credential. At 91´«Ã½, that is exactly what we are doing.â€�

Recent initiatives at 91´«Ã½, including graduate student enrollment growth, expanded scholarships, the Mountaineer Success Team Program, TRIO Student Support Services, workforce grants, rural educator pathways, and new entrepreneurship and behavioral health programs, show that Oregon’s Rural University is focused not only on providing access to higher education but on ensuring that students complete, thrive, and contribute to the vitality of rural communities. 91´«Ã½ has also been noted for having some of the highest average alumni earnings in Oregon and the lowest tuition rates. 

“I firmly believe in the life-changing power of higher education,â€� Ryan said. “And I believe in the people here at 91´«Ã½ who volunteered to do this workshop because they are committed to supporting our students and serving our region.â€�To learn more about the Postsecondary Value Framework, visit or at AASCU .

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

For Cassie Moore, ’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´«Ã½â€™s choir tour made a stop at Burnt River. For Moore, the visit carried both professional and sentimental meaning.

“It’s really important because I have a couple of kids who are really interested in music, and we don’t have music programs,� Moore said. “It’s really enlightening to have something they can be inspired by and relate to.�

The visit doubled the population of the small school. When the 91´«Ã½ choir arrived by motorcoach with 44 members, they more than doubled the school’s 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.

“This is a first for 91´«Ã½ coming here, so we’re super excited,â€� Moore said.

Moore’s path to Unity began at 91´«Ã½, where she studied education. She said the university offered both opportunity and support.

“91´«Ã½ was big enough that you got the full college experience, but small enough that they took care of you,â€� Moore said. “The education department was one of the best in the northwest. It probably still is.â€�

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´«Ã½ prepared her well for the classroom, especially in teaching foundational skills.

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

That confidence has shaped not only her career but her recommendations to others. Moore encourages students, especially those interested in education, to consider 91´«Ã½.

Asked whether she would recommend 91´«Ã½ to her students, Moore is quick to reply. “Absolutely, I would recommend it,â€� Moore said. “Especially for aspiring teachers.â€�

Her ties to the university extend beyond her own experience. Her husband also attended 91´«Ã½ through the agriculture program in partnership with Oregon State University. Their son is graduating this year with college credits earned through 91´«Ã½â€™s outreach programs. Several members of their extended family are also alumni.

“91´«Ã½ was affordable, it was small enough, but big enough,â€� Moore said.

As the choir’s 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´«Ã½ came to her home.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Inside the Fieldhouse at 91´«Ã½, 91´«Ã½ junior Bella Henneke guides a group of older adults as they work through a balance exercise. The junior Health and Human Performance major watches as participants shift their weight, steady themselves, and try again. It’s simple on the surface, but not easy.

The Balance Class is a collaboration between 91´«Ã½ and Grande Ronde Hospital. Held twice a week during the spring term, it brings together students, health professionals, and community members with a shared goal: improving stability and helping prevent falls.

The idea started with Dean of 91´«Ã½’s College of Science, Technology, Mathematics and Health Sciences Darren Dutto, and continues under the direction of Jackie Morgan, instructor in the Health Science department. It builds on the partnership between the University and the hospital, blending classroom learning with real interaction in the community.

“This is a great student experience,� Morgan said. “A lot of our students are thinking about working in allied health fields. This gives them a chance to work directly with the community.�

Students begin the term learning the basics of balance and mobility. By the second week, community members join them in the Fieldhouse. From there, the class becomes active and hands-on. Students help with assessments and guide participants through a series of stations that mix physical movement with small mental challenges.

Corrine Dutto, a physical therapist with Grande Ronde Hospital, said the space makes a difference. “We can do a lot more in here than we could in a conference room,� she said. “The goal is to prevent falls and provide education, but it’s also about giving students real experience working with a population they may not otherwise interact with.�

That interaction is part of what keeps people coming back. Students gain experience, but they also get to know the participants, many of whom return each week.

For Henneke, that connection stands out. “It’s a really good opportunity to help people and immerse myself in the community,� she said. “I also love being around the people and seeing them enjoy the class.�

The program runs without a formal budget, relying on flyers, word of mouth, and support from the hospital to spread the word. Even so, participation has stayed steady, and organizers hope to continue offering the class each spring.

Morgan sees it as a simple idea with lasting impact. “It brings together students, the University, and the community in a meaningful way,� she said.

Around the room, participants move from one station to the next. Nearby, students watch and encourage one another, building skills they’ll carry into their careers, shaped by moments just like these.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) and the Office of Strategic Equity Initiatives invite the campus community to the 15th annual CEAD (Celebrate, Educate & Appreciate Diversity) Conference on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to  1:30 p.m. on the 91´«Ã½ campus in La Grande. This milestone year celebrates a long-standing campus program focused on learning, connection, and shared understanding. This conference is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff. Some parts of the conference will be livestreamed. More details, including a registration link, will be shared soon. This conference is made possible through support from the Student Council for Cultural Affairs.

Over the years, the CEAD Conference has explored a range of topics, including the value of different perspectives, how systems shape experiences, and, more recently, building relationships, communicating effectively, and strengthening a sense of community. This year’s conference will continue to focus on community, connection, constructive dialogue, and navigating conversations around identity and lived experiences, particularly within rural settings. The event is designed to bring together students, faculty, staff, and community members for thoughtful discussion and reflection.

There will be a free breakfast and lunch for conference attendees. 

“As we mark 15 years of CEAD, we see this as an opportunity to bring people together in meaningful ways,â€� said Mika Morton, Director at 91´«Ã½â€™s Office of Strategic Equity Initiatives. “Our goal is to create space for respectful conversation, shared learning, and a stronger sense of connection across our campus.â€�

The conference will feature keynote speaker Eliot Feenstra of Oregon’s Kitchen Table, known for his ability to bring people together across different perspectives and create space for thoughtful, grounded conversation. Through his work, he has helped communities across Oregon engage in meaningful dialogue around complex issues, with a focus on listening, shared understanding, and finding common ground. His approach, centered on curiosity, care, and connection, makes him especially well-suited to help set the tone for this year’s conference.

91´«Ã½ remains committed to fostering a campus environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel a meaningful sense of connection and support. The CEAD Conference is one way the university continues to invest in opportunities for open dialogue, reflection, and shared responsibility in building a strong and connected campus community. Additional details, including registration information, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

For more information about the CEAD Conference, please contact Mika Morton at mnmorton@eou.edu.

LINK TO ADA Digitally Accessible formatted Poster (PDF):

LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ named 617 students to the dean’s list for the 2026 winter term. Qualifying students achieve and maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while completing a minimum of 12 hours of graded coursework for the term.

As an educational, cultural, and scholarly center, 91´«Ã½ connects the rural regions of Oregon to a wider world. Our beautiful setting and small size enhance the personal attention our students receive. At the same time, partnerships with colleges, universities, agencies, and communities add to the educational possibilities of our region and state. 

See the Winter 2026 Dean’s List

LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) and Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics (GRH) are pleased to announce a new partnership designed to expand healthcare access for 91´«Ã½ students and strengthen connections with local medical providers.

Through this partnership, students will have access to comprehensive healthcare services at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics, located just two blocks from campus. Students will be able to establish care with a local provider and request same-day appointments through the clinic’s patient portal, ensuring timely and convenient access to care.

As part of this transition, 91´«Ã½ will move from an on-campus Student Health Center model to a community-based healthcare approach. The on-campus Student Health Center will permanently close on June 12, 2026, at the conclusion of the Spring term.

“This partnership represents an exciting evolution in how we support student health and well-being,â€� said Mollie Rockafellow, Vice President for Student Affairs at 91´«Ã½. “By connecting students more directly with local healthcare providers, we are expanding access to a broader range of services while strengthening their connection to the La Grande community. We are proud to serve as a bridge, helping students navigate care, build relationships locally, and access support that extends beyond their time at 91´«Ã½.â€�

The transition to a community-based model is intended to:

• Increase access to a wider network of healthcare providers in La Grande.
• Provide continuity of care beyond a student’s time on campus.
• Reduce costs for students by proposing a decrease in the student health services fee.

91´«Ã½ is currently proposing to reduce the student health services fee from $239 per term to $180 per term, pending approval through university governance and Board processes. 91´«Ã½ emphasized that Counseling Center services will remain unchanged. Students will continue to have full access to counseling and mental health support without interruption through the 2026–27 academic year and beyond.

To help students navigate healthcare options, 91´«Ã½ will continue to offer its Benefits Navigator Program, which assists students in understanding insurance coverage and identifying local providers. Additionally, the university plans to enhance health literacy and student support through expanded programming and staffing, including a Health and Wellness Coordinator. Students are encouraged to begin establishing care with a provider that aligns with their insurance coverage and plans. Those without insurance or with questions about local providers can access support through 91´«Ã½â€™s Benefits Navigator.

Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and its role in

supporting student success.

“We’re proud to work alongside 91´«Ã½ to help care for students close to where they live and learn,â€� said Jeremy Davis, President and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics. “Partnerships like this matter in rural communities, and this one helps ensure students have access to quality care while strengthening the ties between our organizations. 

91´«Ã½ also acknowledged its longstanding partnership with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and expressed appreciation for the care provided to students over the years.

This transition reflects 91´«Ã½â€™s ongoing commitment to aligning student services with evolving needs—focusing on access, quality, and affordability. University leaders will continue to evaluate and refine services to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive both on campus and in the community.

For more information, contact 91´«Ã½ Student Affairs at saffairs@eou.edu or call (541) 962-3052.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – In what has become both a tradition and a community event, 91´«Ã½ is bringing one of the finest musical instruments in the region to the public on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

Community Fazioli Piano Day invites members of the community to sign up and play the $150,000 Fazioli piano on stage at McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall on the campus of 91´«Ã½.

“We warmly invite community members of all ages and experience levels to come play and enjoy this beautiful instrument.� Mio Aoike, faculty member and pianist in the Music Department, said. “Whether you’re just starting, returning to the piano after many years, or play regularly, you are very welcome here. We invite the community to come and display their talents.�

This event is a special outreach project providing a unique opportunity for individuals to perform on a world-class instrument. By participating, individuals not only enrich the local musical community but can also support the 91´«Ã½ Music Scholarship Funds in the 91´«Ã½ Foundation.

While the event is free, donations from performers and audience members will be appreciated to support the 91´«Ã½ Music Scholarship funds at the 91´«Ã½ Foundation.

In December 2018, the 91´«Ã½ Foundation premiered the brand-new concert grand piano, the black Fazioli, at the Holiday Music Festival. Generous donors raised $150,000 to purchase, tune, and care for this high-quality instrument in 12 months. The successful campaign highlighted a growing culture of philanthropy and significantly increased engagement among alumni and donors at 91´«Ã½.

The Fazioli replaced a 64-year-old piano that had been manufactured in 1953. The efforts to raise the $150,000 for the Fazioli worked in conjunction with a renovation of McKenzie Theatre.

“Our goal is simply to bring people together, share the joy of music, and make this extraordinary instrument accessible to everyone in a supportive and encouraging space,â€� Peter Wordelman, professor of music at 91´«Ã½, said.

Hundreds of 91´«Ã½ students, community members, and guests perform alongside the grand piano in McKenzie Theatre every year. Dozens of events, from choir concerts and visiting artists to senior recitals and orchestra performances.

To participate in Community Fazioli Piano Day, simply sign up using this link:

Performances are free for all to enjoy, with donations welcomed to further music education at 91´«Ã½.

The Music Department is planning a special program as a grand finale, so everyone is encouraged to stay.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has earned the 2026 Military Friendly® 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´«Ã½ was also named a 2026 Military Spouse Friendly® School (Small Public category), earning the Designated award for its support of military spouses pursuing higher education.

Military Friendly® ratings are based on public and proprietary data collected through the annual Military Friendly® 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.

“We are proud to receive the Gold designation,â€� said Kerry Thompson, 91´«Ã½ Director of Military Services. “Our 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.â€�

La Grande veteran Brandon Anger, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps before enrolling at 91´«Ã½, said the university’s supportive environment made his transition back to college seamless.

“Why not?� Anger said. “I’m from here. I don’t have any complaints — the smaller class sizes are better for me. Smaller is better.�

Anger, a Health and Human Performance major, said his experience at 91´«Ã½ has been positive from start to finish.

“I’ve got nothing to say but good things,� he said. “It has all been super smooth.�

91´«Ã½ will be featured in the 2026 edition of GIJOBS Magazine®, and its updated designation will appear on MilitaryFriendly.com beginning March 25, 2026.

91´«Ã½ 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´«Ã½, .

LA GRANDE, Ore. — 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has been named one of the “, recognizing 91´«Ã½â€™s commitment to supporting Indigenous students through academic programs, financial aid, and community engagement.

The national recognition highlights 91´«Ã½â€™s academic offerings and investment in Indigenous student support. 91´«Ã½ continues to prioritize access, affordability, and culturally responsive education as part of its mission as Oregon’s Rural University.

Located on the traditional homelands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Nez Perce tribes, 91´«Ã½ serves a student population of just under 3,000. Winds of Change noted the University’s scenic campus in La Grande, situated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, as well as its close-knit community in the natural landscape of Eastern Oregon.

91´«Ã½ has also been recognized for value, including being named among the best-value colleges in the Northwest. Academic strengths include robust science, technology, engineering, and math programs supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and partnerships with Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science University.

Within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the Native American Studies program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws from history, economics, political science, anthropology, and law. Student engagement is further supported by organizations such as the Speel-Ya Native American Student Council, which plays an active role in campus life, and through cultural events, including the University’s annual powwow.

91´«Ã½ provides multiple financial aid opportunities for Indigenous students, including the Tribal Student Grant and scholarships through organizations such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, which works in partnership with the 91´«Ã½ Foundation to provide access to other privately-funded scholarship opportunities, including the First Citizen Award, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and more.

AISES is a national nonprofit founded in 1977 to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples in STEM education and careers through academic, professional, and cultural support.

“Being recognized among the top colleges for Indigenous students reflects 91´«Ã½â€™s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and support systems,â€� said  Native American Program & MOSAIC Center Coordinator Pepper Huxoll. “We are proud to cultivate a community where Indigenous students can thrive academically and culturally.â€�

For more information about 91´«Ã½â€™s programs and support services, visit eou.edu.

Capstone Exhibit  Brings Three Emerging Artists to Nightingale Gallery

La Grande, Ore. –The Nightingale Gallery presents “ANGLE OF REPOSE,â€� the capstone exhibition of Jess Furgerson, Jack Hess, and Megan Hurley. The exhibit explores themes of nature, repetition, and nostalgia. It will be on view in the gallery from April 3rd to May 8th. The opening reception will be on April 3rd from 5-7 p.m. in the Nightingale Gallery.  

Jess Furgerson is an artist focused on the integration of nature and the figure, exploring humanity’s connection to the earth. Her work is rooted in her upbringing in the Pacific Northwest, where the natural world weaves into urban influence. 

Jack Hess uses art to explore the nebulous emotions often kept within, forcing them outward through the medium of textile and sculpture. Their work serves as a meditation on anxiety, in particular the kind that makes itself known violently. In this way, the work becomes a form of therapy, keeping idle hands busy while the mind runs rampant. 

Megan Hurley is an artist who grew up in the hills of Eastern Oregon. Her work is based on her own experiences growing up, exploring themes of childhood imagination through the rehashing of old memories. These themes are expressed in the forms of painting and printmaking, utilizing vibrant colors to portray the sweetness of a time gone by. 

Interwoven narratives encapsulate “ANGLE OF REPOSE,â€� with artwork teetering on the edge of one thing, about to slip into the next. Differing media collide into one another, either creating tension or offering reprieve, taking inspiration from both our natural and inner worlds. The result is a steady descent into a consuming artistic endeavor and an attempt to find a sort of balance between pushing your limits and tipping into an art-fueled collapse. 

The gallery, located in Loso Hall, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.  For more information, visit or follow the Nightingale Gallery on Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌý.

To request images of artwork for publication or to schedule an interview with the artist, please contact Gallery Director Cory Peeke at cpeeke@eou.edu.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – As Oregon works to address some of the lowest reading proficiency rates in the nation, 91´«Ã½â€™s teacher preparation programs are being recognized as the strongest in the state for preparing educators to teach reading.

A recent article by the , a nonprofit newsroom covering the state, highlights 91´«Ã½ as a bright spot among Oregon’s public universities when it comes to preparing future teachers in the science of reading.

According to the article, the (NCTQ) gave 91´«Ã½â€™s undergraduate teacher preparation program an “Aâ€� for reading foundations in its most recent review of Oregon programs. 91´«Ã½ was the only public university in the state to receive the top grade.

The article, part of a series “,� examines the state’s ongoing literacy challenges. Currently, only about 40% of Oregon third graders read at grade level, according to state assessments cited in the report.

National experts have long emphasized the importance of teaching reading through research-based methods often referred to as the science of reading, which includes instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

The Oregon Journalism Project reports that 91´«Ã½â€™s strong performance reflects years of work to align its education curriculum with those evidence-based practices.

The article highlights the contributions of Ronda Fritz, Ed.D., professor of education at 91´«Ã½, whose efforts helped reshape the university’s reading instruction courses to align with research-supported methods.

“I am proud of our literacy team’s efforts to shift our programs to evidence-based practices for teaching reading and writing,â€� said Fritz. “We have worked hard over the last few years to ensure that our teacher candidates gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. It’s nice for that work to be recognized.â€�

Fritz began examining reading instruction more closely after attending a training through the International Dyslexia Association that introduced her to the science of reading. After earning her doctorate and joining the 91´«Ã½ faculty, she redesigned the university’s reading curriculum to prepare future teachers.

Today, 91´«Ã½â€™s teacher preparation programs emphasize evidence-based literacy instruction alongside extensive classroom experience.

91´«Ã½â€™s College of Education prepares teachers who serve schools across Oregon, particularly in rural communities where access to well-trained educators is critical. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate pathways designed to prepare educators for classrooms throughout the state.

The Oregon Journalism Project article notes that while many teacher preparation programs nationwide have worked to align with the science of reading, progress has varied across institutions. In an analysis of Oregon programs, 91´«Ã½ emerged as a leading example of how universities can strengthen teacher preparation in literacy instruction.

The full article was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state of Oregon.

An 91´«Ã½ teacher candidate works with an elementary student during a hands-on classroom activity, helping the student complete a puzzle at Imbler Charter School. (Michael K. Dakota/ 91´«Ã½)

LA GRANDE, Ore. — 91´«Ã½â€™s 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´«Ã½. 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´«Ã½, 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’s 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’s website, social media channels, and in the spring issue of Insights for College Transitions.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Teach Rural Oregon is pleased to announce that it has received an Oregon Rural Classroom Stipends grant from . The $17,000 grant will be used to provide classroom setup and support grants to rural undergraduate and graduate student educators. These student educators are either currently placed in a rural school for their field experience or student teaching, or they accept a position in a rural Oregon school district after receiving their certification. Funds will allow educators to set up their classrooms, purchase essential materials and supplies, and invest in their schools.

Thanks to this grant, 66 new educators will each receive a one-time $250 award to support their work.

Foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding idea about learning and creating direct value for youth. This project also aligns with foundry10’s Geographically Isolated Youth anchor, which focuses on investing in professional development opportunities for rural educators. Foundry10’s Geographically Isolated Youth anchor supports rural schools, school districts, and community-based organizations with educational tools and resources across the following categories: STEM education, digital skills and technology access, as well as professional development and educator resources.

91´«Ã½ was founded in 1929 as a teacher’s college and today serves as a center for education, culture, and scholarship in rural areas of Oregon. 91´«Ã½ serves more than 2,800 students across 30 academic programs. 91´«Ã½â€™s Teach Rural Oregon program (TRO) aims to recruit diverse student teachers (including first-generation) to complete their student teaching in rural and isolated rural districts across Oregon.

The Teach Rural Oregon program at 91´«Ã½ is consistent with best practice recommendations for funding rural schools. It operates using an asset mindset, seeing the opportunity and value of rural schools and rural educators, while also addressing gaps in resources for rural educators.

Teach Rural Oregon is thankful for this opportunity to assist rural educators with classroom supplies and is deeply appreciative to foundry10 for this support of our mission at a time when rural schools are struggling to financially provide teachers with quality curricular support.

LAGRANDE, Ore. – When Hannah Brown steps onto the stage in Loso Hall this March, she won’t just be performing Shakespeare. She’ll be singing it.

“It’s very different,â€� said Brown, a senior at 91´«Ã½. “Nick took all of those Shakespeare words and put them into songs. The words are Shakespeare, but the music is all originally Nick.â€�

The music belongs to Nicholas Vece, ’24, who returned to campus to premiere Thou Hast Thy Will, a 14-piece song cycle built from Shakespeare’s sonnets and monologues. The Winter 2026 production runs March 12–14 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.

“I was working on a monologue, and the director stopped me and said, ‘Shakespeare’s just music. It has rhythm. It has flow,’� Vece said. “That stuck with me. If it’s already music, then it could be music if I wrote it that way.�

Over the next two years, including his final year at 91´«Ã½ and after graduation, Vece began composing. The result blends jazz, folk and musical theater styles, all grounded in Shakespeare’s 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.

“Taking the sonnets and putting them into music, it’s such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience,� Graffunder said. “I knew I wanted to be part of it.�

Brown said rehearsals have pushed the cast.

“Oh yes, lots of Shakespeare to memorize,� she said, laughing. “But we’ve had so much fun performing it.�

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

“When you’re at a place like 91´«Ã½, you don’t just stay in one lane,â€� he said. “I 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.â€�

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, ’24, serves as music director, and an alum bassist will return to perform with the ensemble, creating a production that bridges graduating classes.

“These are students who remind me of myself a few years ago,� Vece said. “If I can create a space for them to perform something original, that matters to me.�

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.

“I never wanted to make it a job,� he said. “I wanted to keep that fire alive.�With 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. – The 91´«Ã½ Board of Trustees met February 18–19, 2026, advancing governance improvements, reviewing state funding issues, and reinforcing 91´«Ã½â€™s role as Oregon’s Rural University. 

Central themes of the meeting were access and advocacy. Trustees discussed digital accessibility compliance and faculty innovation to support student success, and learned from students who met with legislators during the Public University Student Lobby Day on Feb. 12 in support of funding to improve access to higher education. 

President Kelly Ryan and Vice President for University Advancement Tim Seydel provided state and federal legislative updates and reviewed the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Spending & Efficiency Report. Trustees expressed concern about Oregon’s low national ranking in per capita higher education funding and emphasized the need for sustained, systemic investment to better serve students and rural communities.

The board approved the FY27–29 Capital Planning Request, including four projects to be forwarded for ranking and state bonding support in the 2027 legislative session. Governance updates were reviewed and accepted, reducing the size of two standing committees and revising the Governance Committee Charter to streamline meetings and improve board effectiveness.

Trustees also highlighted the importance of personal advocacy, encouraging members to share their commitment to public higher education and to communicate about the complexities of state funding resources and challenges with the state’s Student Success and Completion Model. 

Access and advocacy are also key components of the 91´«Ã½ Foundation’s upcoming comprehensive campaign. The Board received an update on the campaign feasibility study, which is scheduled to be completed in March. 

Meeting materials and recordings are available through the 91´«Ã½ governance webpage.For more information about public comment, see sections 8 and 9 of.  91´«Ã½ Board of Trustees Regular and Committee meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities.  If special accommodations are required, please contact (541) 962-3006 or board@eou.edu at least 72 hours in advance.

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon Regional High School Art Exhibition featuring over 250 works by students from 15 regional high schools opened Friday, February 20. Awards were presented by Nightingale Gallery Director Cory Peeke. The 91´«Ã½ Art Department and Nightingale Gallery would like to congratulate the following award winners from this year’s exhibition and recognize the hardworking educators who make it all possible.  

Awards were presented for exemplary work by students in grades 9-12. All Best of Show winners received an award certificate, a $50 Dick Blick Art Supply gift card, and a sketchbook from the 91´«Ã½ Art Department, as well as an 91´«Ã½ tote bag and other 91´«Ã½ swag, compliments of the Offices of Admissions and University Advancement. Honorable Mention recipients received a certificate of award.

Best of Show 12^th Grade:

Ezra Storlie (Enterprise High) for their oil painting “Future, Present, Pastâ€� 

Best of Show 11^th Grade:    

Maximus Eckstein (Elgin High) for their ceramic sculpture“Shell of Great Detail�

Best of Show 10^th Grade:    

Brielle McCrae (Powder Valley High) for their inkjet print “Black and White Light�

Best of Show 9th Grade:

Allah Wallace (Joseph Charter School) for their graphite drawing “Student Portrait�

Honorable Mentions:

Burns

Lyra Lu, 11^th grade, for their watercolor “Zoeyâ€� 

Grant Union

Lilly Paddock, 11^th grade, for their drawing “Crab Apple Shade�

La Grande

Rydar McIlmoil, 11^th grade, for their ceramic pot “The Piece�

McLoughlin

Katelynn Martinez, 12^th grade, for their mixed media work “Piecing Together the Past�

Kyla Thorpe, 9^th grade, for their drawing “Redmont�

Pendleton

Ella La Mere, 12^th grade, for their mixed media sculpture “The Socking�

Isaia Norris, 11^th grade, for their Inkjet Print “Untitled�

Zarina Park, 12^th grade, for their painting “Who Ate My Leftovers�

Powder Valley

Aiden Flores, 11^th grade, for their inkjet print “Alexis�

Ella Herrera, 9^th grade, for their inkjet print “Graceâ€�  

Union

Faith Albers, 10^th grade, for their painting “Nonchalant�

Liberty Albers, 12^th grade, for their painting “Joy�

Tyler Leathers, 10^th grade, for their painting “Ashla�

Four regional art centers presented special awards to young artists from their service areas. Art Center East presented an “Excellence in the Arts-Union County� award to Lauren Leathers 12th grader from Union High for their ceramic sculpture “Intrusive Thoughts,� an “Excellence in the Arts-Grant County� award to Calia Paddock 10th grader from Grant Union High for their drawing “Pomegranate,� and an “Excellence in the Arts-Harney County� award to Lyra Lu 11th grader from Burns High for their painting “Chubby Cat.� Each award comes with an ACE art kit. Baker County’s Crossroads Carnegie Art Center awarded a $50 award. Their “Outstanding Baker High School Student Award� went to 10th grader Daelylah Dalton for their ceramic sculpture “Grax.� Pendleton Center for the Arts presented a $100 “PCA Award of Distinction� to Pendleton High School 12th grader Zarina Park for their acrylic painting “Intersection of NW 6th and Garden.� The Josephy Center for Arts and Culture presented the “Wallowa County High School Best of Show Award� in the form of a $100 Dick Blick gift card to Abigail Dundas of Joseph for their Ink and watercolor drawing “No More.�

Art Center East’s award was selected by Jennifer Durr, ACE Gallery Director, and presented by Rikki Jo Hickey, ACE Youth Learning Coordinator. Crossroads Carnegie Art Center’s award winner was selected by Cory Peeke on behalf of Crossroads Executive Director Ginger Savage and presented by Crossroads Education Coordinator Melody Chaves. The Pendleton Center for the Arts award was selected by PCA Executive Director Roberta Lavadour. The Josephy Center award was selected by 91´«Ã½ Art faculty, and both the PCA and Josephy awards were presented by Cory Peeke.

You can view the winning artists’ works on the Nightingale’s account.

“On behalf of the 91´«Ã½ Art Department and the Nightingale Gallery, I would like to congratulate the winners and all the students with work on view,â€� said Cory Peeke, Nightingale Gallery Director, “and I would also like to congratulate the art teachers who go above and beyond to make this event the success it is each year.â€� The following is a list of those teachers:

Baker City High School-Koedi Birmingham

Burns High School-Emily Kokesh

Cove High School-Eric Gustavson

Crane Union High School-Connie Robbins

Echo High School-Rick Thew

Elgin High School-Amanda Welch

Enterprise High School-Dianne Pfel

Grant Union High School- JJ Collier
Joseph Charter School- Jennifer Hawkins
La Grande High School-Rich McIlmoil

McLoughlin High School (Milton-Freewater)-Marianne Smith

Monument High School- Erica Cade 

Pendleton High School- Abby Prevot

Powder Valley High School- Jessie Street
Union High School-Jaime Gustavson

The 2026 Eastern Oregon Regional High School Exhibition runs through March 13. The Nightingale Gallery is located in Loso Hall on the campus of 91´«Ã½ in La Grande, OR.  Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ 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’s seven public universities for a day of advocacy in support of higher education.

Students participating in University Day represent both 91´«Ã½â€™s La Grande campus and its online student population from communities across Oregon, reflecting the university’s statewide footprint and commitment to access for rural and place-bound learners.

University Day provides 91´«Ã½ 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.

“This is a meaningful extension of 91´«Ã½â€™s commitment to civic engagement,â€� said Tim Seydel, Vice President for University Advancement. “By 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´«Ã½â€™s role as a steward of leadership and advocacy for rural Oregon and the state as a whole.â€�

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

As part of the day’s activities, 91´«Ã½ 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.

“For 91´«Ã½, being visible and present alongside our peer institutions matters,â€� said Diego Vergara Zuber, President of the Associated Students of 91´«Ã½. “University Day shows that 91´«Ã½ students—whether they are studying on campus or online all over the state—are part of the statewide higher education conversation. It’s an opportunity to share our perspectives, advocate for our communities, and ensure rural student voices are heard at the Capitol.â€�