“Zafari� offers a dystopian portrait of Venezuelan society during a period of severe food scarcity. It is one of four remaining films in a fall festival exploring immigration, exile, displacement, and return within Latin America and between Latin America and the United States.

91´«Ã½ professor Dr. Jill Gibian organized the festival as part of a fall course. With public screening rights secured through film distributor Pragda, the festival is now welcoming a wider audience from campus and the community.

All screenings begin at 6 p.m. in Zabel Hall, Room 101, on the 91´«Ã½ campus. Admission is free, and all films have English subtitles.

• Nov. 9 — “Zafariâ€� (2024). Directed by Mariana Rondón. A live Zoom Q&A with Rondón follows the screening.
• Nov. 16 — “Guie’dani’s Navelâ€� (2019). Directed by Xavi Sala.
• Nov. 30 — “Los lobosâ€� (2019). Directed by Samuel Kishi Leopo, who is expected to participate in a discussion.
• Dec. 7 — “La cocinaâ€� (2024). Directed by Alonso Ruizpalacios.

The festival is made possible by a grant from the Pragda Film Club and support from the Union County Cultural Commission, 91´«Ã½â€™s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Mosaic Center and the 91´«Ã½ Vending Committee.

Learn more about the Nov. 9 film on .

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Performances begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 12, 13, and 14, with a 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 15.

Adapted from the hit 2004 film, the musical follows Cady Heron as she trades a childhood on the African savanna for the unfamiliar social landscape of suburban Illinois. She soon encounters The Plastics, a powerful trio led by the charming but ruthless Regina George.

When Cady and her friends plot to end Regina’s reign, their plan draws Cady deeper into the world she set out to challenge. Along the way, she discovers how quickly the pursuit of popularity can come at the expense of friendship and her own sense of self.

All seating is reserved. Tickets are $17 for general admission and $12 for children, seniors, veterans, and active-duty military personnel. 

Admission is free for 91´«Ã½ students.

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Zur’s expanded paintings blend sculptural physicality with traditional painting techniques to depict objects found in living rooms, exploring themes of grief, love, and the residue of lives lived. 

The exhibition opens with a reception for the artist on Friday, November 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Zur’s work explores home as a way to witness what it means to be a guest in the life and death of another. The work investigates what it is to be welcomed into a place both vulnerable and sublime. In these paintings, the guest has come to say farewell.  Bric-a-brac and family heirlooms crowd around the deathbed, remembering a life lived and a soul that loved.  After the stillness arrives, the guest returns. The arrangement of bric-a-brac and family heirlooms remains unchanged, making the lamented feel present still.  It is comforting to be welcomed into their domestic cosmos before that world must be dissolved, to be a guest one more time.

“Zur’s mixed media work invites us to consider our role as a guest in other people’s homes and lives,� said Cory Peeke, Director of the Nightingale Gallery. They encourage us to explore the remnants of a life lived and the grief and love for those lives.

Zur has had her work published in New American Paintings, as well as Friend of the Artist, Studio Visit Magazine, and Create! Magazine.  She has exhibited her work nationally in places such as Museum of Museums, Seattle, WA; CHART Gallery, New York, NY; Stove Works, Chattanooga, TN; SOIL Gallery, Seattle, WA; Young Space; and has artworks in the permanent collection at Soho House, Portland, OR. Zur earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2019.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Zur will present a public artist talk on her studio practice and the conceptual framework behind the exhibit. The talk will take place on Thursday, November 12, at 6 p.m. in Huber Auditorium, Badgley Hall.

“Hospitality in a World That Won’t Lastâ€�  will be on view through Friday, December 11. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, follow the Nightingale Gallery on and .

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.

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Developed over more than two years by the Josephy Center with geologist Ellen Morris Bishop and Nimiipuu beadworker, geologist, and story collector Roger Amerman, the exhibit sets two ways of reading the land side by side. Geologists use new instruments and techniques to interpret the record held in mountains and valleys, rock and waterways. Nimiipuu oral tradition carries its own long record of that same landscape, including accounts of earthquakes, floods and other cataclysmic events from the distant past, often with Coyote at the center of how people and the natural world relate.

The Nimiipuu hold their landscape in reverence, understanding it as a living being that provides spiritual sustenance as well as food and resources. Through art, photographs, and stories, the exhibit shows that Indigenous stories and place names are far more than myths. They record real past events and landscape features that also inform scientific understanding of the Northwest’s geology.

The exhibit’s creators call this combined Indigenous and scientific understanding “ethnogeology,” an approach also described as “Two-Eyed Seeing”: experiencing a landscape from two cultural perspectives at once.

“Heads and Hearts” is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

is a gathering place to celebrate, promote and inspire arts and culture for all Wallowa County residents and visitors.

To learn more about the Native American Program at 91´«Ã½, visit

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The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at HQ, located at 112 Depot Street. Organized as a welcoming, community-centered space to follow results as they come in, the gathering is free and open to the public. Free pizza will be provided for attendees while supplies last.   

The watch party is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Union County, 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½)’s Office of University Advancement, and the PoliSci & Law Club. 91´«Ã½ Professors of Political Science, Drs Daniel Costie and Dustin Ellis, will emcee the event.   

Event Details:

Event: Midterm 2026 Elections Watch Party   

Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.   

Location: HQ, 112 Depot St, La Grande, OR   

Admission: Free and open to the public   

Refreshments: Free pizza (while supplies last)  

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The event will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at HQ, located at 112 Depot Street. Organized as a welcoming, community-centered space to follow results as they come in, the gathering is free and open to the public. Free pizza will be provided for attendees while supplies last.   

The watch party is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Union County, 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½)’s Office of University Advancement, and the PoliSci & Law Club. 91´«Ã½ Professors of Political Science, Drs Daniel Costie and Dustin Ellis, will emcee the event.   

Event Details:

Event: Midterm 2026 Elections Watch Party   

Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.   

Location: HQ, 112 Depot St, La Grande, OR   

Admission: Free and open to the public   

Refreshments: Free pizza (while supplies last)  

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91´«Ã½ received the WACES Innovative Counselor Education Program Award, which honors an outstanding, innovative, or unique counselor education program in the western region.

Two 91´«Ã½ faculty members also received individual honors. Dr. Hope Schuermann earned the Professional Service Award, recognizing outstanding service to the association or to the advancement of counselor education and supervision. Dr. Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett received the WACES Research Award, which recognizes significant research in counseling, counselor education, or counselor supervision.

Together, the three awards highlight the contributions of 91´«Ã½â€™s counseling faculty, both through their work preparing future mental health counselors and through their involvement in the profession.

Schuermann and fellow faculty members Drs. Rochelle Cade, Jessica Lloyd-Hazlett, and Jordan Mike attended the conference. All four presented, sharing their work with colleagues from across the region. Schuermann and Mike also participated in conference events as members of the WACES board.

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The concert will feature classic jazz, blues, and jump swing, with flugelhornist Dmitri Matheny joined by local musicians Matt Cooper on piano, Luke McKern on guitar, Michael Dieter on bass, Andy Steele on drums, and Greg Johnson on saxophones. Admission is $20 at the door.

Matheny, a recipient of Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year honors in , is known for his expressive playing and lyrical approach to improvisation. An honors graduate of Berklee College of Music, he emerged on the jazz scene in the 1990s as a protégé of jazz legend Art Farmer.

His career has taken him to 19 countries, with performances throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has contributed to more than 100 recordings and released 12 albums as a bandleader.

For the La Grande performance, Matheny and the ensemble will celebrate three musicians whose songs and distinctive styles helped shape American popular music.

The concert is sponsored by Smith-Baum, LLC.

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On Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m., and will join 91´«Ã½ President Dr. Kelly Ryan for the Oregon Votes Town Hall, a free virtual event. Ryan will moderate the conversation.

The nonpartisan discussion will focus on voting and the Nov. 3 state and national General Election, giving participants a chance to learn how Oregon’s elections work, ask questions, and understand why participation matters.

The event is open to the public. and receive the event address or a link to the livestream.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – (91´«Ã½) is growing in key parts of its student body. Graduate enrollment measured in the fall term rose about 50% between 2023 and 2025, and early fall numbers show continued growth. On-campus enrollment rose 7.5% over the same period. The number of rural students grew 24% from 2024 to 2025. More students are also earning their degrees. 91´«Ã½’s four-year graduation rate increased 7%.

“Our success is measured by outcomes like this. It is important that we live up to the promise of seeing students graduate,” President Kelly A. Ryan said. “We set goals, we did the work, and the numbers show it. More students are finishing at 91´«Ã½ than ever in our records, and we plan to keep going.” 

. The program now serves 129 students across online, on-campus, and hybrid formats, including first-generation students and those from low-income families. In addition, retention grants helped 23 students reach their final terms last year, more than the University’s goal.

Other innovations include 91´«Ã½’s Monty chatbot, which connects with students by text. The chatbot had a 93% opt-in rate and flagged more than 90 students who were at risk of leaving. The Learning Center recorded 2,613 tutoring visits from 524 students. Student engagement rose 18% over 2024, and 76.2% of students who answered a survey said they use the renovated Hoke Student Union more often.

91´«Ã½ secured three grants to increase postsecondary attainment in rural Oregon:

• $400,000 in federal funding for early college programs
• More than $200,000 from the Oregon Department of Education to help immigrant and refugee students move to 91´«Ã½
• $1.3 million from the Oregon Health Authority to prepare rural health professionals

91´«Ã½ also signed the Eastern Alliance, a transfer agreement with Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC). BMCC sent 32 new transfer students to 91´«Ã½ this fall, more than any other school. The university joined Re-UP, a partnership with four other Oregon universities that helps adults with some college credit finish a degree, and 91´«Ã½ launched a new website on Sept. 14.

Student athletes make a vital contribution to enrollment and campus life. . 91´«Ã½ Athletics also ranked 19th in which measures overall athletic program success based on national championship performances. Athletes earned a combined GPA of 3.37 last year, and 48% made the dean’s list.

“Nobody handed us these results,â€� Ryan said. “Our faculty and staff worked hard, academics were prioritized, our students showed up, and 91´«Ã½ is on the right track. We are not done.”

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has been named No. 34 among Top Public Schools in the West in the latest US News & World Report 2027 Best Colleges rankings. 

In addition to its ranking among Top Public Schools, 91´«Ã½ was also recognized as No. 53 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and No. 68 in Regional Universities West. The Social Mobility ranking identifies institutions that excel at educating economically disadvantaged students through degree completion and upward economic mobility, and the Regional Universities ranking reflects 91´«Ã½â€™s overall quality, student resources, and regional impact.

“As Oregon’s Rural  Public University, our mission is to serve Oregonians and students regardless of their location, extending high-quality educational opportunities far beyond our immediate region,” said 91´«Ã½ President Kelly A. Ryan. “Being recognized among the top public schools validates the dedicated work of our faculty and staff who show up every day to ensure our students thrive, graduate, and succeed.”

The well-known national publication evaluates and ranks more than 1,700 colleges and universities each year using up to 17 measures of academic quality and graduate success. Student outcomes account for the largest share of each score, focusing on graduation rates, first-year retention, and results of students who receive Pell Grants. US News combines data from school surveys with federal statistics, and a senior academic official at each school must certify the data. 

The rankings underscore a period of strategic progress for 91´«Ã½. Guided by its Ascent 2029 Strategic Blueprint, 91´«Ã½ is actively expanding student access, elevating academic quality, and serving as an educational, economic, and cultural engine for rural communities. These efforts have yielded gains in overall student enrollment, increased retention rates, expanded online access, and service to the region.

To see 91´«Ã½â€™s US News Ranking, visit , or learn more about 91´«Ã½ reporting at eou.edu/insitutional-research.

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Washington Monthly published the ranking on Aug. 30, 2026. The list looks at more than 200 four-year colleges located in small towns and rural areas across the country. It rewards schools that help students from working-class families earn strong wages close to home, without requiring a high bar for admission.

To build the ranking, Washington Monthly measured how many students at each school receive Pell Grants, how much students pay after aid, how much debt they carry at graduation, and how much alumni earn four years later. The magazine also gave credit to schools that keep graduates working in the state and that produce degrees in fields rural communities need most, such as education, nursing, agriculture, and engineering.

“This national recognition is proof that together we are accomplishing our mission to serve rural students and communities,” said President Kelly A. Ryan. “91´«Ã½ is delivering life-changing education that empowers our graduates and strengthens our region.”

91´«Ã½ has trained teachers, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and other professionals for rural Oregon since 1929. The University was named Oregon’s Rural University by the state legislature in 2018 and continues to focus on serving students in La Grande and across the region.

For more information about 91´«Ã½ and its academic programs, visit eou.edu.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – The start of a new academic year at 91´«Ã½ marks the beginning of a new season of exhibitions for the Nightingale Gallery. We are excited to begin our new season of exhibits with “Like the world,â€� an exhibition featuring the work of Portland artists Teresa Christiansen, Sarah Meadows and Sadie Wechsler.  The exhibition of photographic research and reflection explores each artist’s relationship to the natural world. The exhibit opens with a reception for the artists on Friday, October 9, from 5 to 7 p.m.

“Like the worldâ€� explores how each artist wrestles with their relationship to the natural world through overlapping and divergent photographic interpretations, offering a complex alternative to the genre of sweeping sublime landscape. In the works of this exhibition, nature appears across contexts and in unexpected ways: sprouting through cracks, emerging from beneath plastic, at the edge of a pavement or in the pages of a gardening book. Each work in the show evades the documentary nature of photography; they are deconstructed and, at times, subsumed into other media: wax, gold leaf, and ceramic structures. Here, depth and physicality bring the fragmented world together. 

“These three artists challenge viewers’ preconceived notions of landscape photography through material experimentation and close looking,â€� said Cory Peeke, Director of the Nightingale Gallery. “They encourage us to make a closer examination of the variety of ways nature surrounds us.â€�

Teresa Christiansen was born and raised in New York City and lives in Portland, OR, where she is Chair of the Photography Department at Pacific Northwest College of Art. She received her MFA in photographic studies from ICP-Bard and worked as an Assistant Photographer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has exhibited her work nationally, including New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Portland. In her photographic practice, she cuts, glues, and weaves photos of fragments of her local landscape, then re-photographs them in her studio. 

Sarah Meadows received her MFA in Photography from the Rhode Island School of Design, her BFA from Pacific Northwest College of Art, and a BA from Evergreen State College. Her work has been shown both regionally and nationally at such venues as Melanie Flood Projects (Portland), Filter Photo (Chicago), and ClampArt (NYC). In her studio practice, Meadows explores the non-human world in photographs, drawing from art history, advertising, and personal experience to shape her visual language. 

Sadie Wechsler is a photography-based artist engaged with how land asserts its agency, often in peripheral places. She utilizes her background as an arborist and her upbringing in the Pacific Northwest to tell stories of home, highlighting the wild spaces that inhabit the cracks, slopes, and roadsides of the region. Her work can be found in the collections of the Yale University Library, the Hammer Art Museum, the Getty Research Institute, and the Frye Art Museum. In addition to her art practice, Wechsler is an ISA Certified Arborist who supports Portland’s tree canopy through education, pruning, care, and consulting. 

In conjunction with the exhibition, the three artists will present a public talk about their individual studio practices and the conceptual framework behind the exhibit. The talk will take place on Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m. in Huber Auditorium, Badgley Hall.

“Like the world� will be on view through Friday, November 6. Please note our new gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, follow the Nightingale Gallery on and .

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.

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For 91´«Ã½ graduate Hailey Rogan, that chance eventually took her all the way to Ecuador.

Rogan, ‘26, graduated from 91´«Ã½ with a degree in Environmental and Ecological Biology. She came to Eastern as a soccer player. Birds weren’t part of the plan.

Then she took an ornithology class from 91´«Ã½ Professor Laura Mahrt.

“I recently got into birds because of Laura’s ornithology class,â€� Rogan said, joking that she has since developed “early-onset bird-watching disease.â€�

That interest grew into research, fieldwork, and eventually an opportunity to join Marht on a two-week bird-banding expedition at Reserva Las Tangaras, a private reserve near Mindo, Ecuador.

Before leaving, Rogan regularly traveled from Boise to La Grande to work with Marht at 91´«Ã½’s bird-banding station. She would finish work, make the drive to La Grande, band birds, and return to Boise. The hours paid off.

When Rogan arrived in Ecuador, many of the expedition’s participants had little or no bird-banding experience and needed training. Rogan did not.

She began banding birds on the first day.

“It made it well worth it to drive up to La Grande,� Rogan said, “and not be a beginner when I got to Ecuador.�

For Mahrt, that is precisely why experiences outside the classroom matter.

“Bird banding jobs, you have to have the experience before,� Mahrt said. “And, of course, getting the experience is the hard part.�

Working together week after week also provided something difficult to duplicate in a classroom: individual mentorship.

“Getting first-hand experience with her was very unique,� Rogan said. “I definitely got the personal experience with her.�

When Rogan struggled with a technique, she said, Mahrt was there to help her work through it.

“She was definitely the perfect candidate for me to learn from,� Rogan said.

That experience matters now because Rogan is facing the same transition generations of 91´«Ã½ graduates have faced before her: turning a college education into a career.

She hopes to eventually attend graduate school and had considered a master’s program in raptor biology. Ecuador, combined with three months she previously spent in Costa Rica, has broadened those possibilities.

“Birds have become my main focus,� she said.

For now, however, Rogan wants to get her foot in the door professionally. She hopes to land several seasonal field positions, continue building experience, and then decide what direction graduate school should take her.

She will enter that search with something she didn’t have before: hands-on experience working with birds in Eastern Oregon and the tropics.

The opportunity also illustrates a relationship that didn’t end when Rogan finished her degree. The professor who introduced her to ornithology became the mentor who trained alongside her and eventually traveled with her to Ecuador.

“I owe a lot to 91´«Ã½ and Mahrt specifically,â€� she said.

For alumni, the details may be different, but the story is familiar. A professor sees potential. A student discovers an interest. Someone opens a door.

For Rogan, that meant driving from Boise to La Grande week after week, learning to handle birds and eventually carrying those skills thousands of miles to Ecuador.

And somewhere along the way, what began as a college class started looking like a career.

Rogan calls Ecuador “a trip of a lifetime.�

She also came home thinking about what might come next.

“If I could open a banding station in the tropics,� she said, “I would.�

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The gathering will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Traveling Taphouse, located at SW Court & 9th Street in downtown Pendleton.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with 91´«Ã½ President Ryan, reconnect with classmates, and network across all three regional university communities in a relaxed happy hour setting before heading to Thursday evening Round-Up events.

“The Pendleton Round-Up brings people together from all over, making it the perfect backdrop to celebrate our shared regional university community,â€� said Suzannah Moore, Director of External Affairs at 91´«Ã½. “We look forward to welcoming alumni and friends from 91´«Ã½, SOU, and WOU for a casual afternoon of good cheer and conversation.â€�

The event is free to attend and open to all alumni, families, and supporters. No formal RSVP is required.

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During the meeting, Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) presented a new economic impact report revealing that 91´«Ã½ generates $388 million in annual statewide economic impact. The analysis demonstrates that the university returns $14 for every $1 invested by the state, cementing its role as a critical economic engine for eastern Oregon.

“This institution is really the lifeline for workforce development in the region,� said Board Chair Chuck Hofmann. “We have made the decisions to keep us financially viable.�

The board also held a workshop to discuss Oregon House Bill 4124, which requires a review of higher education structures in Oregon. Board members and university leadership emphasized 91´«Ã½â€™s solid financial position and unwavering commitment to its distinct rural mission, actively distinguishing itself from other universities facing recent fiscal challenges.

“I think the main point I want to get across today is that 91´«Ã½ is stable,â€� 91´«Ã½ President Kelly Ryan told the board. “There are a lot of narratives about decline and lack of returns on investment at the national level, and I want you to know that 91´«Ã½ is now stable and our students are thriving.â€�

The board received a comprehensive update on 91´«Ã½â€™s integration of artificial intelligence. The university has transitioned to Google Gemini for faculty and staff, strategically balancing technological innovation with academic integrity to better prepare students for the modern workforce.

The meeting concluded with a visit from Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz, who joined the board to discuss rural community needs, workforce development, and the impact of emerging industries on eastern Oregon’s economic future.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – In response to the high demand for Special Education teachers in Oregon, 91´«Ã½ proudly offers its Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure (SEITL) Undergraduate

hybrid program. The hybrid nature of this program addresses the shortage of SPED teachers in Oregon by making it accessible to potential teacher candidates who are unable to move to La Grande, or who are already working as school district employees and need to keep their jobs as educational assistants or paraprofessionals. All courses are offered in the early evenings via Zoom to accommodate work schedules.

“There’s a shortage of special education teachers in the U.S., and especially in rural Oregon,� said SEITL program Coordinator, Dr. Jerred Jolin. “I’m enthusiastic about this project. I lead the program design because I have firsthand experiences with the positives of helping students with learning differences be successful in the classroom.�

Students who transfer with an AAOT degree, or 91´«Ã½ students who have completed a major in multidisciplinary studies, can earn a bachelor’s degree and receive a preliminary teaching license and special educator endorsement, within two years. With practicums, hands-on experiences, and a focus on supporting students in rural communities, this unique program is designed to make a meaningful impact.

“Getting the licensure at the undergraduate level is the most efficient way to do it,� Jolin said. “It provides an alternative to the previous route for obtaining this training, which required 1.5 years of graduate work.�

For students who are already working as instructional aides or paraprofessionals in special education classrooms, they can satisfy practicum student teaching t requirements in those settings.. Students who are not employed by a school district while in the program work with the College of Education’s Placement Coordinator to identify classroom placements in their communities.

The SEITL undergraduate hybrid program is open for enrollment for fall 2024. Apply eou.edu/apply or learn more at eou.edu/special-education.

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As the Outreach Programs Manager at the Northeast Oregon Network (NEON), Sorenson leads teams dedicated to connecting individuals with healthcare resources and community services. She credits her time at 91´«Ã½ for fostering a spirit of adaptability and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives—skills she uses daily.

“I didn’t set out to work at a nonprofit,� Sorenson said. “But during my final year, I completed an internship with NEON through a community service program. That experience opened my eyes to a field I’d never considered.�

A Path to Purpose

During her internship, Sorenson impressed her team with her quick learning and ability to build connections. By the time she graduated, NEON offered her a staff position, and her role grew over the years. Today, she works with community health workers who help clients navigate complex systems, such as the Oregon Health Plan, and access vital resources like transportation and language interpretation.

Her team’s efforts have significantly impacted rural communities by reducing healthcare barriers and empowering individuals to utilize their benefits.

“One of the most rewarding moments is seeing the relief on someone’s face when they realize they’re getting the help they need,� Sorenson said. “It’s a reminder of why this work matters.�

Music and Mardi Gras: A Balancing Act

While her career demands focus and dedication, Sorenson hasn’t left her music behind. She performs regularly with Bag of Hammers and the Depot Street Syncopators, local ensembles known for their energetic shows and community spirit.

“Mardi Gras has become such a rich tradition for us,� Sorenson said. “The music, rooted in cultural expression and resilience, is a yearly reminder of how art brings people together.�

On March 4, Sorenson will take the stage with the Mardi Gras Band for their annual celebration. Reflecting on her journey, she sees parallels between her music and her work at NEON.

“Both are about connection,� Sorenson said. “Whether it’s through a song or helping someone access healthcare, it’s about reaching people where they are.�

A Foundation at 91´«Ã½

Sorenson started at 91´«Ã½ in 2009, drawn by the university’s strong music program. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music degree, having gained exposure to diverse musical styles and cultures that shaped her as a musician and a person.

“My time at 91´«Ã½ helped me develop a deeper understanding of people and their stories,â€� Sorenson said. “That foundation has been invaluable in my work with underserved communities.â€�

Advice for Aspiring Students

Sorenson encourages current and prospective students to embrace exploration and adaptability. “You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed,� she said. “Be open to discovering new paths—your experiences will guide you.�

For those considering a creative career, her advice is simple: “Enjoy it. Don’t worry about being perfect. Dive in and let your passion lead you.�

As Sorenson prepares for another busy year of community outreach and music performances, she remains committed to blending her talents and passions to make a difference.

“Whether it’s in the office or on the stage, it’s about bringing joy and support to others,� Sorenson said. “That’s what drives me every day.�

To learn more about connecting with fellow alumni, building lifelong Mountaineer relationships, and supporting 91´«Ã½, visit the 91´«Ã½ Alumni Association page at /alumni/.

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Academic assessment has assumed a significant and important role within the higher education community. All stakeholders engaged in the educational mission of institutions of higher education – students, faculty, and staff – share responsibility for pursuing learning improvements that can be gleaned from meaningful systematic assessment of student learning. Academic assessment is best conducted in a collaborative climate, fostering partnerships between academic and student affairs personnel, external organizations and stakeholders. Academic assessment has the ability to inform future policy decisions, nurture faculty development, enhance accountability, and improve student learning.

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