“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 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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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. – If you saw the cameras and crews around La Grande you know something big was happening in the valley.

Principal photography for a motion picture, set in La Grande, began in February for a dramatic feature, a film written and directed by H. Nelson Tracey. The film will be titled “Breakup Season.�

“I first visited La Grande, in the fall of 2019 for the annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival. I immediately saw the Grande Ronde Valley as having untapped cinematic potential, and shortly thereafter began developing a project tailor-made for this location. Pairing a cast this strong with a spectacular and unique setting will create the cinematic magic that makes us all love film.â€� – H. Nelson Tracey

The film focuses on a young man who brings his girlfriend to his hometown in Oregon to introduce her to his family for the first time.

That young man is being played by actor Chandler Riggs, most notably known for his eight-year run on The Walking Dead.

His girlfriend will be played by actor Samantha Isler. The Oklahoma native got her start playing “Ellie Harrison� in the NBC series “Sean Saves the World.� She’s also had recurring roles in the CW’s “Supernatural,� and ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.�

91´«Ã½â€™s alum and founder of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival Christopher Jennings has added producer and actor to his resume as well. Jennings has been integral to bringing the production to La Grande and involving students and programs in CAHSS including our very own Theatre Department.

Film crews were seen filming in Downtown La Grande, The Liberty Theater Cafe, the 91´«Ã½ campus and Morgan Lake.

91´«Ã½ is a proud supporter of “Breakup Seasonâ€�, being produced by Static Films.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – The 91´«Ã½ Board of Trustees concluded its spring meeting May 21 after two days of public sessions focused on fiscal planning, student access, board governance, enrollment, and strategic priorities.

In unanimous votes, trustees approved the rates package for the 2026-27 tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board; the establishment of an advisory Board Executive Council; the preliminary Education and General budget; the use of the Oregon State Treasury for investment services; and the 91´«Ã½ Ballfield Complex project.

The approved tuition rate package includes a 2.7% increase, a 4.75% increase in room rates, a 4% increase in board rates and meal plans, and a $59-per-term decrease in the Student Health Fee, and a $3-per-term increase in the Student Incidental Fee. Trustees discussed the shared-governance process behind the recommendation, including student participation on the Tuition Advisory Committee, as well as 91´«Ã½â€™s guiding principle of maintaining access and value amid rising costs and constrained state funding.

“91´«Ã½â€™s value is to try and make higher education as affordable as possible,â€� President Kelly Ryan said during the tuition discussion. “The number one reason why students don’t go to college is financial. The number one reason why students leave is financial.â€�

The preliminary budget keeps the university near balance while maintaining the Board’s fund balance goals. Trustees also approved the Ballfield Complex project, advancing a refined $6.6 million Phase 1 scope that includes South Campus infrastructure, a basic competition baseball facility, and initial softball improvements. The project is funded through capital improvement and renewal dollars, sports lottery funding and donor support, and does not include Education and General or tuition dollars.

Beyond the action items, trustees reviewed annual key performance indicators tied to Ascent 2029, the university’s strategic plan; received a trustee enrollment support toolkit; heard state and federal advocacy updates; and received shared governance reports. The 91´«Ã½ Foundation also briefed trustees on the leadership phase of the 91´«Ã½ Centennial Campaign, with a seven-year, $17 million working goal focused on academic innovation, student scholarships, a vibrant university experience, and Mountaineer athletic facilities.

President Ryan noted to the Board that despite some challenging trends across the state, there are still great things to celebrate about 91´«Ã½, including graduating seniors and their successes, top rankings with Mountaineer athletics, and state and national recognition of 91´«Ã½ programs. “Despite the trends in Oregon, there are still things to celebrate at 91´«Ã½,â€� President Ryan said.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. — 91´«Ã½ has named Qazizada its 2026 President’s Scholar, one of the university’s highest student honors recognizing academic achievement, leadership, integrity, and service.

When Mohtarama “Maryâ€� Qazizada first arrived at 91´«Ã½, she felt lost.

After fleeing Afghanistan in 2019 and spending nearly three years in Turkey with her brother and his family, Qazizada came to the United States in search of opportunity, stability, and belonging. But even after arriving at 91´«Ã½ in fall 2022, she struggled to find her place.

“When I first came to 91´«Ã½, I had language limitations,â€� Qazizada said. “I had a hard time finding my place here. I struggled with knowing a lot of social references and connecting with my peers.â€�

The journey from uncertainty to recognition is one Qazizada said was shaped by resilience, perseverance, and the community she found at 91´«Ã½.

“Growing up in Afghanistan, I faced many limitations, including restricted opportunities to live as a free individual who could make my own decisions and limited access to leadership roles due to my gender,� she said. “When I immigrated to the United States, I was immediately struck by the number of opportunities that were available to me.�

Qazizada, a double major in mathematics and computer science, has maintained a 3.9 GPA while pursuing advanced research, mentoring fellow students, and contributing to outreach efforts throughout Eastern Oregon.

Still, she said one of the most surprising parts of her journey was discovering her own strength.

“The fact that I am a math major and graduating with a math degree is surprising by itself,� she said. “I never believed I would do it.�

Qazizada credits much of her success to a mindset rooted in determination and persistence.

“Once I decided to become a math major, I told myself, ‘I’m going to do this,’� she said. “And I did it.�

At 91´«Ã½, Qazizada immersed herself in academics and campus involvement. She completed two consecutive years of mathematical research with Professor Amy Yielding, resulting in two published papers in 91´«Ã½â€™s science journal. Her work explored the novel field of “permuted sums,â€� a branch of number theory with potential applications connected to cryptography and technology.

In addition to her studies, she serves as a mathematics and computer science tutor in 91´«Ã½â€™s Learning Center, helping students develop analytical thinking and programming skills. She also worked as a student software developer for the 91´«Ã½ Computer Science Department.

But for Qazizada, academic success became meaningful because of the relationships she built along the way.

“Over time, I have built a very strong and good community around myself,� she said.

She remembers inviting classmates, professors, and friends to an early symposium presentation and being overwhelmed by the turnout.

“The room was filled,� she said. “People were sitting on the tables because they couldn’t fit in the room. That meant a lot to me. I realized all these people were here to support me.�

When asked whether the community she found at 91´«Ã½ contributed to her success, Qazizada answered without hesitation.

“100%,â€� she said. “I don’t think we can do everything by ourselves. Every person we interact with, whether at work or otherwise, somehow impacts our lives. They are part of our success.â€�

Faculty and peers have also recognized her dedication to community engagement through events such as high school math contests and 91´«Ã½â€™s Investigators of Science program, where she volunteers to support younger students interested in STEM education.

Qazizada said 91´«Ã½ helped transform her understanding of resilience, belonging, and leadership.

“My journey here at 91´«Ã½ has taught me resilience as I faced many academic and social challenges,â€� she said. “It showed me the power of community in making our society better by providing support at times when I felt like a stranger and did not belong.â€�

Fluent in English, Persian, and Pashto, Qazizada plans to continue her education after graduation while using her background in mathematics and technology to make a meaningful impact through community service and innovation.

As this year’s President’s Scholar, she will also speak at commencement ceremonies, an opportunity she said both excites and terrifies her.

She hopes students who hear her story, especially those struggling to find where they belong, understand that perseverance matters.

“When I came to 91´«Ã½, I did not know my place,â€� she said. “But patience and focusing on my academics and personal growth helped me overcome those challenges and eventually find the community where I belong.â€�

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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.

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LA GRANDE, Ore. — 91´«Ã½â€™s Greater Oregon STEM Hub (91´«Ã½ GO STEM) has received first place in the 14th annual Oregon Ag Fest Agricultural Education Awards for its innovative Artificial Intelligence and Agriculture (AI + AG) program, recognizing this program’s impact on agricultural education and technology outreach across rural Oregon.

Presented during the 2026 Oregon Ag Fest in Salem, the annual award honors organizations that promote agricultural education and increase public understanding of Oregon agriculture. GO STEM received the top honor and a $2,000 award for its efforts to connect students and educators with emerging agricultural technologies.

The award-winning AI + AG program was designed by Elaine Swanson, GO STEM’s AI + Tech educator and instructor in 91´«Ã½â€™s s Agriculture Entrepreneurship program. The initiative was created to help bridge gaps in agricultural education throughout Eastern Oregon while exposing students to the growing role of technology in modern farming.

“For me, this award represents not just recognition of the work, but also that our communities belong in the future of the ag tech space. This program was built around the simple idea that our rural ag students need access to the same emerging technology and opportunities as everyone else. Through AI + AG, I’ve taught artificial intelligence, satellite data, and the future agriculture workforce all across our region. What has been most meaningful is seeing students move from uncertainty to curiosity and answering their tough questions about water, technology, and our food systems as a whole,� Swanson says.

“This role has also expanded my definition of ‘home’ and how Eastern Oregon can be a part of this massive industry. . I think it is a disservice not to prepare our students for what is coming,� she adds.

Since its launch, the AI + AG program has reached almost 500 middle and high school students and over 70 agriculture and Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers across Baker, Wallowa, Umatilla, Union, Grant, Harney, and Morrow counties. Through hands-on learning labs, students explore how artificial intelligence and satellite data can support crop monitoring and water management.

“This award reflects the dedication of GO STEM’s staff in fulfilling our mission: to provide free STEM programming that will prepare students for the future workforce and the evolving needs of their communities,” said Dr. Stefanie Holloway, Program Director of the Greater Oregon STEM Hub. “Elaine has designed and delivered an innovative, homegrown program for Eastern Oregon students to discover new opportunities within modern agriculture and technology, as well as the impacts all of this will have on rural communities. Our AI + AG program curriculum can be adapted for students across the state and nation as well, in service of their communities’ needs.â€�

The , a nonprofit organization dedicated to agricultural education, has provided hands-on agricultural learning experiences for Oregon families for nearly four decades. More than 23,000 people attend the annual event each year to learn about where their food and fiber come from, and to experience Oregon agriculture firsthand.For more information about 91´«Ã½â€™s GO STEM Hub, visit /college-of-education/go-stem/ and .

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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 .

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) will host its annual Career Expo on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Field House.

The 91´«Ã½ Career Expo brings together a wide range of employers offering part-time positions, seasonal work, internships, and full-time career opportunities. The event is designed to help students explore career pathways, build professional connections, and gain insight into current workforce needs.

New this year, 91´«Ã½ is expanding access to include online students through a dedicated Online Access Station, supported by the Enrollment Support Services Department. Virtual participation will be available from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., creating additional opportunities for engagement beyond the in-person event.

The Career Expo reflects 91´«Ã½â€™s ongoing commitment to student success by fostering meaningful connections between students and employers while supporting career readiness and workforce development in Eastern Oregon and beyond.

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

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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.

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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.

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Capstone Exhibit Brings Three Emerging Artists to Nightingale Gallery

La Grande, Ore. –The Nightingale Gallery presents “ANGLE OF REPOSE,� 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,� 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 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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LA GRANDE, Ore. – Puppies, piglets, Bernese mountain dogs, and baby goats are just part of the lineup when 91´«Ã½â€™s annual Stress Less event returns Wednesday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 91´«Ã½ Fieldhouse.

Held each winter term near midterm exams, Stress Less is the largest student-led event on campus and is designed to give students a break during one of the busiest times of the academic year. The event connects students with campus and community resources while promoting healthy ways to manage stress.

“Midterms can be overwhelming,� Megan Poler, a student organizer, said. “Stress Less gives students a chance to pause, recharge, and reconnect with their campus community. It’s a reminder that support and resources are always available.�

The free event will feature live music, food, games, meditations, rock climbing, and door prizes donated by local businesses. Animal therapy, including puppies, piglets, and miniature horses, will provide students with an opportunity to unwind in a fun and interactive setting.

Campus departments and community partners will also be on hand to share information about resources available to students, including tutoring, counseling services and outdoor recreation opportunities. The event highlights 91´«Ã½â€™s commitment to fostering an inviting and supportive campus culture that promotes student well-being and success.

Local businesses and campus partners, including Domino’s, Genuine Foods, The Local, The Press Room, and Pepsi have donated food and beverages, which will be available free to students throughout the event.Stress Less is another way 91´«Ã½ supports the whole student, academically, socially, and emotionally. For more information, contact Megan Poler, 91´«Ã½ Community Health Intern | (208)596-7740 | mpoler@eou.edu.

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