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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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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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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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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That idea is at the center of a new book by 91´«Ã½â€™s Dr. Sheri Rysdam, co-authored with JT Torres, director of the Houston H. Harte Center for Teaching and Learning at Washington and Lee University.

Nonviolent Response: Strategies for Responding to Writing, published by the University of Pittsburgh Press, asks teachers, tutors, and others who work with writers to reconsider how they provide feedback.

Rather than focusing first on what a writer got wrong, the book encourages readers to understand what the writer is trying to say and accomplish.

“Writing can be incredibly personal,” Rysdam said. “When someone shares their writing, it can feel like they’re sharing part of themselves. I wanted to explore what happens when we take that seriously and respond in ways that honor vulnerability while still helping writers grow.”

Rysdam is a professor of English/Writing and director of the Writing Center at 91´«Ã½. The ideas behind the book grew in part from her years of working with students, writers, tutors, and educators.

Those experiences led Rysdam and Torres to consider a basic question: What if feedback felt less like judgment and more like an opportunity to become a better writer?

Built around the idea of listening and understanding, the authors developed what they call “nonviolent response,” an approach that emphasizes listening, relationships, and respectful engagement while still helping writers improve their work.

For Rysdam, the work is closely connected to what happens in the classroom and Writing Center in La Grande.

“The questions I explore in my scholarship are always inspired by my experiences working with students,” Rysdam said. “Their insights and experiences shape my work just as much as the work informs my teaching.”

While the book is primarily intended for teachers, tutors, and writing center professionals, Rysdam said the ideas behind it can apply well beyond a classroom.

At its heart, she said, the book is about how we listen and respond to each other.

“We live in a time when people often rush to evaluate or correct one another,” Rysdam said. “This project asks what might happen if we slowed down, listened more carefully, and responded with greater care. Those are skills that matter not only in writing but in our communities and relationships as well.”

Nonviolent Response: Strategies for Responding to Writing is available through the University of Pittsburgh Press and academic booksellers.

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The two-year award, $613,436 in the first year and $683,204 in the second, was one of only a small percentage of projects selected for funding. Only about 17% of proposals received awards, underscoring both the competitiveness of the program and the strength of 91´«Ã½â€™s vision.

“This investment recognizes what 91´«Ã½ has long understood: that the future of rural healthcare begins in our rural schools and communities,â€� 91´«Ã½ President Kelly A. Ryan said. “We aren’t waiting for solutions to come from somewhere else. We’re building them here by inspiring local students to become the professionals who will care for the communities they call home.â€�

The funding comes through the a federal initiative administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to strengthen rural healthcare systems nationwide. States were asked to identify projects that could quickly improve rural health outcomes through ready-to-launch initiatives.

For 91´«Ã½, that means creating a comprehensive healthcare career pipeline reaching students long before they begin college.

Over the next two years, 91´«Ã½ will hire three rural health pathway specialists who will work directly with schools and healthcare partners throughout the Crook County region, the Ontario area and Northeast Oregon. These specialists will introduce students to healthcare careers, expand dual-credit opportunities, strengthen partnerships with regional providers and help students navigate pathways into healthcare professions, such as 91´«Ã½â€™s longtime 2+2 nursing program with Oregon Health Sciences University campus in La Grande.

Students participating in the summer institutes will come to 91´«Ã½â€™s campus, interact with practicing healthcare professionals, receive hands-on training with real medical equipment, including vital signs kits, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters and digital thermometers, and continue exploring healthcare careers after returning home.

Kathleen Brown, who led development of the proposal, said the program is designed to plant the seeds for a stronger rural healthcare workforce years before students choose a career.

“The goal is to create a pathway that begins as early as middle school and continues through high school, college and into healthcare careers,� Brown said. “By introducing students to healthcare opportunities where they live, we’re creating the next generation of medical professionals who understand rural communities because they come from rural communities.�

The initiative also builds on current partnerships with school districts, healthcare providers and community organizations throughout the region. Rather than starting from scratch, the grant expands proven collaborations while creating new opportunities for students across Eastern Oregon.

As Oregon faces growing shortages of healthcare professionals in rural communities, 91´«Ã½â€™s approach addresses the challenge at its source, encouraging local students to pursue healthcare careers and equipping them with the education and experiences needed to return home and serve the places that need them most.

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See the Spring  2026 Dean’s List

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LA GRANDE, Ore. – 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) and Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) are strengthening their historic connection to support the educational and professional goals of students in the region.

The Eastern Alliance partnership bridges the gap between associate and bachelor’s degree programs for students in rural Oregon. By aligning degree requirements and providing dedicated transition advising, 91´«Ã½ and BMCC are reducing administrative barriers, directly supporting regional degree completion and expanding affordable access to higher education degrees across eastern Oregon.

“The Eastern Alliance is all about removing the obstacles that often stand in the way of a student’s success,â€� said Mark Browning, Ph.D., President of Blue Mountain Community College. “We are excited to continue developing strategic partnerships with 91´«Ã½ to open more doors for our students and strengthen the future of the communities we serve.â€�

The two institutions finalized a memorandum of understanding in July to create the partnership and set clear academic pathways for students. The agreement establishes transition roadmaps for students earning associate degrees at BMCC to transfer directly into bachelor’s degree programs at 91´«Ã½â€”both on campus and online. Students will receive advising and pathway check sheets that identify coursework satisfying degree requirements, ensuring credits earned at the community college level integrate into their bachelor’s degree program.

“This collaboration is a game-changer for our region,â€� said Kelly A. Ryan, Ph.D., President of 91´«Ã½. “By aligning the academic strengths of our schools and expanding on our long-term and successful relationship, we are building a clear, accessible roadmap for students to achieve their educational goals and support our regional economy.”

The initiative also includes professional development for employees, offering tuition discounts for up to four eligible Blue Mountain Community College staff members each term to pursue degrees at 91´«Ã½.

For more information on transfer pathways or to begin an application, visit the Eastern Alliance website at eou.edu/eastern-alliance.

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91´«Ã½ is among just 275 colleges and universities nationwide recognized on Phi Theta Kappa’s 2026 Transfer Honor Roll. The honor highlights institutions that go above and beyond to support community college students as they transfer, complete their bachelor’s degrees, and achieve their educational goals.

The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes institutions that have created strong pathways for community college students by evaluating performance across several key areas, including transfer student success, credit transfer and degree applicability, financial support, admissions and recruitment practices, and campus engagement.

“At 91´«Ã½, creating opportunities for transfer students has long been central to our mission,” said 91´«Ã½ President Kelly A. Ryan. “Many of our students begin their educational journey at community colleges throughout Oregon and beyond. We are committed to ensuring they have a seamless transition, receive meaningful support, and graduate prepared for successful careers and lives. This national recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff who work every day to make that possible.”

As Oregon’s rural university, 91´«Ã½ has developed strong partnerships with community colleges across the state, offering flexible transfer pathways, personalized advising, and academic programs designed to help students complete their degrees wherever they live. Through on-campus and online learning opportunities, transfer students can continue their education while staying connected to their communities.

For students considering transferring to a four-year university, the recognition signals that 91´«Ã½ is a place where transfer students can thrive. Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll highlights institutions that make it easier for students to move from community college to a bachelor’s degree by offering strong academic support, transfer-friendly policies, financial aid opportunities, and an engaging campus experience.

91´«Ã½ has long partnered with community colleges across Oregon and the region to help students continue their education with confidence. From personalized advising and flexible degree options to opportunities for both on-campus and online learning, the university is committed to helping transfer students make a smooth transition and graduate prepared for successful careers.

Being named to the 2026 Transfer Honor Roll reflects 91´«Ã½’s continued investment in removing barriers for transfer students and creating pathways that help them succeed from their first day on campus through graduation.

For more information about transferring to 91´«Ã½, visit eou.edu/transfer.

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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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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.�

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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):

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