Eastern Oregon University > Alumni > Award Recipients > 2014 Alumni Award Recipients

2014 Alumni Award Recipients

Richard Chaves

Distinguished Alumnus

ChavesRichard Chaves, of Baker City, graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 1973 with a bachelor’s in business economics and management. He went on to found a company called Chaves Consulting, Inc. (CCI) and now serves as its president. Richard has led CCI in the design and implementation of on-time, cost effective, complex information systems solutions for state and local government agencies throughout the United States. Under his leadership, CCI has built a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and product excellence. Richard and his wife Kathleen have demonstrated commitment to their community by leading projects that will positively impact it for decades into the future. Americans for the Arts and Business Committee for the Arts recognized CCI as one of the top 10 companies supporting the arts in America in 2012, and in 2011, CCI was named Business of the Year by the Baker County Chamber of Commerce. Richard currently serves on the EOU Foundation Board of Directors and is also a trustee.

 

Mary Koza

Dixie Lund Service Award

Mary_KozaMary Koza, of La Grande, is well-known on Eastern Oregon University’s campus. Born and raised in the Grande Ronde Valley, she has been an avid supporter of the community and EOU throughout her life. Mary’s involvement includes serving as secretary of the Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation and as a member of the Head Start Grantee Board. She also sits on the Presbyterian Board of Deacons and is a 30-year member of P.E.O., currently serving as secretary. Mary also has many accolades to her name, including: Woman of the Year (1996) – Soroptimist International of La Grande; Jean McKenzie Award (1995-6); Union County Volunteer of the Year (1995); Silver Beaver Award – Boy Scouts of America (2002); and the Eagle Within Award – Boy Scouts Local Chapter (2011). Mary’s time at EOU started in 1992, and she held many positions ranging from distance education coordinator of the Individualized Study and Weekend College program, marketing coordinator of distance education, distance degrees director, and co-director of Academic and Career Advising. Mary retired in 2014 after spending the last three years of her career as the director of the Liberal Studies program and Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning programs. She also served on many committees throughout her career, and was named a Woman of Vision and Courage in 2012 by the EOU President’s Commission on the Status of Women, and EOU’s Distinguished Administrative Faculty in 2000.

 

Ken Bruce

Honorary Alumnus

Ken_BruceKenneth Dale Bruce, of La Grande, is recognized for his unwavering support of Eastern Oregon University for nearly 50 years. He was born and raised in Denver, Colo., where he earned his bachelor’s in business administration with an accounting major from University of Denver. While attending college Ken entered the electrical trade, completing his apprenticeship program and eventually becoming a licensed Oregon journeyman electrician. After relocating to La Grande in the late 1960’s, Ken met his wife Vicky and they were married in the fall of 1973. Their daughter Melissa was born in 1976 and is a graduate of EOU with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Since retiring, Ken spends his time restoring automobiles, including the former EOC physical plant van. This van is often seen in parades throughout eastern Oregon, usually chauffeuring Monty the Mountaineer mascot. Ken always cheers for EOU in the Tailgate Zone throughout the fall, and even provides donuts to supporters! He is always sporting Eastern gear with the pride of an alumnus and exemplifies Mountaineer spirit.

 

Val & G Royes

2014 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals

G and Val RoyesValerie and George Royes, of Summerville, are affectionately known as G. and Val Royes, and have been supporters of EOU for many decades. Valerie, a 1964 graduate, is a trustee on the EOU Foundation Board and one of five family generations to attend Eastern Oregon University. While they are supporters of all things EOU, their true passion lies with music and athletics, specifically women’s basketball. Val has traveled internationally with Peter Wordelman, professor of music, and the Chamber Choir, and they hold season tickets to all music and theatre events. They also hold season tickets to volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball games. The Royes’ generosity extends to the community, which they are very invested in, and their support of local schools.