Awards and Honors

Each year, the EOU Alumni Association takes the opportunity to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field, shows passion for their work, personifies a high standard of excellence and integrity, as well as a commitment to Eastern Oregon University.  These awards are bestowed annually during Homecoming.  Individuals are nominated by alumni, staff, and faculty, and the EOU Alumni Association Board of Directors selects the recipients.  Awards may vary from year to year based on nominations received; not each category is awarded each year.

To be considered for the award, the individual is:

• A living EOU alumnus/alumna (based on the definition of an alum in the EOUAA bylaws).
• Distinguished in his or her chosen business, profession or life work, and the recipient of previous recognition (i.e., publications, presentations, awards, honors, research, continued advancement – academically or professionally).
• Active in professional organizations.
• A person of such integrity that EOU will take pride in bestowing this recognition.
• A leader both professionally and within the community, who demonstrates a commitment to community relations and philanthropy.
• Demonstrating the importance of an EOU education and is loyal to the campus by alumni involvement and/or philanthropic support.

Ineligibility for all Distinguished Alumni Awards

• Current members of the EOU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
• An individual who currently holds an elected public office will not be selected in a year in which s/he might be elected or re-elected.

Categories (three awards bestowed each year)

Two Standard (selected each year)

Distinguished Alumni Award 

• Recognizes a graduate of the University or its campus partner programs who, through their chosen career and personal endeavors, have served their community, the state, and Eastern Oregon University, and whose professional contributions and personal achievements have brought honor to themselves and recognition to their alma mater.  This award is the highest honor the Eastern Oregon University Alumni Association bestows.

Dixie Lund Lifetime Service Award

• Recognizes meritorious service to EOU in support of the goals, traditions, and mission of the University and/or the Alumni Association. For those who don’t know her, this award is named for a former EOU President, whose example of meritorious service is one of the greatest this institution has ever known. 

One additional award selected each year, based on nominations:

Honorary Alumni Award

• Recognizes consistent support from members of our communities who did not graduate from EOU by naming them Honorary Alumni. The Honorary Alumni Award recognizes individuals whose exemplary service or involvement has made significant contributions to the advancement, reputation, and/or well-being of the university and its community. 

Alumni Rising Star Award

• Recognizes alumni who graduated five years ago or less, who have distinguished themselves professionally since graduating from EOU and are likely to inspire the next generation of alumni.  This award recognizes someone who has achieved something extraordinary within the five years after graduation.

Innovation Award

• Recognizes a graduate who has either excelled within the realm of arts and culture or who has displayed an entrepreneurial spirit in their endeavors.  The individual has made a positive contribution to the lives of others in their given field.

Faculty/Staff Service Award

• Recognizes a former or current faculty member or staff person who during his or her time on campus fostered a spirit of community and service through personal relationships with others and support of the University.  This individual provides mentoring and inspiration to students, guiding them down their own path for success.