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The entire staff at the office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging extend our deepest CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to all our Multicultural, Indigenous, Pacific Island, & International graduates for this great achievement! You have been exceptional leaders and have played an active role in promoting diversity and inclusion on campus through the various involvements you have been a part of: whether as a club member or leader, serving in a committee to plan a diversity event or the CEAD conference, mentoring a high school student or a new freshman through the Diversity Excellence Mentor program, presenting a cultural topic in a workshop/conference, volunteering in the community as well as the interactions you have had inside and outside of the classroom with your peers, faculty and staff. Because of your leadership and involvement, you will leave EOU a better place than when you arrived.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and contributions to Eastern Oregon University. Continue radiating your Mountaineer spirit wherever you are and we hope to see you back soon as alumni. Today, we celebrate YOU! We are SO PROUD OF YOU. CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes from all of us.
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He/Him/His
B.S. Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing
Hometown: Nyssa, OR
She/Her/Hers
B.S. Elementary Education
Hometown: Temecula, CA
Campus Involvement: Diversity Achievement Award recipient, Dean’s List
B.S. Ecological Biology, Minor in Anthropology/Sociology
Hometown: Koror, Palau
“To everyone I met on this journey thank you for all the memories <3”
Campus Involvement: Multicultural Student Union Club Vice President (2023-2024), Navigators Club President (2019-2020), Navigators Club Treasurer (2021-2022)
B.S. in STEM/Health Sciences, Major in Psychology, Minor in Anthropology/Sociology
Independence, OR
Campus Involvement: Celebrate, Educate, and Appreciate Diversity Conference (CEAD) (2021-2023), ASEOU, Diversity Committee, Search Committee member for AVP DEIB
B.S. in Business Administration
Hometown: Ngatpang, Palau
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Business & Communication Studies
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the EOU Diversity Committee for their unwavering support and guidance throughout my academic journey. Special thanks are due to Bennie Moses and Elilai Elobt for their consistent support and mentorship, serving as role models throughout my time at EOU. Their dedication inspires me to strive for excellence. I am also immensely thankful to my friends at EOU; our shared experiences and laughter have been invaluable. I will always cherish the memories we’ve created and the support they’ve offered during challenging times. I want to also express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Douglas Briney. He was more than just an advisor; he was a beacon of support during my time at EOU. From the moment I stepped onto campus until I made the tough decision to switch majors, Professor Briney stood by my side. I felt safe opening up to him about my academic struggles, sharing both my strengths and weaknesses. His unwavering dedication to helping me excel in my classes touched me deeply. During my lowest moments, he was my source of encouragement and hope, reminding me of my potential even when I doubted myself. Though our paths diverged when I changed majors, the impact he had on me will never be forgotten. Thank you, Professor Briney, for everything. One of my favorite quotes that resonated with me throughout my major is by Elizabeth Gilbert: “If you can let go of passion and follow your curiosity, your curiosity might lead you to your passion.” Another quote of hers that deeply impacted me is: “Jackhammers pursue their one passion with single-minded focus. Hummingbirds try different things and end up cross-pollinating the world.” These quotes have been guiding lights for me, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and exploration within my field of study. To all newcomers and fellow students, remember to study smart, take care of yourself, and stay positive. Challenges are chances to grow, so stay focused on your goals, embrace the journey, and believe in your ability to succeed. Remember, setbacks don’t define you. As Olivia Alnes said, “A bad semester or one bad grade won’t define your future.” And as Winston Churchill noted, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Keep pushing forward with courage and determination :)
Campus Involvement: Navigators Club, recipient of the following scholarships: COFA/Undocumented/International Student Success Award, Sapphire Scholarship, Transfer/Return Student Success Award, and Oregon Opportunity Grant
B.S. in Health & Human Performance with a concentration on Community Health, Minor in Military Science
Hometown: Zillah, WA
“Thank you Mom for your unconditional love and support. Your belief in what I can do has helped me push through challenges and I am thankful for the sacrifices you have made and effort you put in to attend my concerts, meets and events. You are the bestest in the world, te amo con todo mi corazon.”
Campus Involvement: ROTC, Chamber Choir, Community Band, 45th Parallel, Pre-Professional Health Club, Cross Country, developed STD Prevention/Education program for EOU, collaborated with peers to develop walking program at EOU to promote health & community wellness; volunteered at Island Magic Lu’au & Show
B.S. in Health & Human Performance with a concentration in Physical Education & Sports
Hometown: Milton-Freewater, OR
Descendant of Zacatecas, Mexico
Campus Involvement: Recipient of the Diversity Achievement Award, participated in Celebrate, Educate and Appreciate Diversity (CEAD) Conference for 5 years
B.S. in Anthropology/Sociology
Hometown: Peleliu, Palau
“Thank you to my mentors, supporters, and family back home for helping me in my academic journey. I couldn’t have done this without your love and support.”
Campus Involvement: Navigators Club
B.S. in Anthropology/Sociology, Minor in Communication Studies
Hometown: Sunnyside, WA
Country-affiliation: Mexico
“This degree is for us. My family. For your endless support and love. Thank you for wanting more for me and sacrificing for me to succeed.“
Campus Involvement: Latino Impact President and Member; United Undocumented Students Member; Recipient of Diversity Achievement Award Scholarship.
B.S. in Anthropology/Sociology, Minor in Native American Studies
The Dalles, OR
“Grateful for the time and effort invested in guiding me toward fulfilling this goal. It is a tremendous personal victory to finally complete a journery begun in 1988. In no small way made possible by the encouragement of family, friends, and wise teachers especially Dr. Linda Reed-Jerofke. I hope I make my ancestors proud.”
Bachelors of Applied Science in Business
Hometown: Pendleton, OR
Tribal Affiliation: Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Campus Involvement: Speel-Ya Native American Student Council
B.S. in Communications Studies, Minor in Anthropology/Sociology
Hometown: McMinnville, OR
“There were nights without sleep spent reading books and long hours dedicated to studying and completing homework. Many weekends were spent at home working on school projects while my family enjoyed their time out. I won’t lie; there were also tears of exhaustion from juggling all my other family responsibilities. Yet, I don’t regret any second of it and my decision to take on this challenge. I feel motivated and fulfilled. Today, I proudly declare myself a college graduate, a dream I once only envisioned as a little immigrant child who couldn’t speak English, a child who is now graduating with a 4.0 GPA. This dream has come true today, and my husband, baby, and family are here to see it. Lo hicimos familia, LOS AMO, gracias por todo su apoyo incondicional! Thank you to all the faculty and staff at EOU for their support. Glory be to God!“
Campus Involvement: Recipient of the Diversity Achievement Award Scholarship and an EOU Foundation Scholarship; Member of the United Undocumented Students Club
He/They
Masters of Fine Arts – Creative Writing
Hometown: Corvallis, OR
Tribal Affiliation: Pamunkey Indian Tribe, King William, VA
“All my love to the Pamunkey Nation. Papasowh Ough – Taux Ohawas”
Campus Involvement: Accessibility Coordinator, Fishtrap Writing Conference
B.S. in Theater Arts, Minor in Business Administration
Hometown: Lancaster, CA
Tribal Affiliation: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Campus Involvement: Track & Field Athlete
B.S. in Communication Studies
Hometown State: Airai, Palau
Campus Involvement: Multicultural Student Union; Navigators Club; Pacific Island Student Alliance; Celebrate, Educate & Appreciate Diversity (CEAD) Conference; Island Magic Lu’au & Show
B.S. in Computer Science
Hometown: Hoodriver, OR.
Tribal Affiliation: Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
B.S. in Health & Human Performance with concentration in Exercise Science and Community Health
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo Nation
Masters of Arts Teaching – Secondary Education
Tribal Affiliation: Cherokee Tribe
B.S. in Anthropology/Sociology with a concentration on Anthropology
Hometown: Damascus, OR
Page last updated on June 14, 2024
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Hoke Union Bldg, Rm. 212 La Grande, OR 97850 (541) 962-3741