In Memoriam

Honoring those who made lasting impacts on EOU Howard Bailey, Professor Emeritus Dr. Bailey was born Nov. 5, 1925 in Iowa and after a life of activities and accomplishments, passed away in Island City on Oct. 15, 2021. Dr. Bailey served in the U.S. Army from 1944-46. He later earned his doctorate of mathematics and […]

An Ambassador for Change

How an EOU education instilled a sense of belonging and inspired social consciousness Doctor Abio Ayeliya, ’08, was selected by the EOU Alumni Association as the 2022 Distinguished Alumni for his work helping others and he continues to affect change years after his graduation from Eastern Oregon University. The young man, who once went to […]

The Ripple Effect of a Musical Legacy

Only recently has Duane Boyer started thinking about his legacy after five decades in the classroom. After graduating from Eastern Oregon College cum laude in 1969 the Eastern Oregon University guitar and banjo instructor was hired in 1973 to teach music. Eastern Oregon State College would not change its name until 1997 when it became […]

Far From Home

Two EOU alumni, each with their own stories, found themselves teaching at the same school system in the remote Alaskan Bush Conrad Woodhead, a 2002 EOU alum, was looking for a one-of-a-kind experience and found it in remote Alaska. “I was in this village, a remote whaling community with a totally subsisting lifestyle. You can […]

Discovering History, From Wallowa to Croatia

Bright lights and pristine workstations line the room, ready for action. Deep in the basement of EOU’s Ackerman Hall, the former elementary school, is the brand-new anthropology classroom and lab. A space designed for students to really own, while they explore the worlds, techniques, and processes of anthropology and archaeology. In the corner, stacked nearly […]

Resilience in Rural Communities

EOU faculty and students empower local communities through insights You’ve probably heard reference to the “REV” Center before. Or at least know EOU has a REV Center. The Rural Engagement & Vitality – or REV – Center is a joint venture between Eastern Oregon University and Wallowa Resources with the goal and intent of serving […]

The Value of Education

7,000 miles to EOU For Eastern Oregon University freshman Mohtarama “Mary” Qazizada, education is a birthright. Mary is passionate about a woman’s right to education, but more importantly she believes learning is the key to changing the world for the better. Mary was born and raised in Afghanistan and is deeply saddened as she watches […]

Teaching Rural 

Heart and journey, from teacher to student It’s not just what you learn within the four walls of a classroom; it’s the hands-on experiences you never thought you’d have out of the classroom which makes the difference. EOU’s Teach Rural Oregon is a rare gem in the space of higher education and is the umbrella […]

Message From the Alumni President

To my fellow alumni and friends of Eastern Oregon University, It gives me great pleasure to introduce this issue of the Mountaineer Magazine. As a 2006 and 2008 alumna of Eastern Oregon University and the current President of the EOU Alumni Association, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with and for the Alumni […]