Philanthropy for Students

For Fred and Phyllis Arnst and their family, Eastern Oregon University is a cherished and   longstanding part of their story.

“We have a long, lovely list of the ways EOU has impacted our life and our family,” Phyllis Arnst said. “Our journey started in Eastern Oregon in 1968 in Wallowa County and then to La Grande. The journey has been as beautiful as this region itself.”

The couple met at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. Their relationship blossomed, leading to marriage and a move to Winifred, Montana where Fred took on roles as a head coach and PE teacher.

 “I was taking summer classes at the University of Montana and met the superintendent for Wallowa County who told me about an opportunity.”

 After six wonderful years in Wallowa County, a new opportunity arose in La Grande. 

“Not long after we moved to La Grande, I found a position with Eastern–I worked for three presidents, and three name changes,” Phyllis said. “I started working for a state college and retired from a university!”

“So many of our children and grandchildren have attended Eastern and earned degrees here,” Phyllis continued. “Because of our backgrounds and interests, it got us thinking about the type of students we want to support. We’re interested in supporting students who can use help, so we wanted to make sure our scholarship is renewable,” Phyllis commented.  

“It was important to us to establish rapport with students. Providing renewable scholarships makes the students feel good, knowing there are people out there who want to support their journey and help them succeed.”

“It’s a big deal,” Fred said. “It’s just one of the ways we can help students get through school–to be successful now, but also helping students succeed in life.”

“EOU does a good job helping students see the importance of philanthropy in their own lives and communities,” Phyllis reflected. “In our retirement years, we look back and see all of the benefits from our educational opportunities. We want to pay it forward, so students can have fulfilling and productive lives. It’s our hope they’ll be inspired to one day give back to their  own home communities.”