President’s Letter – Fall 2021

Welcome fellow alumni, friends and colleagues,

As I write this, students are in classes with their peers and professors. The return to in-person instruction and activities is a triumph achieved by every member of our university community.

Many of you can attest to the impact of engaging, one-on-one conversation with faculty and mentors. Those relationships are central to what makes EOU so special and allows our students to thrive and achieve their dreams.

As always, we remain committed to the health and safety of the EOU community. Last year, we came together and found the optimal balance of in-person activities and health protocols that enabled EOU to be one of just a handful of universities to have in-person classes. And, this year, tools such as vaccines, masking, daily health checks, and testing allow us all to safely come together for learning.

The energy created when Mounties are together is transformative. Throughout this issue of The Mountaineer you’ll find stories of alumni interacting in the world beyond EOU. Whether they’re leading young people through national parks, or leading one of Oregon’s largest beef companies—EOU alumni recognize one another through a shared set of values and principles.

Lately, I’ve been struck by how often interdependence arises as crucial to our shared success. I’m grateful to count each of you as a member of our EOU family.

Thank you,
Thomas A. Insko, ’94
President