Eastern Oregon University > Mountaineer Magazine > Alumni Stories > Welcome Home Mounties

Welcome Home Mounties

Two new members of University Advancement returned to their alma mater to further engage alumni and enhance student experiences through the EOU Foundation.

Michelle Mudder, ’14, Assistant Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement

Q: What’s something you are working on that you’re excited about?    

A: Growing our Alumni social media presence and continuing to build our alumni community. I’m also excited about planning the 2022 Homecoming!  

Q: How has EOU changed since you were a student? What has stayed the same?

A: The biggest change at EOU since I was a student has been the turf field at Community Stadium. As a former EOU soccer player, I’m so happy to see that addition. It’s great to see upgrades to buildings on campus too. What has stayed the same is how supportive the professors, faculty, coaches and staff are on-campus and how they want their students to succeed.  

Q: What impact does your work have on students? 

A: Annual giving directly impacts students through scholarships and support for clubs, events, athletics and academic programs. On the other side, alumni engagement connects students to alumni for mentorship, advice and finding belonging within the EOU community.  

Suzannah Moore Hemann, ’08, ’09, ’10, Assistant Director of Scholarships & Stewardship

Q: What’s something you are working on that you’re excited about? 

A: We’re reviewing applications to award scholarships for 2022-2023, and it is truly inspiring to glimpse into the educational and career aspirations of the upcoming generation of graduates. It is amazing to see how many donors support these students through scholarships.

Q: How has EOU changed since you were a student? What has stayed the same?

A: While the historic architecture and beauty of the natural surroundings continue, it’s remarkable how much has changed since I was a student. There is an ever-growing expansion to the programs offered to really help leverage recruitment of diverse individuals who have multitudes of interests. 

Q: What impact does your work have on students? 

A: Our work directly impacts students every day, but they may never see us! Not only does our work help with more tangible things, such as increasing scholarship opportunities, but it also develops avenues for internships and making connections that may not have otherwise been as readily accessible.