EOU graduates 800

By Dick Mason
The La Grande Observer

Published: June 14, 2004

The Observer/DICK MASON Eastern Oregon University graduate Travis Taylor smiles while shaking the hand of outgoing interim president Dixie Lund at Saturday's graduation ceremony. Taylor, who is from Wenatchee, Wash., received a bachelor of science degree in business administration.

Eastern Oregon University's graduates of 2004 were urged to stay connected with their region during commencement exercises Saturday at Community Stadium.

"Remember us'' said Henry Lorenzen of Pendleton, a member of the State Board of Higher Education.

Lorenzen was referring to the Eastern Oregon communities that molded the values of the class of 2004 - values that he said will ultimately determine the career paths of the graduates.

Lorenzen noted that it is often said "Uncle Sam Needs You.'' when the federal government seeks help.

"In this case it is Oregon which needs you, in particular Eastern Oregon,'' Lorenzen said. "...Remember us as we will remember you.''

Graduating senior Jayne-Leigh Thomas, the President's Scholar, urged her classmates to show gratitude.

"When the excitement has subsided'' thank those who have given you advice, guidance and support, Thomas said.

Thomas, who is from Selah, Wash., also encouraged her classmates to be trailblazers.

"Throughout life go where there is no path and leave a trail for others to follow,'' Thomas said.

Also at Saturday's commencement, Dixie Lund, Eastern's outgoing interim president, was presented with EOU's distinguished alumni award. Lund served as interim president from July 2003 through May 26 of this year when Khosrow Fatemi officially took office as EOU's 10th president.

Lund is a 1973 graduate of Eastern. She has been an Eastern faculty member since 1973 and served as EOU's dean of distance education before becoming interim president.

Lund is the first EOU alum ever to serve as its president. She will retire at the end of the month.

One of the final events of Saturday's ceremony was the singing of Eastern's alma mater "Hail, Eastern Oregon'' by Kathleen Hire of La Grande. Hire received a bachelor of science degree in music Saturday.

Students and faculty were led in and out of Community Stadium by bagpipe player Jeremy Gordon of Logan, Utah. Gordon is a 2000 graduate of EOU.

Of the approximately 800 total EOU graduates, 320 students participated in the graduation ceremony. About 3,000 people attended the ceremony.

Contact Information

University Advancement Eastern Oregon University One University Boulevard La Grande, OR 97850 phone 541.962.3740 fax 541.962.3680 email University Advancement