Eastern Oregon University Announces 15th Annual CEAD Conference on May 16

Eastern Oregon University Announces 15th Annual CEAD Conference on May 16

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University (EOU) and the Office of Strategic Equity Initiatives invite the campus community to the 15th annual CEAD (Celebrate, Educate & Appreciate Diversity) Conference on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to  1:30 p.m. on the EOU campus in La Grande. This milestone year celebrates a long-standing campus program focused on learning, connection, and shared understanding. This conference is free and open to all students, faculty, and staff. Some parts of the conference will be livestreamed. More details, including a registration link, will be shared soon. This conference is made possible through support from the Student Council for Cultural Affairs.

Over the years, the CEAD Conference has explored a range of topics, including the value of different perspectives, how systems shape experiences, and, more recently, building relationships, communicating effectively, and strengthening a sense of community. This year’s conference will continue to focus on community, connection, constructive dialogue, and navigating conversations around identity and lived experiences, particularly within rural settings. The event is designed to bring together students, faculty, staff, and community members for thoughtful discussion and reflection.

There will be a free breakfast and lunch for conference attendees. 

“As we mark 15 years of CEAD, we see this as an opportunity to bring people together in meaningful ways,” said Mika Morton, Director at Eastern Oregon University’s Office of Strategic Equity Initiatives. “Our goal is to create space for respectful conversation, shared learning, and a stronger sense of connection across our campus.”

The conference will feature keynote speaker Eliot Feenstra of Oregon’s Kitchen Table, known for his ability to bring people together across different perspectives and create space for thoughtful, grounded conversation. Through his work, he has helped communities across Oregon engage in meaningful dialogue around complex issues, with a focus on listening, shared understanding, and finding common ground. His approach, centered on curiosity, care, and connection, makes him especially well-suited to help set the tone for this year’s conference.

Eastern Oregon University remains committed to fostering a campus environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel a meaningful sense of connection and support. The CEAD Conference is one way the university continues to invest in opportunities for open dialogue, reflection, and shared responsibility in building a strong and connected campus community. Additional details, including registration information, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

For more information about the CEAD Conference, please contact Mika Morton at mnmorton@eou.edu.

LINK TO ADA Digitally Accessible formatted Poster (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/10VDkwLqX-mDhsqpp4oP17EaGaAblNC2E/view?usp=drive_link