Engage, Invest, Enhance.
EOU Foundation
Engage, Invest, Enhance
Empowering Eastern Oregon’s Future Through Generosity
Support EOU students and programs with your philanthropic gift. Every dollar you give fosters academic excellence, opportunity, and community vitality across eastern Oregon.
About the EOU Foundation
Founded in 1964, the Eastern Oregon University Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners closely with EOU to steward private gifts in support of our mission: to engage alumni, friends, and communities to enhance the quality and vitality of our students and university. Governed by a volunteer board of trustees and guided by ethical standards, we ensure your donations are used exactly as you intend.
Our Impact
- Over $23 million in assets supports scholarships, endowments, and university programs.
- More than 300 scholarships awarded annually, totaling over $1 million in direct support to students.
- Donor and student stories highlight the transformational impact of giving. For example, the Pearson Scholarship helps business students pursue their goals and graduate with confidence.
Read our Annual Report to see how your gifts make a difference.
Foundation Mission and Vision
Mission: Engage our community to invest in a brighter future for EOU students and programs.
Vision: Every graduating class represents a generation empowered to lead Eastern Oregon forward.
Quick Links
Contact
Eastern Oregon University Foundation
Inlow Hall 202
One University Boulevard
La Grande, OR 97850-2807
Phone: 541-962-3740
E-mail: foundation@eou.edu
Board of Directors
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of alumni, community leaders, and business professionals who are dedicated to advancing EOU. Standing committees in Finance, Audit, Trusteeship & Nominating, and Fundraising provide strong oversight and direction.
The EOU Foundation Board of Directors consists of nine to fifteen trustees, elected by the Board of Trustees, and is responsible for the governance and oversight of the Foundation. The Board has four standing committees to provide support and oversight to the Foundation: Finance, Trusteeship & Nominating, Audit, and Fundraising. The Board of Directors shall supervise the affairs of the Foundation. The Board of Directors shall serve as the fundraising committee of the EOU Foundation.
Officers:
James Gorham, ’95, Chair
Brent Gunderson, ’01, Vice Chair
Emily Folkestad, ’08, ’11, Treasurer
Board of Directors:
Adriana DalSoglio, ’06, ’08
Scott Davidson, ‘83
Linda Gleeson
Tom Insko, ’94
Patrick Nearing, ’75
Craig Nightingale, ’74
Mark Pearson, ’77
Matt Scarfo, ’98
Financial Stewardship
Transparency and accountability are at the heart of our work. The Foundation publishes audited financial reports and complies with donor intent. All gifts are carefully managed with long-term stewardship in mind, ensuring sustainable support for future generations of Mountaineers.
2024-25 Trustees
- Carey Allison, ’90
- Robert Bates, ’06
- Cliff Bentz, ’74
- Craig Braseth
- Adriana DalSoglio, ’06, ’08
- Michael Daugherty, ’74
- Scott Davidson, ’83
- Lynn Duncan
- Emily Folkestad, ’08
- Michael Freese
- Linda Gleeson
- Timothy Gleeson
- James Gorham, ’95
- C. Joseph Grover
- Brent Gunderson, ’01
- Marcella Haines
- Richard Hermens
- Ann Hutchinson, ’80
- Tom Insko, ’94
- Michael Jaeger
- Jack Johnson, ’72
- Steven Joseph, ’72
- Terry Lemon, ’69
- Mary Jo Lemon, ’67
- Edward Lund
- Dixie Lund, ’73
- Colby Marshall
- James McMahan, ’76
- Patrick Nearing, ’75
- Craig Nightingale, ’74
- Joseph Null
- G. Susanna Ogston
- Mark Pearson, ’77
- R. Matthew Scarfo, ’98
- R. Doyle Slater
- Bradford Stephens
- Norman Stewart, ’95
- Luke Swanson, ’01
- Margaret Valentine
- Eric Valentine
- Dawnette Waters, ’97
- Peter Wordelman
Publications
The Mountaineer Magazine
In this issue:
Celebrating cultural heritage and community, the Summer 2025 cover features a young dancer in traditional regalia, highlighting EOU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
2024 Annual Report
EOU Mission Statement:
EOU guides student inquiry through integrated, high-quality liberal arts and professional programs that lead to responsible and reflective action in a diverse and interconnected world.
As an educational, cultural and scholarly center, EOU connects the rural regions of Oregon to a wider
world. Our beautiful setting and small size enhance the personal attention our students receive, while partnerships with colleges, universities, agencies and communities add to the educational possibilities of our region and state.
Annual Reports
Click below to access and view EOU’s Annual and Financial Reports, which include both the annual and financial reports of the EOU Foundation.