Homecoming

EOU Homecoming

Mark your calendar for October 12-14, 2023!! EOU invites all alumni, family, and friends of the University to join in the annual Homecoming festivities!!

Hit the greens at the Mountaineer Athletic Association’s annual golf scramble; run, jog, walk, skip in the annual 5/10K, celebrate our alumni; cheer on our Mountaineers in volleyball and football; show your wits at EOU trivia night; or even join a friendly alumni basketball game! Keep checking back here for updates and information on all of the festivities!

Register for 2023 Homecoming events

Parade and cookie decorating registrations are live! Please check back soon to register for the other events.

Homecoming crowd

2023 Homecoming Schedule

Thursday Oct. 12

Event NameDescriptionLocationTime
Alumni Talk – Brady Layman2023 EOU Alum Brady Layman returns to EOU to share his experience of his first year as a graduate student at Purdue University.Huber Auditorium5:00 p.m.
EOU No-Host Social & TriviaThe public – EOU friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and anyone else – is invited to attend a no-host social and casual trivia.  Compete for fun and compete for prizes!  This is a no-host family-friend event.Side A Brewing7:00 p.m.

Friday Oct. 13

Event NameDescriptionLocationTime
MAA Golf ScrambleThe Mountaineer Alumni Association returns with the annual Golf Scramble!  Grab a team of four and get ready for some fun at Buffalo Peak!  Fun for any age, no handicap required.Buffalo Peak Golf Course8 a.m.
Alumni Association MeetingThe annual meeting for all EOU Alumni will be held to select next year’s officers and vote on the Board of Directors.Alumni Room – Ackerman 2081-2 p.m.
Campus Tours & Fieldhouse Open House Join a 30-minute walking tour of the EOU La Grande Campus to learn about recent projects and current upgrades.  Haven’t been to campus in a while?  This is the perfect opportunity to learn about all the changes happening and includes an exclusive look at the Outdoor Adventure Program and Fieldhouse!Start at the EOU Bookstore (Hoke ground floor)2-2:30 & 2:30-3 p.m.
Cookie Decorating ClassLooking for something fun and unique to do?  Take this class and you walk away with four signature gourmet cookies – that you learn to decorate like a master!  Fun for all ages!Side A Brewing3-4:30 p.m.
Mountie March ParadeJoin the fun of the Parade with your group/organization/business and decorate with your best EOU pride!  Prizes available for largest group, most spirited, and dress-up!  Make sure to join us on Adams Avenue, whether in the parade or cheering on the Mounties!Downtown La Grande4:30 p.m.
Athletics Hall of FameJoin fellow Mountaineers to induct athletes into the Hall of Fame in an unforgettable evening. Hoke Community Room5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Women’s VolleyballHead to Quinn Coliseum to cheer on the Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Evergreen State College in an exciting match!Quinn Coliseum7:00 p.m.
EOU Music Department Vocal PerformanceStudents from the EOU Music department will be joined by Alumni for an intimate performance. Sponsored by our community partner and alumni-owned business, Allstate Insurance of La Grande.Schwartz Theater7:30 p.m.
Mountaineer Spirit BonfireThe Student Affairs welcomes all current Mounties to a sky-high bonfire and ‘pep time’ at the sand-volleyball pit on the EOU campus, between Hoke and Quinn!Beach Volleyball Pits8-10:00 p.m.

Saturday Oct. 14

Event NameDescriptionLocationTime
Fun RunWalk, Run, Skip, Jog, or any other way that strikes your fancy in the Alumni Fun Run!  All friends, alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and community are invited to participate in a casual jaunt from campus throughout the lovely downtown and back!Starting at the EOU Fieldhouse8:30 a.m.
Alumni Baseball GameJoin EOU Baseball Alumni for a fun and friendly game to celebrate Homecoming weekend!Optimist Field at Pioneer ParkTBD
Alumni Breakfast & AwardsAll EOU alumni are invited to attend a breakfast to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of fellow alumni!  Breakfast is provided as we honor the successes and positive community impacts of our Mountaineers.Hoke 3399 – 10:00 a.m
State of the University & President’s ReceptionJoin President Kelly Ryan, Ph.D. as she discusses visions of the future, plans, and get excited for the positive momentum of EOU!Hoke 33910 – 11 a.m.
EOU Tailgate Zone Join fellow alumni and friends in the Tailgate Zone!  Make sure to grab a spot, or just stop by to enjoy the atmosphere before the kickoff!Tailgate Zone10:00 a.m.
Campus Tours & Fieldhouse Open HouseJoin a 30-minute walking tour of the EOU La Grande Campus to learn about recent projects and current upgrades.  Haven’t been to campus in a while?  This is the perfect opportunity to learn about all the changes happening and includes an exclusive look at the Outdoor Adventure Program and Fieldhouse!Start at the EOU Bookstore (Hoke ground floor)11-11:30 a.m. & 11:30-12 p.m.
Football GameAt Community Stadium, join Eastern alum, friends, and community to cheer on the Mountaineers as they take on Carroll College!Community Stadium1:00 p.m.
Women’s VolleyballHead to Quinn Coliseum to cheer on the Women’s Volleyball team as they take on Northwest in an exciting match!Quinn Coliseum5:00 p.m.
Alumni Basketball GameJoin EOU Basketball Alumni for a fun and friendly game to celebrate Homecoming weekend!Quinn ColiseumTBD

Alumni Awards and Honors

Each year, the EOU Alumni Association takes the opportunity to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their field, shows passion for their work, personifies a high standard of excellence and integrity, as well as a commitment to Eastern Oregon University.  These awards are bestowed annually during Homecoming.  Individuals are nominated by alumni, staff, and faculty, and the EOU Alumni Association Board of Directors selects the recipients.  Awards may vary from year to year based on nominations received; not each category is awarded each year.

Alumni Awards 2022