Mountaineer Tracks

Accomplishments

Distinguished alumnus Skye Fitzgerald, ’93, was nominated for his second Academy Award in the Best Documentary (Short Subject) category for his latest film, “Hunger Ward.”

Darin Tankersley, ’01, was hired to serve as Chief of Medical Center Administration and Operations with The Permanente Medical Group . He has been a leader in numerous aspects of our COVID-19 response in Northern California. In addition to his business degree from EOU, he holds an MBA and a Ph.D. from Bellevue University.

Miguel Bautista, ’11, earned a Ph.D. from Capella University in Public Safety with specialization in Emergency Management. Findings from his research may provide insight into safety program development to reduce rates of injury and death among U.S. firefighters. In addition to working full-time as Deputy Fire Marshal for Hillsboro Fire and Rescue, he’s also an adjunct instructor for EOU’s Fire Services Administration and  Emergency Medical Services Administration programs.

Victoria Davis, ’16, has applied her fine art and psychology degrees, and is now practicing as a Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a High School Counselor in Los Angeles: “I’ve noticed in your magazine you follow-up on how people have used their EOU degrees.  I wanted to offer an update to show how much I appreciate my undergrad education at EOU and how it has helped me get to where I am today.”

Share your news at eou.edu/alumni/updates!

Obituaries

Distinguished Alumnus Captain Milburn J. “Mel” Holmes, ’61, passed away peacefully in February 2021, at 82 years old.

Born and raised in La Grande, he became the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from EOU in 2006.

Mel entered the Navy Flight Training Program in 1961, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1963. During his career, Mel flew the F-4 “Phantom” and participated in three cruises in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He received 18 medals and commendations throughout his service.

Mel was one of the original founders of the legendary Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as “TOPGUN.” He completed his naval career as the Commanding Officer of a reserve F-4 Fighter Squadron. After his retirement as a 747 captain from Northwest/Delta Airlines, he established a premier flight school in California.

Faculty and Friends

Natalie K. Carey

William F. Howell

David E. Kerley

Michael Williams

Alumni

1940s and 50s

Clarice Poor, ’43

Barbara J. Richman, ’49

Thomas W. Taylor, ’50

James W. Wiseman, ’55

Gaylord Salter, ’56

Bernard E. Damon, ’57

Nicholas J. Eddy, ’57

Karen McGillivray, ’58

R. Verle A. Bechtel

1960s

Michael Tolar, ’60

Harley Derrick, ’61

Milburn J. Holmes, ’61

Ella Mae Watson, ’61

Kenneth G. Johnson, ’63

Charles J. Chapman, ’66

Cathey J. Correa, ’66

Robert R. Hall, ’69

1970s

Cliff Smith, ’70

Larry H. Masters, ’71

Linda C. Bricker, ’72

Merrie Hensley, ’76

William B. Johnson, ’76

David D’Avanzo, ’77

Herschel D. Malone, ’77

Roger V. Williams, ’78

1980s and 90s

David H. Payne, ’88

Gary K. Roberts, ’94

Lorenzo J. DelCurto, ’98

2000s and 2010s

Lorna M. Spain, ’02

Devin A. Seibel, ’08

Kimberly M. Cloud, ’13