Eastern Oregon University Announces Alumni Association Award Recipients

Oct. 23, 2023

Eastern Oregon University Announces Alumni Association Award Recipients

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon University celebrates and recognizes the exceptional lifetime achievements of three remarkable alumni, each representing a distinct category of excellence. The annual awards are a testament to the unwavering dedication, outstanding service, and remarkable accomplishments of EOU’s alumni community.

The EOU Alumni Breakfast has become a cornerstone of Homecoming Weekend festivities, uniting alumni, faculty, staff, and friends in celebration of the university’s enduring legacy.

The Faculty/Staff Service Award recognizes a former or current employee who, during their time on campus, fosters a spirit of community and service through personal relationships with others.  This individual inspired students and peers, guiding them down their own paths to success.  This year, Mike Daugherty, a 1974 EOU Alumni, was recognized for his many thousands of hours of dedicated service and philanthropic support to EOU and the EOU Alumni Association.  Mike retired from EOU in 2006 and served on the Alumni Board for many years.

The Dixie Lund Service Award recognizes meritorious service to EOU in support of the goals, traditions, and mission of the University and Alumni Association. This year, Rob Lane was recognized for his passion and enthusiasm for EOU and the EOU Booster Club. Rob has a strong heart for his community and has always felt the University is an important part of this community for the unique quality it brings to Union County.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a graduate of the University who, through their chosen career and personal endeavors, served their community, the state, and Eastern Oregon University, and whose personal contributions and personal achievements have brought honor to themselves and recognition to their alma mater.  This is the highest award the EOU Alumni Association bestows. This year, Robert Waltenburg, a 1989 and 1996 EOU Alumni, was recognized as this year’s Distinguished Alumni. Robert is a strong advocate for EOU, works tirelessly to support the EOU Center in Grant County, and is highly respected for his relationships with educator-leaders in the county, region, and across the state. Additionally, Robert’s two daughters are also EOU alumni and he continues to be passionate about EOU as Oregon’s Rural University to this day.

This annual event not only serves as a platform to celebrate these exceptional individuals but also brings alumni from various walks of life together to reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on the enduring impact of their alma mater.

President Kelly Ryan commented on the significance of the Alumni Breakfast, stating, “The Alumni Breakfast is a momentous occasion for us to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our alumni, to showcase the indelible mark they leave on our university, and the ongoing commitment shown to ensure EOU remains strong in its future. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of EOU and the transformative power of education.”

The 2023 Alumni Breakfast was held Saturday, Oct. 13, 2023, in the Hoke Community Room, and was a memorable occasion filled with pride, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to the future of Eastern Oregon University.