Supporting music programs

Businesses pledge support for EOU music programs

News contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, 541-962-3585

LA GRANDE, Ore. January 12, 2017 – Two area businesses are bolstering music scholarships and annual performances at Eastern Oregon University through pledges to the EOU Foundation.

Koza Family Dental Care, owned by Dr. Stephen Koza, provides lead sponsorship of the annual Holiday Music Festival. Through his practice, Dr. Koza also contributes to the music scholarship and choral endowment funds at EOU and he plans to continue supporting music programs into the future.

“Living in a rural area, we appreciate the opportunity to support the arts and help provide musical events for the community,” Dr. Koza said. “We see real value in programs that the EOU music department brings to our community for students and the community in general. It is important to us that these events continue to be available in northeast Oregon.”

Similarly, Red Cross Drug Store, owned by Bob and Sue Coulter, is expanding an existing sponsorship of EOU’s Chamber Choir and affiliate groups to sponsor the Choirs of the Valley concert that opened Homecoming in 2016. The business also supports the Grande Ronde Community Chorus and Union County Children’s Choir by contributing to general operating costs.

“We chose music specifically because it is something that everyone enjoys and brings the community together in a healthy and positive way,” said Leah Lester, store manager. “We are excited to extend this support to even more music avenues and look forward to many more years of music together!”

Red Cross Drug Store is also carrying its generosity into the new year, sponsoring the popular annual concert presented by EOU’s music department. The high-energy song and dance production features a “Weather Report” theme this year and opens February 3-4 in McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall.

“These pledges represent an extraordinary level of leadership from our local business community,” said Peter Wordelman, professor of music and member of the EOU Foundation board of directors. “Through their support we are able to build on our reputation for musical excellence and continue to recruit and retain top-tier students.”

Scholarships, community support and fundraising events have generated more than $604,000 for music students, equipment purchases and other department needs since 1998.

For the current school year alone, the EOU Foundation awarded a record $550,000 in scholarships to students across academic disciplines, including music. The number of scholarships available continues to grow, serving a broad spectrum of students throughout the state, nation and world.

Individuals interested in contributing to existing funds or establishing new scholarships should contact the EOU Foundation at 541-962-3740, email foundation@eou.edu or visit eou.edu/foundation.