“Haircuts for Scholarships”

Blue Mountain Barbers champions “Haircuts for Scholarships” project

Photo by Laura Hancock / Galen Miller, owner of Blue Mountain Barbers, finishes Craig Orton’s cut with a straight shave. Orton, of La Grande, participates in the “Haircuts for Scholarships” project by designating $1 of his bill to the general scholarship fund at EOU.

November 3, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Galen Miller, owner of Blue Mountain Barbers, wants his clients to get more than just a great haircut when they visit his shop on Adams Avenue.

A unique partnership with the Eastern Oregon University Foundation is making it possible for barbershop patrons to give something back when they have a little – or a lot – taken off the top.

It’s called “Haircuts for Scholarships” and clients can designate $1 of their tab to be donated to programs supporting the arts, athletics or a general scholarship fund at EOU.

Miller hopes the arrangement will help people feel connected to something bigger, something that’s important to him and the community.

“We get so many EOU students in here,” Miller said. “They’re spending their money downtown, so I think it’s important to give something back to them and also support the importance of higher education.”

“EOU has been and needs to continue to be part of this town,” he added. “I’d love to see more businesses getting involved.”

Since the start of fall term, more than $700 has been raised and the initial effort continues through December 31. EOU’s Scholarship Committee will award the money next year to full-time, on campus students involved in the designated program areas.

Miller’s goal is to dedicate one term per year to the “Haircuts for Scholarships” project.

“We really appreciate this special effort by a local business to support our students,” said Mike Allstott, EOU Foundation president. “These and other connections show just how important our community is to us.”

The EOU Foundation is a vital resource for higher education in eastern Oregon, with current assets of $13 million. Scholarships will provide over $425,000 to students during this academic year.

For more information on the “Haircuts for Scholarships” project and the EOU Foundation, call 541-962-3740 or visit www.eou.edu/foundation.