New curtains in McKenzie Theatre

Oregon Agriculture Foundation gifts new curtains to McKenzie Theatre

News contact: Laura Hancock, University Advancement, 541-962-3586 

LA GRANDE, Ore. December 7, 2016 – Rows of new red velvet curtains were hung in McKenzie Theatre just in time for the Holiday Music Festival to mark its 25^th anniversary in style at Eastern Oregon University earlier this month.

The Oregon Agriculture Foundation (OAF) donated $17,000 to EOU making the purchase of the drapes ­­­– an integral component of the facility in Loso Hall – possible.

“We are thrilled with the donation,” said Peter Wordelman, EOU professor of music. “McKenzie Theatre hosts so many university and community events, and it is wonderful to walk into the venue and see brand new curtains.”

Through the vision of namesakes Glen and Jean McKenzie, the auditorium continues to be the main performance space for the eastern Oregon region. Their lasting connection is what prompted OAF to contribute to the curtain replacement effort as an additional way to keep the McKenzie name at the forefront in the community.

An Eastern Oregon Normal School graduate, Glen McKenzie remained involved long after he completed his studies in 1936. He served as a trustee of the EOU Foundation and was a charter member of the EOU President’s Club, among many other activities.

The McKenzies established OAF in 1992 to promote agriculture studies, and the non-profit corporation now administers the Summerville-area century farm they once owned. The foundation has provided more than $1 million in scholarships or scholarship endowments for EOU students since Glen passed away in 2006. Jean preceded him in death in 1993.

For more information about OAF’s support of the university and its students, contact the EOU Foundation at 541-962-3740 or email foundation@eou.edu.

EOU students, many majoring in theatre and music, stand back to admire the new velvet curtains now hanging in McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall thanks to a generous gift from the Oregon Agriculture Foundation established by Glen and Jean McKenzie.