Supporting students in crisis

Student Crisis Funds support students during pandemic

March 27, 2020 LA GRANDE, Ore. –  During this uncharted time in history, alumni and friends of Eastern Oregon University (EOU) have begun to ask how they can assist students in crisis. 

“What we are experiencing is unprecedented,” said EOU Foundation President Dr. Patrick Nearing. “The local and national response to the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly heightens every day. Now, more than ever, we are in this together — for our students and communities.” 

The university remains focused on ensuring students can continue their progress toward a degree and serving as a resource for the region. EOU was an early adopter of moving all campus-based classes to remote delivery for Spring Term.

“We are hearing of students who are being affected by loss of their jobs that pay for their tuition,” said Vice President for University Advancement Tim Seydel. “Our students are seeing changes in their family situations from layoffs, housing insecurity and a multitude of expenses due to the coronavirus outbreak.”

The EOU Foundation Student Crisis Fund was established by donors several years ago to assist students who face sudden hardship, difficult personal circumstances, and now, the impacts of a global pandemic.  

“At this time we ask for your financial support with careful thought,” Nearing said. “Please, if you are able, consider a gift to the Student Crisis Fund to help at-risk students in our university family.” 

An online giving portal is available at eou.edu/foundation/support-the-student-crisis-fund-today. Those interested may also mail checks to EOU Foundation, Inlow 212, One University Blvd., La Grande, OR 97850, and designate “EOU Crisis Fund” in the memo. 

Visit eou.edu/foundation for more information, or email foundation@eou.edu to learn more about this and other opportunities to support EOU students.