Join EOU for TRU Day at the Capitol

EOU takes education advocacy on the road for TRU Day in Salem

News contact: Laura Hancock | Communications Coordinator, University Advancement | 541-962-3585 or lhancock@eou.edu
Source contact: Tim Seydel | Vice President, University Advancement | 541-962-3740 or tseydel@eou.edu

April 20, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Eastern Oregon University is joining Oregon’s three other technical and regional universities at the Capitol for TRU Day, Tuesday, May 19.

The event will bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and other supporters of TRU’s (technical and regional universities) together in Salem for a day of legislative engagement and advocacy.

“This is a critical effort to advocate for support of funding for higher education in Oregon, and in particular, for EOU,” said Tim Seydel, vice president for University Advancement. “Attendees will have the opportunity to lobby legislators, join House/Senate floor sessions, meet with key leaders and present academic projects to increase our visibility in Salem.”

Tuesday morning, EOU student greeters will be stationed outside on the Capitol steps. Others will accompany representatives onto the floors of the House and Senate and hold meetings with leadership.

Funding priorities will be discussed during lunch with legislators. The governor is also invited. Groups will disperse to meet with individual legislators to make the case for the TRU’s and then host a special reception to end the day.

Throughout the event each campus will have displays set up in the Capitol foyer to promote student research and engagement.

University Advancement is coordinating EOU’s attendance and is tentatively planning for two groups to travel to Salem, one on Monday and the other on Tuesday. Campus vehicles and a shuttle have been reserved and a block of hotel rooms has been set aside.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Linda Kaiser in University Advancement at 541-962-3740 or lkaiser@eou.edu.