GOODALL TAKES OVER AS EOU ALUMNI, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Grady Goodall ().

Grady Goodall

didn't have to go far to find his first job.

The 2002 graduate of Eastern Oregon University completed the transition from honors student to alumni and government relations coordinator last week.

Goodall, who majored in theatre and minored in music, is getting used to pivotal life changes involving EOU. When he graduated from Imbler High School in 199, he wanted to attend college somewhere outside the area.

"People would ask me why I wanted to stay close to go to college, but I didn't. I wanted to move far away," said Goodall.

"Looking back, I'm glad I stayed and was able to make the most of my experience here."

During the spring and summer of 2001, Goodall interned for state Sen. David Nelson, R-Pendleton, working on Nelson's Web site and doing public relations and publication work.

The Nelson internship was set up with help from Colby Marshall, whom Goodall is replacing. Marshall has left EOU to take a position with Congressman Greg Walden, R-Ore., as a field representative and agriculture/natural resources policy aide for Oregon's 2nd District.

"I didn't envision this. I wouldn't have stayed around La Grande for many jobs, but when this opened up it was like it was meant to be," he said.

Goodall's goals include developing stronger links between the students, faculty and alumni, and increasing membership in the recently-formed Alumni Association.

"I'm looking forward to the Oregon legislative session and working in Washington, D.C. It's exciting to feel like I will be able to make very significant contributions to a place that means so much to me," said Goodall.