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Scholarship contributors sought
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A new Union County club is launching a major push to give local EOU students a jump start this fall. The 100/100 Club, an organization started in part by Union County, is seeking to annually raise $10,000 for student scholarships at Eastern. The organization is based on a simple premise that could have a major impact — convince 100 people each year to donate $100 to the club. Successfully doing this of course would allow the club to reach its annual $10,000 goal.The club has raised $4,200 since it was founded in November. Its goal is to raise the remaining $5,800 this month, said Union County Commissioner Nellie Hibbert, one of the club’s leaders. The club wants to have the money available by July 31 so that students will have plenty of time to apply for and receive the scholarship money. Scholarships will be awarded to graduates of Union County high schools and may range from $100 to $2,500. Many will be in the $300 to $400 category. “Often a small amount like this will be enough to get a student to go to college,’’ Hibbert said. Should the drive be successful it will serve as a symbol of what Eastern means to the people of Union County because so many people in this area will have stepped forward to help EOU, Hibbert said. “It will highlight the importance of Eastern as a regional, rural university and our commitment to the success of Eastern as a strong and independent university,’’ she said. The 100/100 Club was created by the Connect Committee, also founded late last year. The Connect Committee ties together local organizations and Eastern in an effort to give the university a boost. The Connect Committee is comprised of representatives of Union County, all Union County school districts and cities and EOU. The Connect Committee was created following reports that Eastern’s enrollment was declining and its expenses were increasing. The committee’s objectives included increasing enrollment and helping EOU increase revenue and reduce expenses. The Connect Committee formed the 100/100 Club as a means of helping to increase enrollment, which of course also will boost revenue. “We are fighting hard (to help Eastern) stay independent and strong,’’ Hibbert said. The Connect Committee is taking other steps in addition to creating the 100/100 Club to help Eastern. Many are aimed at increasing the visibility of EOU in Union County. The committee is taking many steps to do this. For example it is working to get signs installed at the entrance of each town in Union County declaring that the city and EOU are proud community partners and part of a winning team. Other steps will include placing the EOU logo at many downtown street crossings in Union County. Other steps are more subtle but may prove equally effective. People who would like to donate to the Connect Committee’s 100/100 Club should send contributions to EOU c/o EOU Foundation, 1 University Blvd., Inlow Hall 212, La Grande 97850. Contributors should write 100/100 Club on the remarks portion of their checks. Hibbert is confident that the 100/100 Club will receive the $5,800 it needs to reach its $10,000 goal by the end of this month. . “I’m very optimistic. All we need is 58 people to succeed.’’ |
