Eastern Oregon University Library

The La Grande Observer, established in 1896, is a newspaper serving Union and Wallowa counties in Oregon. It began as a local publication and has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to the changing media landscape while maintaining its commitment to delivering news to the community. Initially, The Observer was a daily newspaper that was published six days a week. However, in 2012, it reduced its frequency to three days a week, publishing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to adapt to changing readership patterns and economic conditions. This transition allowed the paper to maintain a strong presence in the community while managing operational costs more effectively. In 2019, EO Media Group purchased The Observer from Western Communications, which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier that year. This acquisition ensured the continuation of the newspaper's operations and brought new resources and stability to the publication. Under EO Media Group, The Observer continues to serve its readers with timely news and local updates. Throughout its history, The Observer has been a crucial part of the La Grande community, providing news coverage on local events, politics, and community affairs. It remains a trusted source of information for residents, continuing its legacy in the digital age.

Eastern Oregon Normal School opened its doors in 1929 on Courthouse Hill. Initially a two-year teacher’s college, it graduated its first class of 88 seniors the following year. From its start in Inlow Hall, the campus grew to include dormitories and Ackerman Elementary School, which served as a living laboratory for teachers-in-training. Nearly a century later, EOU remains committed to its legacy of educating teachers. Throughout the 1940s and ’50s, school traditions such as Evensong and Ars Poetica arose. These traditions, along with the establishment of the “Sock and Buskin” theatre troupe, have left a lasting impact. EOU’s academic programs have expanded to include secretarial sciences, business, and philosophy. EOU has embraced its role as a regional university, offering professional and liberal arts education online, on-site, and on-campus in La Grande. EOU renewed its wrestling team in 2017 and the Mountaineers now boast 13 varsity teams competing in the blue and gold. Monty Mountaineer, the school mascot, symbolizes school and community pride. The EOU Foundation, established in 1966, has provided scholarships and funding for capital projects and programs that support the university’s mission.