Fall 2024
REV Newsletter
Vol. 2, No. 2
Empowering Students, Enriching Communities:
How REV Internships Are Driving Change in Rural Oregon
As REV continues to grow, its impact on both students and communities only increases, providing a model for how higher education can be a catalyst for positive change in rural America.
In the fall, REV focuses on recruiting student interns by attending EOU’s welcome events. We connect with students to learn about their studies and backgrounds, while sharing how internships provide valuable hands-on experience.
So far in the 2024-25 academic year, REV has hired 10 student interns to work on seven projects. Through funding from the Oregon Legislature, EOU student interns working with a qualified nonprofit partner, such as REV, are eligible for a 20% tuition discount and the non profit is eligible for up to 50% reimbursement of wages. This program aims to enhance internship and professional development opportunities for university students while helping nonprofit organizations attract and retain talented individuals.
These students, and many others, are not only gaining valuable experience but are directly contributing to the vitality and sustainability of eastern Oregon's communities. Through the REV Center, they are learning that education doesn't happen just in the classroom—it happens in the field, in the community, and alongside local leaders working toward common goals.
2024-25 Interns pictured here (left to right):
Rian Woodard
Anjelynn Baron
Kellen Grant
Nathan Evans
Megan Harris
Calvin Leidich
Shane Bartolome
Interns not pictured:
Claire Bever
Madison Hjort
Megan Palzinski
GRACE NOTE
When I attended the First Foods Feast hosted by the Nez Perce Wallowa Homeland Project in October, I was introduced to the concept of tamálwit. Tamálwit is the law that binds people to the land, a principle of reciprocity that informs relationship building, stewardship of the land and water, and how we show gratitude to the plants, the animals, and our community who all sustain us.
I’ve always enjoyed the winter season. It encourages us to slow down, rest, spend time with friends and loved ones during the holidays, and lean into community. Winter can also be a time of hardship and when times are tough we rely on each other to get by. I’m notoriously bad with remembering song lyrics, but Wallowa County songwriter Heidi Muller wrote a song that always stuck with me, “It’s hard but it’s worth it to live on this land, there are no guarantees of a bird in the hand.”
Winter brings community into sharper focus and I’m profoundly grateful to live in a place that encourages us to look past differences, find common ground, and experience the magical warm fuzzy feeling of fellowship, not in spite of differences, but because they weren’t sufficient to keep us apart. It’s hard but it’s worth it to live in Eastern Oregon and I hope this holiday season, we can all reflect on small things that bring us joy.
Grace Donovan
Executive Director
CURRENT PROJECTS
Eastern Oregon Jobs Board
People seeking employment in Eastern Oregon will benefit from the expansion of a regional job board.
The High Desert Partnership announced the rebranding and expansion of its Eastern Oregon Jobs Board, formerly known as the Southeast Oregon Jobs Board. This is an effort to increase employment opportunities throughout Eastern Oregon for people looking for work in the natural resources sector.
The Eastern Oregon Jobs Board can be accessed at www.ornaturalresourcesjobboard.org.
Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub
REV’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builder Carter Gudell is leading the REV-based Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub (OFIH). Carter reports innovation in Eastern Oregon is alive and well, and entrepreneurs stand to benefit from taking advantage of help their neighbors genuinely want to lend.
Since starting in September, Carter has connected with multiple traded-sector entrepreneurs who are innovating in their craft, from alternative material companies, safety equipment, to food marketplaces and last-mile delivery services.
Carter is regularly on the road meeting with service providers in Eastern Oregon and beyond to find help for the entrepreneurs he assists with resource navigation. In three months, Carter has traveled nearly 4,000 miles throughout the region to meet with business owners and partners. Occasionally, this has meant enjoying alternative accommodations, but at least there’s coffee.
Rural Planning Program: City of Joseph
We are proud to be working with the City of Joseph and Eastern Oregon University faculty and students to better understand the present and future needs of the residents of Joseph. Currently the project team is seeking input from Joseph area residents. The survey will be open until December 20 and will help the team identify opportunities to address housing needs.
Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility
In October, Grace and Union County Commissioner Paul Anderes visited western Pennsylvania as part of the Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility initiative, funded by the Gates Foundation. They connected with Venango County’s local officials, leaders, and business owners to explore shared challenges, industry insights, and strategies for maximizing grant funding. A highlight was the restoration of the Oil Exchange in Oil City, showcasing local revitalization efforts.
Union County is proud to be one of only 10 rural counties nationwide selected for this program, aimed at moving individuals and families out of poverty and building stronger, more resilient communities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring 2025 - GO-ASAP
Spring 2025 - Urban Rural Ambassadors
CCSI - June 15-20, 2025 - Learn more >
CCTI - June 22-27, 2025 - Learn more >
OPPORTUNITIES
Whether it’s helping with our social media platforms or working with youth and helping them explore the benefits of living in the eastern Oregon landscape, we have paid internships available for EOU students.
for EOU students
If you are or know of any EOU students looking for experiential learning opportunities, have them check our Student Internships.
for EOU faculty
EOU faculty members looking for opportunities to collaborate and give students a real-world experience in their chosen field, see the model REV uses and projects we’ve done.
for area community leaders
If you are a community leader seeking support for an initiative or challenge in your community, see how REV works with partners and connect with us to determine if REV is the right partner for you.
Follow REV on social media to stay informed on its events and projects.
FUNDING AWARDS
A big thank you to the Oregon Community Foundation who awarded the REV Center funds to support the Oregon Frontier Innovation Hub and staff support capacity through the Thriving Entrepreneur and Community Grant programs.
We also extend our gratitude to the Roundhouse Foundation who contributed funds to support the Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute and organizational capacity at REV.
Your support makes a big difference for the programs we offer, our staff, and the students and communities who benefit from the initiatives REV supports. Together, we're building a brighter future and we couldn’t do it without you!
HOW TO SUPPORT REV
The Rural Engagement & Vitality Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which creates partnerships between Eastern Oregon University and entities in eastern Oregon to enhance the vitality of the region and develop tomorrow’s rural workforce and leaders. Please consider making a donation. Your financial support enables all the programming we offer to continue and grow.
About the REV Newsletter
Fall 2024
Volume 2, Number 1
The newsletter of the Rural Engagement & Vitality (REV) Center is an quarterly publication designed to inform its audience about activities of the center. For more information about this newsletter, contact Terri Kaiser, Editor, 1 University Blvd., La Grande, OR 97850.
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