Beyond the Classroom EPIC Experiences
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Eastern: Your University for Life While preparing this issue of Eastern magazine I noticed a common thread. Long after graduation, Eastern continues to offer an amazing number of services to its alumni. Whether you graduated five years ago or 50 years ago, Eastern offers the opportunity for continued personal growth through a variety of resources. Your bucket list might include whitewater rafting, ice climbing or the latest craze – standup paddle boarding. Through EWU’s outdoor program, EPIC Adventures, alumni can learn the skills necessary to safely embark on many quests. Or, maybe it’s something simple, like taking the family for a weekend camping trip. Instead of investing in expensive equipment, as alumni, you can rent everything you need, from kayaks to sleeping bags, for mere dollars a day through EPIC. (page 12). Likewise, alumni may still access Eastern’s Career Services department as if they were current students. Equipped with the latest resources and a staff of career counselors, the department can assist those whose career path has taken an unexpected detour during the recent economic downturn or those wishing to make vocational changes for their own personal fulfillment. It can connect you with regional and national employers, retool your resume, help you brush-up on interview skills and introduce you to community professionals via networking events held throughout the year. (page 22) If you enjoy the arts, your alma mater provides endless possibilities – art exhibits, concerts, theatre performances, a literary festival – many free or for a nominal cost. Last fall, Eastern hosted In a Nutshell: the Worlds of Maurice Sendak, a national traveling exhibition featuring works from the famous illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are. Currently, nationally-recognized Pacific Northwest artist Robert Tomlinson’s exhibition, Original Weather, runs through March 15 at the campus Art Gallery. On March 17, the Alumni Association is hosting Ales & Art – the annual beer tasting event with an added twist of art. For those who like a little history with their art, make plans now to attend EWU Night at the King Tut exhibit, Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs at the Pacific Science Center, Aug. 25, in Seattle. It includes dozens of artifacts detailing 2,000 years of Egyptian history. Eastern’s Music Department entertains with concerts throughout the year, offering something for everyone’s taste, from jazz to strings, percussion to orchestra. Where else can you get hours of enjoyment for $5 admission? www.ewu.edu/music One of the best theatrical productions I’ve ever seen was the Eastern Theatre Program’s original presentation of The Things They Carried, based on the book by Tim O’Brien. The play won the The Pacific Northwest Inlander’s Spokie award for “best drama” of the 2010-2011 Inland Northwest theatre season and continues to receive recognition at the national level. Now in its 14th year, Get Lit!, an annual literary festival, brings renowned authors to Spokane to share their work and passion for writing. One of this year’s headliners is Eastern alum and award-winning author Jess Walter (’87 BA journalism). The weeklong celebration, April 10-15, includes author readings, writers’ workshops, panel discussions and poetry slams. (page 9) www.ewu.edu/getlit If you are a sports fan, Eastern offers endless possibilities - football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and field, golf or tennis. Season after season, Eastern’s students are always competitive in NCAA Division I Big Sky Athletics. Eastern continues to strive to enrich your life with opportunities for intellectual development, cultural stimulation, personal growth and social interaction. Eastern isn’t just your alma mater, it’s your university for life. GO EAGLES!
Kandi Carper ‘05
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