Alek Gayton & Deacon Band

One man plays drums. The other plays power tools. Both call Eastern “home.” You might think that the owner of a construction company who teaches construction management courses at EWU would have little in common with a music major who will play drums for a living. But this is Eastern, a close-knit community where people who come to start something big are supported by all fellow Eagles.

When Deacon Band came to EWU in 2000 to pursue a geology degree, he was grateful for the financial relief provided by a scholarship. After his first two years, he found his passion lied in construction. He switched his major to construction technology but did not apply for scholarships to complete his degree. Paying his way through was a struggle, so in 2003, he started his own construction company to make money.

“I made a major change in my life and launched a successful future,” Deacon said. “The faculty and students in my program were welcoming and helpful. I felt like I had found my home within EWU and a place to expand my knowledge in the proper setting. Many times over, I have realized the value of my classes.”

By the time he graduated in 2005, Deacon was working full time at Band Construction, Inc., carving his niche in unique residential construction in Spokane. The company’s signature work is visible at local custom projects, including numerous residential and commercial additions and remodels, and new homes.

“We believe there’s a big difference between a house and a home,” Deacon said. “We like to engage with our clients through every aspect to create a home. We create a long-lasting friendship and an emotional connection with each project.”

Deacon advances the same philosophy at Eastern. He has taken over teaching construction management-specific courses, including Non-Metallics, Construction Materials and Techniques, Construction Estimating, Architecture, Senior Production Lab (capstone), Soils and Surveying, Senior Project, and Construction Management. When students asked him to ensure that they knew how to take a construction project from concept to completion, he built that into his courses, which recently gave students the opportunity to build a sheriff’s office-themed playhouse and a functioning greenhouse for a local charity auction.

In addition, he uses EWU’s employee payroll deduction to contribute to the University Scholarship Fund. “There are many students who struggle financially and require assistance,” Deacon said. “I believe if everyone throws in a seemingly minute amount, it adds up fast and can project a good person into an education. I am doing my small part to help the greater good and educate those who may not otherwise be able to afford it. I hope scholarship recipients will achieve a good education with less financial stress.”

That means a lot to Alek Gayton, who may not be at EWU without his scholarship. “College is very difficult to afford for most families (mine included),” Alek said. “My scholarship really helps. When alumni give back to Eastern, they give students who are eager to go to a university a chance to be successful. I am very honored to receive a scholarship to play music at Eastern. It shows that my hard work is paying off and I am being recognized for that hard work.”

Alek has been performing since he was 12. “I have been consistently gigging and performing, playing all kinds of music in places all across the country,” he said.

The drummer had often heard great things about Eastern’s Department of Music and its “wonderful faculty.” During his senior year of high school near Tumwater, Washington, Alek auditioned for EWU. “I immediately fell in love with the school and the people here,” he said. And as a bonus, it’s only five hours away from my other home.”

Now in his final year at Eastern, Alek describes his time here as “outstanding” for his musical and personal journey. “The people I have met, all the performances, the connections I have made, the things I have been able to do all created an experience that I wouldn’t change for the world,” he said.

After he graduates in June 2014, Alek plans to take his musical talents as far as he can on any stage he can find. “If that means going on world tours, playing on TV or playing at chill local coffee shops, that’s great,” he said. “If I’m playing music, I am happy.”

Who knows? One day Alek may even play with a band at a venue built by Band Construction.