The University of Idaho has a proud tradition of graduating leaders, and as a result, U-Idaho alumni are recognized as leaders worldwide. Alumni from the U-Idaho are committed to their alma mater – giving back to their university in various capacities to help continue our commitment to student success.
Some of the success stories of U-Idaho alumni, faculty and students come out of Idaho’s Treasure Valley. As part of a weekly ad series in the Boise’s Idaho Statesman, we’ve highlighted a few of our successful alumni, faculty and student leaders who continue to contribute to our legacy of leading.
Here is a chance for you, our loyal alumni and friends, to learn a bit more about these individuals and why the University of Idaho is to them, My University.
Karen Gowland
Karen Gowland, ’81, ’84, holds degrees in accounting and law from the University of Idaho. She has spent her law career working in Idaho’s forest products industry and is currently the senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Boise, Inc. more
Ernesto Sanchez
Ernesto Sanchez, ’72, holds a degree in law from the University of Idaho. A former farmworker, he has spent his career helping Idaho’s low-income citizens access the justice system. He was the first Hispanic-American licensed to practice law in the state of Idaho. more
Wendy Couture
Wendy Couture is an associate professor with the University of Idaho College of Law’s third-year program in Boise, where she teaches classes in business and commercial law, securities regulation and white collar crime. more
Annette Elg
Annette Elg, ’78, holds a degree in accounting from the University of Idaho. She is the senior vice president and chief financial officer for the J.R. Simplot Company and is known as a leader in her community and across the state. more
Lisa Grow
Lisa Grow, ’87, holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Idaho. When she began working for the Idaho Power Company 25 years ago, she was only the second female engineer hired by the company. more
Kristin Armstrong
University of Idaho alumna Kristin Armstrong won her second consecutive gold medal in the Olympic time trial competition earlier this year in London. more
Pete Cenarrusa
Pete T. Cenarrusa, ’40, holds a degree in animal science husbandry from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. A first-generation Basque-American, he also is a lifelong farmer and rancher who has created a legacy in the state’s political arena. more
Linda Copple-Trout
Linda Copple-Trout, ’76, ’79, holds degrees in marketing, management and law from the University of Idaho. She was the first woman appointed to the Idaho Supreme Court, where she went on to serve as Chief Justice. more
Doug Oppenheimer
Douglas F. Oppenheimer is president of Oppenheimer Companies of Boise – a group of seven companies involved with food processing, food marketing and commercial real estate. more
Karla Bradley Eitel
Karla Bradley Eitel is the Director of Education for the College of Natural Resources’ McCall Outdoor Science School, (MOSS). She holds a Ph.D., M.Ed. and M.S. in conservation social science, all from the University of Idaho. more