Mike and Carol Wilson

Mike Wilson '77 and Carol Yenni Wilson '78 have selflessly supported the University of Idaho for more than three decades.  "The Wilsons' dedication to the University of Idaho is now legendary," Jack Morris, recently retired Dean of the College of Business and Economics, wrote in a nominating letter.

Mike has served the University of Idaho Foundation as an interim executive director and member of its board of directors.  In addition, he has participated in a leadership role at the U of I Research Park in Post Falls, helped launch the university's successful Executive MBA program in Coeur d'Alene, and served on the College of Business and Economics Advisory Board.

On top of that, Mike was a member of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors, serving as president in 1986-87.  He has been a long standing member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity housing corporation, serving first as president of the board and then for many years as their treasurer.

Carol is a tireless volunteer with the University Arboretum, helping with the annual Arboretum Associates plant sale, staged each spring at the Latah County Fairgrounds.  Like her husband, Carol has also volunteered with the Greek system, serving the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority as an advisor and house board member.

Carol co-founded The Found Money Fund of Idaho with Dr. Terry Armstrong, works on many local events with the Kootenai County Alumni Chapter, and annually assists Vandal volunteers who decorate and donate a university-themed Christmas tree for the Kootenai Medical Center Festival of Trees.

"Together, Mike and Carol exemplify the long-term dedication and service to the University that the Jim Lyle Award was established to honor,” Joy Fisher, finance director of the University of Idaho Foundation wrote in her letter of support.

Since returning to Coeur d’Alene in 1989, Mike and Carol have been part of the Kootenai County nucleus of proud Vandal volunteers serving their alma mater through event planning, including successfully fund-raising for local scholarships for University of Idaho students and actively carrying the Vandal message in this area!