April 10, 2013
Note: Archived materials may contain broken links.
Next week the Moscow campus will be filled with Vandal moms and their students. Moms’ Weekend 2013 will offer something for everyone April 19-21.
The official Moms' Weekend started in 1996, taking the place of parents' weekends and Mother's Day entertainment. Many of the events held that year are still traditions today. Whether it’s talent shows, a football scrimmage or a night of music and theater – next weekend will be an exciting time for all.
Moms, don't forget to RSVP. Your attendance is important to us and our alma mater.
Moms' Weekend is an event for all Vandal parents, alumni and friends. Help us grow the gold by nominating a future Vandal. If you know a high school student who would be a good fit for the Idaho mold, let us know!
Steven C. Johnson ’71
Director, Office of Alumni Relations
Upcoming Events
April 11 – Thirsty Thursdays in Coeur d'Alene | 
April 13 – Puget Sound Alumni Service Day | 
April 17 – UIRA Night at the Hartung Theater in Moscow |
April 18 – UIRA Spring Luncheon in Moscow |
April 18 – Thirsty Thursday in Twin Falls |
April 19-21 – Moms' Weekend |
April 19 – Silver and Gold Football Scrimmage in Moscow |
April 20 – Vandal Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament and Auction |
May 4 – First annual Vandal Scramble |
May 18 – Team Vandals Heart Walk in Boise |
June 6 – Coeur d'Alene Silver and Gold celebration |
The Eastern Idaho Silver and Gold Celebration will be held April 23 in Idaho Falls. The event honors Bill Frederiksen '71 and Mike Carpenter. RSVP before April 17.
Moms' Weekend 2013
It is just over a week until Moms' Weekend 2013. Space is going quickly for our annual brunch featuring the University of Idaho Jazz Choir and dinner with encore entertainment by the Idaho’s Got Talent finalists – both events on Saturday. New this year is an Iron Mom competition – where moms and their students will participate in “Minute to Win It”-style competitions using household items to complete challenges. Only one mom will be named the 2013 University of Idaho Iron Mom!
While some traditions still thrive, other spring events have changed over the years. View a historical slideshow of Mother's Day events
View the complete 2013 schedule online. RSVP today
A Push for the U.S.
For Sam Michener, it was just a shot in the dark – one that turned into a chance at the Olympics.
The 2011 University of Idaho alumnus and senior Western Athletic Conference track and field champion was leaning toward nuclear medicine when he discovered his knack for bobsledding. Michener is vying for a spot in the 2014 Winter Olympics come February, to be one of the 11 men selected as part of the three Olympic teams to compete. Read more about his journey
On Top of the World
As the United States languished in a mid-July drought last year, a weather system over Canada pulled hot air across Baffin Bay and dumped it onto Greenland. As a result, 97 percent of the massive Greenland Ice Sheet’s surface reached temperatures above the freezing point. Core samples show it was the first time in 124 years the surface melted there.
University of Idaho’s Von P. Walden, a geography professor, and a team of researchers from across the country have analyzed data gathered at Summit to understand exactly what happened during the melt event. Learn more about his research
Thor Hanson Book Signing
Join U-Idaho alumnus and author Thor Hanson for a book signing 9 a.m. Thursday, April 18 at the VandalStore in Moscow. Hanson is the author of “Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle,” which examines the evolution of feathers and their use through time by both birds and humans. The book is the 2013 winner of the prestigious John Burroughs Medal Award, the 2012 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award and the AAA/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books.
Also on April 18, Lisel Alamilla, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development in Belize, and wildlife biologist Steven Amstrup will discuss issues in international conservation. The two alumni will speak 2 p.m. in the College of Natural Resources Room 10. The discussion is free and open to the public.
Don Burnett Named Interim U-Idaho President
The University of Idaho Board of Regents announced March 27 the selection of Donald L. Burnett, Jr., dean of the College of Law, as the interim president to begin work upon the departure of current president M. Duane Nellis in June. Burnett, an Idaho native, has served as the University of Idaho College of Law dean since 2002. Read more about U-Idaho's interim president
Joe Knows … Proud Diploma Display
A perfect gift for new (or old) graduates, the purchase of these custom diploma frames support campus programs and the Student Alumni Relations Board. A variety of styles are available for custom design. Learn more