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Although he just recently began serving as the University of Idaho interim president June 1, Don Burnett is wasting no time getting to know the Vandal family. He has since traveled to Coeur d'Alene, Boise and Twin Falls to meet and honor distinguished alumni. I cannot express how exciting it is to have such an energized and committed Vandal leading the way during the next school year.
The former College of Law dean has worked for the university since 2002. Before that, he dedicated his time to serving the state of Idaho as a law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court and an assistant attorney general for the State of Idaho.
The son of two Vandals, Don said when he was a baby his parents would often sing him to sleep with the Vandal Fight Song. I am sure we will see our interim president leading his own chorus at one of the many Vandal football games this year.
His father, Donald L. Burnett Sr., graduated from the university in 1938. Don said his father, an avid sportsman, hunted quail and pheasant in the farm fields around Moscow. His mother Doris worked at the university library from 1933-1937. Read more about Don's university roots in this edition's Then and Now feature highlighting the Administration Building.
Our university has many great traditions to be proud of. If reading today's Vibe brings back memories for you, we want to hear about them! Please email us your discoveries at 125years@uidaho.edu.
Go Vandals!
Steven C. Johnson ’71
Director, Office of Alumni Relations
Upcoming Events
June 20 – Vandal Family Night at Triple Play in Hayden | 
June 20 – Thirsty Thursday in Twin Falls |
June 21 – Spokane Vandalfest |
June 22 – Idaho Falls Golf Tournament |
June 23 – Vandal Night with the Washington Nationals in D.C |
June 27 – Idaho Grads of the Last Decade BBQ on the Palouse |
June 27 – Vandal Night with the Boise Hawks |
June 28 – American Falls Golf Tournament and Picnic |
July 11 – UIRA Summer Picnic |
Save the Date: There are many Vandal traditions coming up this fall. Mark your calendars for Homecoming Sept. 22-29, the Golden I Reunion Sept. 26-27 and Dads' Weekend Nov. 1-3.
Then & Now: Administration Building 1899-1907-present
Walking into her father’s office was like walking through a time warp. From iron railings, concrete columns, the smell of linseed oil and creaks of wooden floors into ultra-modern times.
The new carpet and wood paneling was super chic in 1965 when Katharine Washington became a frequenter of the University of Idaho Administration Building. Her father, former university president Ernest W. Hartung, picked out the motif with the help of his wife.
Even as a teenager, Washington said she felt the contrast between her father's suite and the rest of the campus landmark added to the building’s charm.
“Even at that age, I appreciated the age of the building,” she said.
Read more Vandal memories from the historic Administration Building
For Sale: "The Goose"
For more than 20 years, this 1968 Checker Aerobus was key to student success at the University of Idaho.
From the early 70s into the 90s, the eight-door, 12-passenger airport limousine, nicknamed "The Goose," was part of a fleet used to shuttle students to camping trips and other recreational activities sponsored by the university's Upward Bound program.
Thanks to U-Idaho Garage/Landscape & Exterior Service mechanics, the vehicle is in running condition and will soon be up for auction on the U-Idaho Surplus website.
Read more from Vandals behind the wheel 
MOSS Wins Prestigious Award
The award-winning McCall Outdoor School – or MOSS – is a regional winner of the W.K. Kellogg Engagement Scholarship Award. The award program honors colleges and universities that have redesigned their learning, discovery and engagement functions to become even more involved with their communities.
MOSS embodies the University of Idaho’s land grant mission of teaching, research, outreach and engagement in a collaborative environment.
Learn how MOSS connects with the community
60 Years of Professional Theatre
For 60 years, Idaho Repertory Theatre – or IRT – has entertained audiences, retelling some of the greatest classic plays. This year is no different, with four plays set to run June 27 – July 28. Profesional artists, including actor Dan Kremer, will take the stage.
This season includes “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” “Let’s Misbehave – The Music and Lyrics of Cole Porter,” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”
View the complete schedule
UIAA Accepting Nominations
Each year, the Alumni Association recognizes outstanding alumni, friends and students through a number of awards that celebrate achievements in volunteerism, success and commitment to the university.
Learn more about these honors
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 your custom design.
Learn more