Rotary Student of the Month | 2009
Jeff Mitchell, Rotary Student of the Month (November 2009)
Jeffrey Mitchell is a senior at the University of Idaho majoring in Environmental Science. Jeff was raised in Boise but moved to northern Idaho with his wife, Shana, about six years ago in order to be closer to her family. Jeff's educational and career choices illustrate his passion for serving people. After graduating high school, Jeff became an Emergency Medical Technician in the Treasure Valley and went on to attend paramedic school. He ultimately became a diagnostic paramedic for Spokane Cardiology. At the same time, he enrolled at North Idaho College to pursue a degree. After finishing his coursework at NIC, he enrolled at the University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene campus and will complete his Bachelor's of Science degree in Environmental Science in December 2009. After graduating, Jeff plans to pursue graduate school in the health sciences with the goal to become a physician's assistant. Jeff’s career goal is to continue serving as a health care provider in our community. Last year, Jeff and Shana adopted a beautiful baby boy, Matthew. Jeff is joyful about the new addition to the family but admits that fatherhood is helping him improve his time management skills. In his dwindling spare time, Jeff enjoys participating in a variety of recreational activities including competitive cycling and triathlons.
Jeffrey Mitchell is a senior at the University of Idaho majoring in Environmental Science. Jeff was raised in Boise but moved to northern Idaho with his wife, Shana, about six years ago in order to be closer to her family. Jeff's educational and career choices illustrate his passion for serving people. After graduating high school, Jeff became an Emergency Medical Technician in the Treasure Valley and went on to attend paramedic school. He ultimately became a diagnostic paramedic for Spokane Cardiology. At the same time, he enrolled at North Idaho College to pursue a degree. After finishing his coursework at NIC, he enrolled at the University of Idaho Coeur d'Alene campus and will complete his Bachelor's of Science degree in Environmental Science in December 2009. After graduating, Jeff plans to pursue graduate school in the health sciences with the goal to become a physician's assistant. Jeff’s career goal is to continue serving as a health care provider in our community. Last year, Jeff and Shana adopted a beautiful baby boy, Matthew. Jeff is joyful about the new addition to the family but admits that fatherhood is helping him improve his time management skills. In his dwindling spare time, Jeff enjoys participating in a variety of recreational activities including competitive cycling and triathlons.
LouRinda Buttrey, Rotary Student of the Month (September 2009)
LouRinda Buttrey is a University of Idaho student majoring in Child, Family, and Consumer Studies. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 20 years and is currently the Family and Community Partnerships Specialist with NIC Head Start. Her career in Head Start programs is reflected in her leadership and community advocacy. As a UI student, she is adding academic foundation to her passion for supporting children and families. LouRinda chose to return to higher education at a time in life when many people settle into routines of work and community. She takes full advantage of her learning opportunities. She is a true “student” who seeks knowledge and understanding. She also listens to others in class, nurtures their ideas, and then offers her own ideas and information. LouRinda’s presence in a class enriches the content of the course, and the motivation of the other students in the class. Sometimes we describe what higher education adds to a student’s life. In LouRinda’s case, she brings enrichment to higher education. One of five learning outcomes expected for students who graduate from the University of Idaho is that students practice citizenship -- where they apply principles of ethical leadership, collaborative engagement, socially-responsible behavior, respect for diversity, and have a service-oriented commitment. LouRinda embodies this outcome.
LouRinda Buttrey is a University of Idaho student majoring in Child, Family, and Consumer Studies. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 20 years and is currently the Family and Community Partnerships Specialist with NIC Head Start. Her career in Head Start programs is reflected in her leadership and community advocacy. As a UI student, she is adding academic foundation to her passion for supporting children and families. LouRinda chose to return to higher education at a time in life when many people settle into routines of work and community. She takes full advantage of her learning opportunities. She is a true “student” who seeks knowledge and understanding. She also listens to others in class, nurtures their ideas, and then offers her own ideas and information. LouRinda’s presence in a class enriches the content of the course, and the motivation of the other students in the class. Sometimes we describe what higher education adds to a student’s life. In LouRinda’s case, she brings enrichment to higher education. One of five learning outcomes expected for students who graduate from the University of Idaho is that students practice citizenship -- where they apply principles of ethical leadership, collaborative engagement, socially-responsible behavior, respect for diversity, and have a service-oriented commitment. LouRinda embodies this outcome.
Nancy Barry, Rotary Student of the Month (April 2009)
Meet Nancy Barry, Coeur d’Alene Rotary University of Idaho Student of the Month - In her own words... Generally when I tell someone about myself I tell them I'm simply a proud soccer mom. Today, however, I'll tell you I'm a proud GIS Editing Specialist for Avista Utilities. In the past I had difficulties learning in the classroom setting so I taught myself the software needed to work in the graphics business. I worked for a local printer, from my home, for several years. At the age of 36 I was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). This was the catalyst that sent me back to school. I discovered I could follow a conversation. I could learn from others. The moment I heard of the GIS program at the University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, I knew it was the one thing I had to do. It is an intimidating subject. It's also been the most rewarding. I was lucky enough to not only get a career, but a job I love.
Meet Nancy Barry, Coeur d’Alene Rotary University of Idaho Student of the Month - In her own words... Generally when I tell someone about myself I tell them I'm simply a proud soccer mom. Today, however, I'll tell you I'm a proud GIS Editing Specialist for Avista Utilities. In the past I had difficulties learning in the classroom setting so I taught myself the software needed to work in the graphics business. I worked for a local printer, from my home, for several years. At the age of 36 I was diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). This was the catalyst that sent me back to school. I discovered I could follow a conversation. I could learn from others. The moment I heard of the GIS program at the University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, I knew it was the one thing I had to do. It is an intimidating subject. It's also been the most rewarding. I was lucky enough to not only get a career, but a job I love.
Alaina Adeline Alters, Rotary Student of the Month (January 2009)
Alaina Adeline Alters is currently pursuing a Masters of Education degree in School Counseling and Psychology at the University of Idaho. She was born and raised in St. Maries, Idaho, where she was active in many clubs and activities during her high school career, including being a varsity cheerleader for four years. She was St. Maries Junior Miss in 2001, and was also Homecoming Queen her senior year. Upon graduation, she attended Boise State University and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology. Once Alaina obtained her degree, she pursued a career working with children who suffered from mental illness as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist. She re-located with her husband to North Idaho in 2007 and continued to work with children. She found a great need for stronger intervention techniques within the school environment, thus she decided to further her education in Counseling and Psychology. During her free time, Alaina enjoys cooking, gardening, camping, boating, and most importantly spending time with family and friends.
Alaina Adeline Alters is currently pursuing a Masters of Education degree in School Counseling and Psychology at the University of Idaho. She was born and raised in St. Maries, Idaho, where she was active in many clubs and activities during her high school career, including being a varsity cheerleader for four years. She was St. Maries Junior Miss in 2001, and was also Homecoming Queen her senior year. Upon graduation, she attended Boise State University and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology. Once Alaina obtained her degree, she pursued a career working with children who suffered from mental illness as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist. She re-located with her husband to North Idaho in 2007 and continued to work with children. She found a great need for stronger intervention techniques within the school environment, thus she decided to further her education in Counseling and Psychology. During her free time, Alaina enjoys cooking, gardening, camping, boating, and most importantly spending time with family and friends.