Rotary Student of the Month | 2010
Tom Croschere, Rotary Student of the Month (November/December 2010)
Tom Croschere is a senior at the University of Idaho. He will graduate in May of 2011 with a double major in Nutrition and Psychology. Tom is a native of Michigan but moved to the Silver Valley area with his family at the age of eight. After he completed high school, Tom worked in the mines in Idaho and Montana. Tom was inspired by his mother to pursue post-secondary education after she returned to school and succeeded in becoming a registered nurse. Tom attended North Idaho College and transferred to the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene campus in 2009. One of Tom’s professors at the University of Idaho described him as “an incredibly bright student.” She said that Tom has a definite presence in the classroom and is a “natural leader that the other students look up to.” Tom has received numerous awards and recognition for his academic achievements including being named to North Idaho College’s Deans List multiple times. Tom also received an Honorable Mention from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, and is one of the few Idaho recipients of recognition from this prestigious program. While a student at NIC, Tom was selected to be an intern in the Idaho IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), a program designed to prepare the next generation of Idaho scientists and researchers. After graduation, Tom plans to pursue advanced study at a medical school. He has applied to several top-ranked programs and has an upcoming interview with the University of Utah School of Medicine. After he finishes school, Tom would ultimately like to return to the Coeur d’Alene region to practice medicine. Tom said he has “a strong desire to give something back to the community that has been so supportive to me.” Tom is married and has two children, ages five and eight. Tom’s wife is a nursing student at NIC who also will graduate this Spring. In his spare time, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, fishing with his children, and engaging in a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Tom Croschere is a senior at the University of Idaho. He will graduate in May of 2011 with a double major in Nutrition and Psychology. Tom is a native of Michigan but moved to the Silver Valley area with his family at the age of eight. After he completed high school, Tom worked in the mines in Idaho and Montana. Tom was inspired by his mother to pursue post-secondary education after she returned to school and succeeded in becoming a registered nurse. Tom attended North Idaho College and transferred to the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene campus in 2009. One of Tom’s professors at the University of Idaho described him as “an incredibly bright student.” She said that Tom has a definite presence in the classroom and is a “natural leader that the other students look up to.” Tom has received numerous awards and recognition for his academic achievements including being named to North Idaho College’s Deans List multiple times. Tom also received an Honorable Mention from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, and is one of the few Idaho recipients of recognition from this prestigious program. While a student at NIC, Tom was selected to be an intern in the Idaho IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), a program designed to prepare the next generation of Idaho scientists and researchers. After graduation, Tom plans to pursue advanced study at a medical school. He has applied to several top-ranked programs and has an upcoming interview with the University of Utah School of Medicine. After he finishes school, Tom would ultimately like to return to the Coeur d’Alene region to practice medicine. Tom said he has “a strong desire to give something back to the community that has been so supportive to me.” Tom is married and has two children, ages five and eight. Tom’s wife is a nursing student at NIC who also will graduate this Spring. In his spare time, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, fishing with his children, and engaging in a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Jesse Altsuler, Rotary Student of the Month (October 2010)
Jesse Altsuler is a graduate student in the University of Idaho’s School Counseling program. Jesse has more than 10 years of experience supporting mental health needs in the local community, including serving eight years as a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist. Jesse is being recognized for his academic achievement and his demonstrated leadership. He has earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average in his graduate studies. He also has provided outstanding leadership to his profession by serving as a student representative to the Idaho Counseling Association and as a Board member on the Idaho School Counselor Association. Jesse was invited by the Idaho Counseling Association to participate in their two-day leadership training institute during the past summer. Jesse will complete his Master’s degree in School Counseling in December. He plans to continue his studies at the University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene and expects to earn his Specialist’s degree in School Psychology in 2013. His immediate professional goal is to work in the schools as a counselor or school psychologist. In the longer term, Jesse has aspirations to pursue a PhD in school psychology. Jesse was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon but has lived in the Coeur d’Alene area since 1996. He is married and has two daughters, ages nine and seven. His wife, Suzanna, is a teacher at Post Falls Middle School. Jesse finds mental health work to be very satisfying and feels that it is an honor serving people from such a trusted position. He particularly enjoys seeing people taking action and making progress on their own.
Jesse Altsuler is a graduate student in the University of Idaho’s School Counseling program. Jesse has more than 10 years of experience supporting mental health needs in the local community, including serving eight years as a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist. Jesse is being recognized for his academic achievement and his demonstrated leadership. He has earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average in his graduate studies. He also has provided outstanding leadership to his profession by serving as a student representative to the Idaho Counseling Association and as a Board member on the Idaho School Counselor Association. Jesse was invited by the Idaho Counseling Association to participate in their two-day leadership training institute during the past summer. Jesse will complete his Master’s degree in School Counseling in December. He plans to continue his studies at the University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene and expects to earn his Specialist’s degree in School Psychology in 2013. His immediate professional goal is to work in the schools as a counselor or school psychologist. In the longer term, Jesse has aspirations to pursue a PhD in school psychology. Jesse was born and raised in Corvallis, Oregon but has lived in the Coeur d’Alene area since 1996. He is married and has two daughters, ages nine and seven. His wife, Suzanna, is a teacher at Post Falls Middle School. Jesse finds mental health work to be very satisfying and feels that it is an honor serving people from such a trusted position. He particularly enjoys seeing people taking action and making progress on their own.
Wade Bowles, Rotary Student of the Month (April 2010)
Wade Bowles is a graduate student in the Executive Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Idaho. Wade has 23 years of experience in the fields of structural/machine design, process automation, aluminum alloys, and composites. Eighteen of those years have involved the management of technical staff, including multi-discipline engineers, technicians, and designers. In addition to his work with the Executive MBA program, he holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho, is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington and currently holds 6 patents. Wade is employed by Triumph Composites Systems, an aerospace manufacturing firm in Spokane, Washington, where he serves as the Senior Engineering Manager. He is responsible for all aspects of engineering in the company including the development of 25 engineers within four distinct disciplines, all focused on the aerospace industry. Prior to his work at Triumph, Wade spent more than 15 years working in the aluminum industry as a Research Technology Manager where he led efforts in the development of automated systems to create structural components for the automotive and aerospace industries. The College of Business and Economics faculty strongly supported Wade for this award because of his demonstrated leadership in the classroom and on team projects. Wade also was recognized as being a very positive influence on his peers in the EMBA program. Wade lives in Spokane with his wife Brenda and daughter Taylor. He enjoys adventure style motorcycling, fine wood working, and spending time with his daughter restoring their ‘57 Chevy.
Wade Bowles is a graduate student in the Executive Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Idaho. Wade has 23 years of experience in the fields of structural/machine design, process automation, aluminum alloys, and composites. Eighteen of those years have involved the management of technical staff, including multi-discipline engineers, technicians, and designers. In addition to his work with the Executive MBA program, he holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho, is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington and currently holds 6 patents. Wade is employed by Triumph Composites Systems, an aerospace manufacturing firm in Spokane, Washington, where he serves as the Senior Engineering Manager. He is responsible for all aspects of engineering in the company including the development of 25 engineers within four distinct disciplines, all focused on the aerospace industry. Prior to his work at Triumph, Wade spent more than 15 years working in the aluminum industry as a Research Technology Manager where he led efforts in the development of automated systems to create structural components for the automotive and aerospace industries. The College of Business and Economics faculty strongly supported Wade for this award because of his demonstrated leadership in the classroom and on team projects. Wade also was recognized as being a very positive influence on his peers in the EMBA program. Wade lives in Spokane with his wife Brenda and daughter Taylor. He enjoys adventure style motorcycling, fine wood working, and spending time with his daughter restoring their ‘57 Chevy.
Kathleen Smith, Rotary Student of the Month (February 2010)
Kathleen Smith is a junior in the Nutrition and Dietetics program at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene. Kathleen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in western Washington and has spent most of her life in the west. She moved to the Spokane to raise a family and eventually settled in the Coeur d’Alene area. While managing a restaurant in a college town in New York State, Kathleen developed an interest in nutrition and the role food plays in human health. That interest led her to explore a career in nursing and she earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Spokane Community College. She received several honors for her academic achievement while at SCC. Unfortunately, other life events intervened causing Kathleen to postpone plans for continuing her education. Kathleen was able to return to school recently and decided to enroll in the University of Idaho’s Nutrition program. She expects to graduate from the UI in 2012. Afterwards, she plans to attend graduate school to continue her studies in dietetics. Kathleen has a passion for teaching and is particularly interested in helping people of all ages learn about healthy eating. Kathleen has a long record of community service and assisting others. She has been a volunteer for many organizations including the PTA, Cub Scouts, and the American Diabetes Association. Currently, she is serving as a science tutor at North Idaho College helping NIC students improve their abilities in anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, and physiology. Laurel Branen, UI Professor of Food and Nutrition, is Kathleen’s advisor and instructor. Dr. Branen describes Kathleen as “enthusiastic and high energy – totally dedicated to her studies in the nutrition program. She’s very supportive of the other students in her program, too. Kathleen works hard on her own but also makes time to help the other students who are struggling in their courses.”
Kathleen Smith is a junior in the Nutrition and Dietetics program at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene. Kathleen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in western Washington and has spent most of her life in the west. She moved to the Spokane to raise a family and eventually settled in the Coeur d’Alene area. While managing a restaurant in a college town in New York State, Kathleen developed an interest in nutrition and the role food plays in human health. That interest led her to explore a career in nursing and she earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Spokane Community College. She received several honors for her academic achievement while at SCC. Unfortunately, other life events intervened causing Kathleen to postpone plans for continuing her education. Kathleen was able to return to school recently and decided to enroll in the University of Idaho’s Nutrition program. She expects to graduate from the UI in 2012. Afterwards, she plans to attend graduate school to continue her studies in dietetics. Kathleen has a passion for teaching and is particularly interested in helping people of all ages learn about healthy eating. Kathleen has a long record of community service and assisting others. She has been a volunteer for many organizations including the PTA, Cub Scouts, and the American Diabetes Association. Currently, she is serving as a science tutor at North Idaho College helping NIC students improve their abilities in anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, and physiology. Laurel Branen, UI Professor of Food and Nutrition, is Kathleen’s advisor and instructor. Dr. Branen describes Kathleen as “enthusiastic and high energy – totally dedicated to her studies in the nutrition program. She’s very supportive of the other students in her program, too. Kathleen works hard on her own but also makes time to help the other students who are struggling in their courses.”
Jason Hendrickson, Rotary Student of the Month (January 2010)
Jason Hendrickson is a senior at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene majoring in Psychology. Jason was born in Barstow, California but comes from a military family so he has lived in many places. Jason’s interest in psychology developed at an early age. He had the opportunity to observe how psychologists were able to help people and quickly became fascinated by the science and the field. He knew that this was the career he wanted to pursue. Jason began his trek along the career path by earning his Associates degree in Psychology from North Idaho College. In addition to his coursework at the UI, Jason is currently serving as a developmental therapist at North Star Child Development where he works with developmentally disabled children under the age of seven. Jason has received numerous honors for his academic achievement at NIC and the UI including being named to the NIC Dean’s List during multiple semesters and being selected to Psi Beta, the National Psychology Honor Society. More recently, Jason was elected to the Golden Key International Honor Society. Richard Reardon, Associate Dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, has been Jason’s advisor and instructor. Dr. Reardon says that Jason has a mind that is both curious and very quick. He tends to be among the top two or three students in all of his classes, and has a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Moreover, Jason is a good University citizen, often stepping up to support to his fellow Vandals. Jason will graduate from the UI in May, 2010, with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. After leaving the UI, he plans to attend graduate school with the goal of obtaining a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Jason Hendrickson is a senior at the University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene majoring in Psychology. Jason was born in Barstow, California but comes from a military family so he has lived in many places. Jason’s interest in psychology developed at an early age. He had the opportunity to observe how psychologists were able to help people and quickly became fascinated by the science and the field. He knew that this was the career he wanted to pursue. Jason began his trek along the career path by earning his Associates degree in Psychology from North Idaho College. In addition to his coursework at the UI, Jason is currently serving as a developmental therapist at North Star Child Development where he works with developmentally disabled children under the age of seven. Jason has received numerous honors for his academic achievement at NIC and the UI including being named to the NIC Dean’s List during multiple semesters and being selected to Psi Beta, the National Psychology Honor Society. More recently, Jason was elected to the Golden Key International Honor Society. Richard Reardon, Associate Dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, has been Jason’s advisor and instructor. Dr. Reardon says that Jason has a mind that is both curious and very quick. He tends to be among the top two or three students in all of his classes, and has a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Moreover, Jason is a good University citizen, often stepping up to support to his fellow Vandals. Jason will graduate from the UI in May, 2010, with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. After leaving the UI, he plans to attend graduate school with the goal of obtaining a PhD in Clinical Psychology.
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.
Jennifer Dancy, Rotary Student of the Month (December 2008)
After twenty years business in the software development community, Jennifer took a sabbatical to finish undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology and Business. As an internship project, she developed the Heritage Place Brain Wellness Program that is now University of Idaho course PSYC 200 Brain Wellness. Based on the premise that brain health is crucial as we age, this class incorporates current research in neuroscience as it applies to memory and aging into an activity-based program focusing on brain health. It is breaking new ground with advances in neuroscience and technology, and in the engagement and quality of life of seniors. Additionally, she is developing a premier memory and brain wellness program at Coeur d’Alene Homes, an assisted living and memory care facility in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
After twenty years business in the software development community, Jennifer took a sabbatical to finish undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology and Business. As an internship project, she developed the Heritage Place Brain Wellness Program that is now University of Idaho course PSYC 200 Brain Wellness. Based on the premise that brain health is crucial as we age, this class incorporates current research in neuroscience as it applies to memory and aging into an activity-based program focusing on brain health. It is breaking new ground with advances in neuroscience and technology, and in the engagement and quality of life of seniors. Additionally, she is developing a premier memory and brain wellness program at Coeur d’Alene Homes, an assisted living and memory care facility in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
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.