Scholarship Recipient Thrives

At a glance, Alexis Suomi is your typical University of Idaho student from Woodland, Washington. But look deeper and you will find a dedicated third-year student ambassador for the College of Education who works two jobs while still maintaining time for a social life with her Kappa Delta sorority sisters. 

Suomi chose to attend U of I because of the smaller classroom sizes offered, and her desire to be engaged in her campus community. She values the one-on-one interaction she receives from faculty and staff, and the transformative relationships she believes are imperative to her learning success. 

“My professors know my name,” Suomi said. “And if I’m struggling, I can go to him or her for assistance without hesitation.”

As the student ambassador, Suomi enjoys introducing new students to the college to share with them her love for education and the university.

“Being the College of Education Ambassador is a great opportunity for me to recruit students to what I believe is one of the best programs that U of I has to offer,” she said. “The faculty and staff at the College of Education are so supportive and they’re always there to help students in any way they can.”

Suomi participates in a daycare work-study program at U of I, where she receives a $2,000 annual stipend. She has also made it a priority to work as gymnastics instructor for Palouse Empire Gymnastics located in downtown Moscow to help living expenses. 

A scholarship recipient since she began her academic career in 2013, Suomi has received assistance through the U of I marching band, the Woodland Education Foundation, the Woodland Fire Department, Holland Bulb Farms, Grange Insurance, Discover Idaho, the Gold Scholarship, the Irwin and Rowley Scholarship, and the Snider, Hervon and Pearl Scholarship. 

Even though she works two jobs and goes to school full time, your support allows students like Suomi to focus on the task at hand and not stress over the threat of crushing debt.

“I would like to thank our generous donors, the College of Education, my advisor, all my professors, Kappa Delta sorority sisters and my parents for supporting me in my education,” Suomi said. “Your gift allows me to successfully manage my time between work, school and social activities.”

Make an Impact: Make a Gift Online
Enter one or more of the following funds as the designation for your gift:

• Education Renovation Building Project Support Fund - Phase 2
• College of Education Excellence Fund
• Terry Armstrong Classroom for Science Education
• 4-H Excellence Fund