June 24, 2009
Dear University of Idaho Alumni and Friends:
This week is a time of reflection and anticipation for many of us. The transition of leadership at the University of Idaho takes place in just a few days, as M. Duane Nellis assumes the presidency on July 1.
I want to take this opportunity to extend, on behalf of the Alumni Association and all University of Idaho alumni, our deeply felt thanks to current president and first lady, Steven '79, '84 and Dianne Daley-Laursen for their leadership. During the last year, President Daley-Laursen has met the complex challenges of leading the University with great skill, understanding and vision, and Dianne has embraced the value of our Operation Education Scholarship Program and served as chair of the program. We've established a Tribute to Steven Daley-Laursen Web page that chronicles his contributions to the University, both as College of Natural Resources dean and president, where you can send your own message to him and Dianne.
I also want to extend a warm welcome to Duane and Ruthie Nellis. In July, President Nellis will visit with University constituents around the state as part of his listening tour. A complete schedule is available here. I encourage all of you to take this opportunity to meet our new president and present your input as the University of Idaho enters a new era of leadership.
Finally, the summer edition of the University magazine, Here We Have Idaho, will be arriving in your mailboxes in the next few weeks. The cover story provides another opportunity for you to get to know our new president and first lady, Duane and Ruthie Nellis.
Steven C. Johnson '71
Executive Director of Alumni Relations
Alumni Events
Alumni Luncheon in San Francisco - June 24
Wine Tasting, Tour and Reception in Sonoma, CA - June 25
Idaho Alumni Night with the Portland Beavers - June 25
Tri Delta 80th Anniversary Reunion in Moscow - June 26-28
McCall Vandal Golf and Barbecue/Friday Night Auction - June 26-27
Vandal Welcomes in Idaho and the Northwest - July 6-27
President Nellis Listening Tour and Alumni Receptions in Idaho - July 6-15
Summer BBQ in Twin Falls - July 8
UIRA Dessert and Theater Event in Moscow - July 8
Summer BBQ in Idaho Falls - July 9
Vandal Night at the Ballpark in Idaho Falls - July 15
Thirsty Thursday in Nampa - July 16 (stay tuned for more details)
UIRA Summer Picnic - July 16
Thirsty Thursday in Twin Falls - July 16
VSF Governor's Gala - July 23
Vandal Night with the Colorado Rockies in Denver - July 25
University of Idaho Night with the Spokane Indians in Spokane - July 31
Vandal Night with the Boise Hawks in Boise - August 14
Thirsty Thursday in Twin Falls - August 20
North Idaho Vandal Celebration in Coeur d'Alene - August 26
2009 Vandal Football Schedule
Event information for these and other social connection opportunities can be found at www.idahovandals.com .
President Ming-Jen Lee '75 Receives Silver and Gold Award
One of Ming-Jen Lee's more picturesque memories of his time at the University of Idaho includes using dynamite to blow up stumps on Moscow Mountain.
"I worked with a research crew led by Dr. Art Partridge studying bark beetles in pine trees," recalled Lee, who earned his doctoral degree in forest science. "We had to dig out the root, and easiest way was to blow it out. We used dynamite to blow up the stump and collect the samples." [more]
The alumni awards program will accept nominations for 2010 awards and recognition until Aug. 1.
Staff Feature
Peg Godwin Ends Her Vandal Chapter at the Bookstore
After nearly two decades of managing the University of Idaho Bookstore, longtime University of Idaho employee Peg Godwin will retire July 1. A reception in her honor takes place Wednesday, June 24 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bookstore. [more]
Vandal Welcome
Get Ready for Life as a Vandal
New students to the University of Idaho this fall will get an official welcome into the Vandal family at Vandal Welcome events throughout Idaho, the Northwest and Alaska in July. New students and their families can meet with current students and alumni to get an introduction to life as a Vandal. Click here for locations, dates and times. Vandal Welcome is sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Dean of Students Office.
Deadline for Alumni Award Nominations is Aug. 1
The alumni awards program will accept nominations for 2010 awards and recognition until Aug. 1. The Alumni Awards program began in 1962 and serves as the mechanism to directly recognize and reward deserving alumni, volunteers and University friends.
Our awards include:
- Distinguished Idahoan Award - recognizes a living person who has an international or national reputation and has brought distinction to the state of Idaho, the University of Idaho or rendered extraordinary service to one or both.
- Alumni Hall of Fame - recognizes living alumni who have achieved national or international distinction by their accomplishments.
- Silver & Gold Award - recognizes living alumni who have a distinguished record of achievement and/or service in their specialized area of endeavor, thus bringing honor and recognition to the University.
- Jim Lyle Award - recognizes living individuals or couples who have shown long-term dedication and service to the University and/or the Alumni Association through volunteerism.
Check out the process and protocol here. Or phone (208) 885-5106 for details or specifics.