Members of the University of Idaho community joined well-wishers from Moscow and around the state on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 for a tribute and farewell to Tim, Karen and Logan White that was filled with remembrances, laughter and tears.
The University’s first family is bound for California, where White assumes the chancellorship of the University of California, Riverside campus. He departs Idaho on June 30. Filmed tributes from Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, former Sen. James and Louise McClure, Sen. Brad Little, Moscow Mayor Nancy Chaney and others spoke of the renewal the University of Idaho has experienced during White’s tenure.
“He restored the confidence [and] he put together a great team and that’s a big legacy for anybody,” said Otter.
“Your principle, your intellect and your stamina made you a leader of great note,” said Steven Daley-Laursen, University president-designate. “Your leadership has inspired us to move forward toward an aspirational future.”
“The last four years that you have been here have been nothing but progress and going forward,” stated Milford Terrell, president of the University of Idaho Board of Regents and the State Board of Education.
"I can't imagine what my last year would've been like if not for the genuine kindness and friendship you've shown to me and to the students as a whole," said Jonathan Gaffney, immediate past president of ASUI.
Nancy Chaney, mayor of Moscow, remarked that White had arrived four years ago during challenging times, but “you’ve helped lay the foundation for a better future at this institution and in our community.”
Faculty, staff and students also offered tributes and observations. The Coeur d’Alene and Nez Perce tribes presented gifts to the White family, as did the campus community. The University’s Alumni Association bestowed honorary alumni status on Tim and Karen White.
Highlights Video (YouTube video)