University of Idaho Higher Education Day

On the day proclaimed by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter as “University of Idaho Higher Education Day,” Vandals took over the State Capitol Building in Boise.
 

Students representing each of Idaho’s legislative districts fanned out to met with their state representatives and senators. The students spoke passionately about their University and how their U-Idaho education – rigorous, engaging and life-changing – is helping them to succeed.
 

Students, alumni, faculty and staff
brought together an impressive showcase of the University's statewide impact that spanned the entire fourth floor of the Capitol Rotunda.  Legislators, along with their students, and others had a chance to take in -- and in some cases, interact with – this daylong “university-in-the round”, ranging from agriculture to science and education; from business and natural resources to engineering; from law to the arts and humanities. Our research, outreach and service has real-world relevance – classroom activities become boardroom presentations -- and helps with the State of Idaho’s economic development.

And at least one student—Hannah Blankenship, a senior public relations major-- captured the day’s activities on her blog:

“Thirty-three more Vandals arrived in Boise this afternoon. It is so great to see such a large group of student in our state capital ready to lobby for a fully funded education at the University of Idaho. Their first stop in Boise was at the University of Idaho, Boise headquarters, or the Idaho Water Center. … Students were then treated to presentations about three of University of Idaho, Boise’s focuses. Michael Greenlee, associate law librarian, showed us the Idaho State Law Library. The library’s 30,000 volume collection (in addition to the 100,000 volumes located at the Idaho Supreme Court) caters to UI’s third-year law students who spend their final semester at our Boise campus….”

Finally, University President M. Duane Nellis presented the University’s case for supporting higher education when he spoke to the state’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. He emphasized how our the University prepares students to succeed in an increasingly competitive world market; how the research to meet the needs of tomorrow is happening today at U-Idaho; and how we ensure Idaho’s sons and daughters get started on the path to become the citizens and leaders Idaho needs for a prosperous future.