Sept. 11, 2008
MOSCOW, Idaho – As the new chair of the University of Idaho's Operation Education Scholarship Program, Dianne Daley-Laursen hopes her years of public service will help her shape the unique scholarship program for disabled veterans into a self-sustaining, national program.
Operation Education provides financial, academic and social support to veterans who were disabled during active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The program provides scholarship assistance for tuition, fees, books and living expenses. Academic and social support includes such things as testing and classroom accommodations, adaptive equipment, tutoring and academic coaching, family and individual counseling, and peer group networking. Veterans’ spouses also may apply, jointly or individually, to receive the benefits of the Operation Education Scholarship Program.
Daley-Laursen, who also serves as the University of Idaho's first lady, eagerly jumped at the opportunity to lead the nation's first comprehensive scholarship program for disabled veterans. The program previously was under the leadership of Karen White, former first lady of the University.
"When Dianne offered to take over the leadership on the Operation Education program, I was simultaneously thrilled and relieved, for I knew that under Dianne’s care the program would continue to flourish," said White. "She is definitely the right person for the job. Dianne’s enthusiasm is infectious and she has the passion, the vision and the commitment that the scholarship program needs for it to continue to grow."
Although new to the role, Daley-Laursen is no stranger to public service. She served on the board of the Palouse Discovery Science Center and as director of Moscow’s summer arts and music festival, Rendezvous in the Park. She is a community volunteer in Moscow, with service in numerous areas, including Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, youth soccer, teaching reading and serving as a classroom assistant, fundraising and church. She and University of Idaho President Steven Daley-Laursen have two children.
Her previous work in community service helped Daley-Laursen quickly identify program priorities for the year. First and foremost, she wants to help more disabled veterans, and has made recruitment her top priority.
"The University of Idaho developed a comprehensive package in support of disabled veterans," said Daley-Laursen. "Due to its individualized nature, we've worked closely with our first scholarship recipients to ensure we are able to do whatever it takes to help them successfully attain a college degree. We are confident in our abilities to meet the varied needs of disabled veterans and their families."
Daley-Laursen has a long history of reaching out to our country’s men and women in uniform. She is a self-described “army brat” who moved 17 times before she turned 21. She credits the adventure with being her introduction to the richness of global diversity, including geography, ethnicity, culture, tradition, language and climate.
In addition to recruitment, Daley-Laursen wants to shape the program to be able to stand on its own without a set leader. "It needs to grow and thrive on its own," she said.
One way to ensure that is to grow the endowment supporting the scholarship program. "We are grateful to the many donors around the country who have generously supported this program," said Daley-Laursen. "We are in need of more than just scholarship money. We need funds for support services for our veterans."
"The University of Idaho offers a unique, customized support program to meet the wide variety of needs of our disabled veterans – not just a financial stipend," she said. "If three of our students need specialized note takers, we need to have those resources available. We want to build up the full range of services necessary to accommodate the diverse needs of students in the Operation Education Scholarship Program."
One recent donor, Kathryn Supko of Boise, pledged $50,000 and stipulated that a third of the funds could be used for program support. Other individual and organizations have donated services. Gritman Medical Center provides physical therapy and wound care. Jim Pilcher of Hayden, Ross & Co. provides tax preparation and financial advising. John W. Walker offers pro bono legal work. Paradise Creek Bicycle and Sun Valley Adaptive Sports provide recreational opportunities for the scholarship recipients.
“We are grateful to these partners who have made Operation Education a reality," said Daley-Laursen. "I look forward to working with them to assist these honorable veterans."
"I’m personally very thankful for Dianne’s commitment and leadership to the Operation Education Scholarship Program," said White. "She has some wonderful ideas for student recruitment, fundraising, and serving the needs of the students and their families."
The University of Idaho established the program in 2006, and has reached out to colleges and universities nationwide to encourage similar program in other states. Adrian College, a private four-year college in Michigan, adopted the program earlier this year.
Major funding for the scholarship program comes from the private support of University of Idaho alumni and friends, as well as from individuals, corporations and foundations who share the University's interest in assisting America's disabled veterans. Gifts in support of Operation Education may be made by calling the University of Idaho: (208) 885-5304.
To learn more about Operation Education, request an application or make an online gift, visit www.uidaho.edu/operationeducation.
About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation classification for high research activity. The University’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the University combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Contact: Joni Kirk, University Communications, (208) 885-7725, joni@uidaho.edu
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