2021 Newsletters
Happy 2021, dear Vandals!
I hope this finds you and yours healthy and not too distressed by the events of the past week or so. Despite what is happening at the national level, I remain optimistic about the coming year. I am knocking on wood, crossing my fingers and throwing salt over my shoulder when I say 2021 will evolve into something better than last year. Let’s hope all of that works!
Superstitions aside, my optimism about our alma mater is deeply rooted in fact. There are so many amazing things happening in the classroom, in the lab, in the field and around the state, it’s easy to be proud and confident about our future. When you understand the magnitude of what the University of Idaho accomplished by providing in-person instruction last fall safely and successfully, it’s easy to trust our positive impact on students, alumni, the state and nation will continue.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. Outside sources see and are recognizing the best parts of the institution we all love. And, our friends in University Communications and Marketing have gathered all of those wonderful proof points in a single spot.
Check out the new U of I Rankings, Statistics and Facts web site. The information is organized in a variety of categories, including academic excellence and value, and I can guarantee you will learn a lot.
It’s nice to be able to throw in a statistic or honor or ranking when we’re bragging about U of I, and now we have an easy, one-stop shop to get them. 2021 is looking brighter already.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Alumni Events
Jan. 28 – Thirsty Thursday Trivia with the VandalStore, virtual
Feb. 6-8 – Grand Targhee Vandal Ski Day, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Feb. 13 – Brundage Vandal Ski Day, McCall, Idaho
Feb. 14 – Tamarack Vandal Ski Day, Tamarack, Idaho
Feb. 18 – Vandal Trivia Night, virtual
Feb. 27 – Lookout Pass Vandal Ski Day, Mullen, Idaho
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
University Alum Joins California Academy of Sciences as Assistant Curator
Sarah Jacobs was fulfilling a dream to become a physician when a daffodil redirected her career path.
More interested in the human circulatory system than a plant’s xylem and phloem, Jacobs put off enrolling in undergraduate botany until her senior year in general science.
“I didn’t think I was going to be that interested,” said Jacobs, who earned a doctorate in biology at the University of Idaho. As part of the required botany course she dissected a daffodil and examined it under magnification.
“I had dissected a lot of other really gross things,” Jacobs said.
The dissected daffodil, however, stunned her.
Vandal Innovation Headed to the Space Station
A University of Idaho College of Engineering team is one of five groups selected nationwide for NASA’s Student Payload Opportunity With Citizen Science program to build an experiment that will fly to and return from the International Space Station. The team will spend spring semester researching how microgravity impacts the efficacy of polymers known to resist bacteria on Earth. Members include chemical engineering seniors Adriana Bryant, Niko Hansen, Hannah Johnson, Travis Lindsay, Roslyn McCormack and Kael Stelck.
Synthesizing two types of polymers, the team will test the ability of these molecules to resist bacteria on an aluminum alloy that is utilized for many high-contact areas throughout the International Space Station, such as hand rails and door handles.
As part of the NASA-funded project, teams are expected to involve K-12 students in their research. The U of I team also plans this spring to equip 240 Russell Elementary School third- through fifth-graders with experiment kits that include these bacteria-resistant polymers, to help test and validate their abilities.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Homecoming: Save the Date
Mark your calendars with a big star on October 3-9, 2021 for Vandal Homecoming Week. More details coming soon.
Vandal Business Directory
Whose business can you support in this new year? Check the over 150 listings of Vandal-owned businesses.
Learn More >>
Vandal Voyagers Travel Options
Vandals everywhere are thinking about where they will travel next. Browse our many options for national and international ventures.
Learn More >>
Conversations with Vandals Now Online
Catch our popular virtual series "Cup of Joe" recordings online and learn from some of our favorite Vandals.
Alumni News
College of Law alumnus and Idaho native Brady Hall ’03, has been appointed to serve as General Counsel for the Office of the Governor.
College of Science and Idaho Women's Basketball standout Mikayla Ferenz '19 has been named as an assistant coach for the Whitman College women's basketball program.
Dear Vandals,
When the University of Idaho marks the 132^nd anniversary of its founding on Saturday, I hope we all pause to think about everything our alma mater has done for each of us, the state of Idaho, the region and nation. The lasting impact of its teaching, research and outreach on individual lives, business, science, industry and the state’s economy is impressive.
And what about the next 132 years? What does the University of Idaho’s pact with the people, state and region it serves look like between now and 2153? What challenges will we meet? What opportunities will we create? What dreams will we realize?
I don’t own a crystal ball, although what an amazing asset that would be! Despite that, I know and have confidence in the foundational work our alma mater has undertaken to set the stage for an even brighter and more prosperous future.
Under President Scott Green’s leadership, we have right-sized our budget – not an easy task, but a necessary one to ensure a stable base for the future. We have demonstrated we can pivot quickly to serve our constituents; the fact that we are able to safely deliver in-person classes during a pandemic is testament to that. Spurred on by the pandemic, we’ve invested in new technology and broadband capacity; the advances we’ve made in offering U of I’s transformational education wherever students may be living and working bode well for a future sure to be fueled by technology and distance learning.
Another foundational step forward is the engagement of the Vandal Family. We have more active alumni chapters than we’ve ever had. Just in the past year, hundreds of you have written more than 5,000 cards welcoming prospective students to join the Vandal Family. Thousands of you are proudly displaying the silver and gold in your classroom. Greek alumni are organizing to help better serve their chapters and the university. You have enthusiastically participated in our virtual programming – Cup of Joe, Thursday trivia and Wine Down Wednesdays. The unwavering support of Vandal alumni always has been and always will be critical to the university’s success.
Whatever the next 132 years bring, the university is positioned to tackle it with intelligence, energy and tenacity. There’s nothing like a strong foundation to inspire hope and optimism.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Alumni Events
Jan. 28 – Thirsty Thursday Trivia with The VandalStore, virtual
Jan. 29 – Vandal Scholarship Fund Gala, virtual
Feb. 6 – Grand Targhee Vandal Ski Day, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Feb. 9 – Cup of Joe with Don Shelton, virtual
Feb. 13 – Brundage Vandal Ski Day, McCall, Idaho
Feb. 14 – Tamarack Vandal Ski Day, Tamarack, Idaho
Feb. 18 – Vandal Trivia Night, virtual
Feb. 20 – Bogus Basin Vandal Ski Day, Boise, Idaho
Feb. 24 – Gourmet Tailgate Cooking Class, virtual
Feb. 27 – Lookout Pass Vandal Ski Day, Mullen, Idaho
March 2 – Cup of Joe with Kelli Johnson, virtual
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Vandals Deliver A Life-Saving Gift
Engineering, WWAMI medical students build assistive CPR device to help more users, and those with disabilities, successfully perform CPR
For Megan Boll, being a successful physician is about building trust.
“There’s no way to effectively treat a patient if they don’t trust you,” Boll said. “One way to build that up is through one-on-one interactions.”
A second-year medical student in the Idaho WWAMI Medical Education Program, Boll uses a wheelchair, has limited motion in her arms and performs fine motor skills with a bionic glove. A spinal cord injury that caused impairment in all four quadrants of her body is also what got her interested in pursuing medicine.
Vandal Explorer Series: Glacier Surge in Alaska
After a decade of relative stability, Turner Glacier in southern Alaska shifted from a tortoise to a hare in 2020. It now scoots along at 65 feet a day instead of 3 feet a day. An abrupt, 10-fold increase in a glacier’s speed is referred to as glacial surge.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Pride Your Ride
By selecting a Vandal license plate, you chose to support student scholarships.
Learn More >>
Grow the Gold
Nominate a future student and they will receive engaging, targeted U of I materials to jump-start their college journey toward a meaningful career and lifelong success.
Learn More >>
Vandal Ski Days
Break out your silver and gold when you hit the slopes this season. U of I Alumni Association board members and local chapter leaders are set to greet you at several ski hills in February. Stop by and pick up a complimentary neck gaiter.
Learn More >>
Alumni News
College of Engineering graduate Michelle Reba '08 earns the 2020 USA Rice Sustainability Award recognizing her leadership and research in sustainable rice production.
Boise lawyer Andrew Brassey '74, '77 received the Excellence in Legal Defense award by the Idaho Association of Defense. He is recognized for his 40-plus year career, serving with professionalism, civility and a genuine approach.
Dear Vandals,
Serving the Vandal Family is a privilege I never take for granted, and one of the best parts is working with other Vandals investing their time, talent and treasure in our alma mater.
U of I alumni are writing cards to prospective students and nominating potential new Vandals through the Grow the Gold program. They are serving on the Greek Alumni Council. They are organizing alumni chapter events in their local areas – virtual now, but in-person soon.
One of the most active groups serving our fellow Vandals is the University of Idaho Alumni Association Board of Directors. They represent a wide range of ages, graduation dates, academic areas, professions and interests. They hail from throughout Idaho and other Vandal-rich areas of the country. The one thing they all have in common is a deep fondness for and commitment to the University of Idaho.
In the past several years, this board has helped to grow and support the alumni chapter system, served as a sounding board for the work of the Office of Alumni Relations as well as the university at large, and perhaps most importantly, found a way to support the new ICCU Arena and establish a formal Alumni Club in that new facility without depleting Association resources. Amazing work!
Last week, the board welcomed five more stellar Vandals to serve. Please join me in congratulating the newest members of the U of I Alumni Association Board of Directors:
- Mark Blickenstaff, ’16, Movement & Leisure Science, Castle Rock, Colorado
- Jake Carlson, ’13, Finance and Operations Management, Chicago, Illinois
- Erin Jessup, ’05, ’10, Engineering, Pullman, Washington
- Melissa Lowther, ’08, Accounting, Eagle, Idaho
- Andrew Morgan, ’15, Finance, Seattle, Washington
I appreciate the willingness of all alumni who choose to “give back” to an institution that has given all of us so much. There’s no better way to stay connected or reconnect than to serve.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Alumni Events
Feb. 12 – Valentine's Day Paint Night, virtual
Feb. 13 – Brundage Vandal Ski Day, McCall, Idaho
Feb. 14 – Tamarack Vandal Ski Day, Tamarack, Idaho
Feb. 18 – Vandal Trivia Night, virtual
Feb. 20 – Bogus Basin Vandal Ski Day, Boise, Idaho
Feb. 24 – Gourmet Tailgate Cooking Class, virtual
Feb. 25-27 – Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, virtual
Feb. 27 – Lookout Pass Vandal Ski Day, Mullen, Idaho
Feb. 27 – Vandal Football Pregame, virtual
March 2 – Cup of Joe with Kelli Johnson '98, virtual
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Distinguished Professor Celebrates 60 Years of Chemistry Research at U of I
University Distinguished Professor Jean’ne Shreeve celebrated 60 years with the University of Idaho chemistry department Feb. 1, a milestone that — along with Shreeve’s accomplishments — is a tough act to follow.
“Dr. Shreeve has had an illustrious career at the university,” said Ginger Carney, dean of the College of Science. “Her impact is far-reaching.”
Hired in 1961 by Malcolm Renfrew, who headed the department of physical science and for whom a campus building is named, Shreeve chaired the chemistry department for 14 years. She also served as the university’s vice president for research for 12 years.
For much of her career, Shreeve’s research focused on synthesizing compounds which contain fluorine, an extremely reactive element that can be used in rocket fuel oxidizers.
HAUS Builds the Way
Interdisciplinary Student Team Finds Solution to Construction Woes
A University of Idaho student team that worked with construction professionals to solve costly and labor-intensive industry hurdles earned $10,000 for its first-place win during the 2020 Hacking for Homebuilding reverse pitch-style competition.
The competition, hosted by Boise State Venture College, challenged students to find solutions to construction issues.
Powering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals
Through the University of Idaho's cybersecurity program and our 30-year partnership with global power systems leader Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, our students receive world-class experiences in the cybersecurity field.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Print and mail Vandal-tines
It's almost Valentine's Day, and we're giving you the perfect opportunity to share love with dear ones near and far. Send a snail-mail hug to your Vandal-tine with a print-and-send postcard.
Print Now >>
Baby Booties
Submit your new family addition to Class Notes to receive these complimentary kicks and a Future Vandals certificate.
Learn More >>
Vandal Ski Days
Break out your silver and gold when you hit the slopes this season. U of I Alumni Association board members and local chapter leaders are set to greet you at several ski hills this winter. Stop by and pick up a complimentary neck gaiter.
Learn More >>
Alumni News
College of Engineering graduate David Oliver '18 received the Idaho Falls Community Spirit Award recognizing community figures for contributions to the city.
Riley Haun '20, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences graduate, topped a field of 121 entries to win the Explanatory Reporting Award from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.
Congrats, Riley!
Dear Vandals,
If the Lionel Hampton School of Music had a slogan, it should be something like “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Or “necessity is the mother of invention.” Or “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Every one of these describes what the school’s faculty and staff have been living for the past year.
When in-person classes resumed last fall at our alma mater, music faculty moved to teaching under tents on the tennis courts outside the Administration Building. They were able to continue the one-on-one instruction so critical to music majors, but still socially distance.
When there was no way to safely hold the traditional holiday concert in person, Director Spencer Martin '99 and members of the Sound of Idaho Vandal Marching Band channeled their inner percussionist. Using nothing but plastic cups and percussion instruments, they donned their masks and Santa hats and created a one-of-a-kind performance that helped all of us celebrate the season a little more joyfully.
And, now, with pandemic restrictions still in place, the School of Music has found a way to hold the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival virtually. Since the beginning of this month, registered schools have been participating in online workshops with professional jazz musicians and vocalists. Schools submitted performance videos for the juried competition, and student musicians will work with festival adjudicators via Zoom throughout the festival.
Starting tomorrow, we all can enjoy concerts from some of the best in jazz today and hear from those who will be the best of jazz tomorrow.
In all of these situations, the easy thing would have been to say it can’t be done and cancel. The Vandal thing to do, though, was to find a way to make it happen and then use all available tools to make it happen well. That flexibility and resilience is but one of many reasons the Lionel Hampton School of Music is ranked among the top three music schools in the country. Congratulations, and thank you for making “the show must go on” more than just a slogan!
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Alumni Events
Feb. 25-27 – Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, virtual
Feb. 27 – Lookout Pass Vandal Ski Day, Mullen, Idaho
Feb. 27 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. EWU, virtual
March 2 – Cup of Joe with Kelli Johnson '98, virtual
March 4 – Thirsty Thursday Trivia with Latah County Vandal Boosters, virtual
March 6 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. UC Davis, virtual
March 6 – Vandal Ski Day, Girdwood, Alaska
March 11 - All 1960s Grads Call, virtual
March 13 – Vandal Football Pregame at Northern Arizona, virtual
March 17 – St. Paddy's Day Trivia, virtual
March 23-34 – GradFair, virtual
March 27 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. S.Utah, virtual
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Alumni Board Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Andrew Morgan '15, newly appointed to the University of Idaho Alumni Association Board of Directors. He will represent the mid-west region.
Degree/major(s): B.S. Finance, B.S. Psychology
Hometown: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Q1. What was your favorite or most rewarding class and why? Davis Investment Group in the College of Business and Economics. This class allowed students to learn through experience and collaboration with other students.
Q2. How did U of I prepare you for your career? U of I prepared me to become a well-balanced individual and to always stay curious.
Q3. Why do you choose to serve the Alumni Association? I want to give back to the school that gave so much to me.
Q4. What faculty or staff member was integral to your time at U of I? Magdy Noguera, associate professor of financial in CBE. She was always willing to make time to answer questions and give advice on career planning.
Q5. Share a treasured Vandal memory, either from when you were a student or after graduating. I remain amazed at how willing fellow Vandals are to go out of their way to connect and help each other. It’s really a great community.
Like Father, Like Son (and grandson)
Bill Thurston did not set out to be a doctor like his father and grandfather. Now, he’s proud of that shared connection.
“Dad never pushed me toward medicine,” Bill said. “But when I started to give it serious consideration, he told me ‘If it’s something you want to do, it’s a very fulfilling career.’”
Bill’s grandfather, Walter Dyce Thurston, M.D., practiced family medicine in St. Maries, Idaho for 40 years. His father, Rick Thurston, M.D., retired from medicine in his hometown of St. Maries in 2018 after 27 years.
Bill and his father not only share genetics and careers as doctors, they share alma maters, as well. Both have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho – ‘13 and ’74, respectively – and as of May 2021, both have earned their M.D. through the WWAMI Medical Education Program at U of I.
Wildfire Smoke Impact
The increase in frequency and intensity of wildfires the past 20 years has prompted studies on the impact of wildfire smoke exposure to human health. But little research has been done on the effects of wildfire smoke to livestock. A new University of Idaho study is starting that conversation.
Ashly Anderson, an animal science graduate student in the U of I College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, is working with Assistant Professor Amy Skibiel and in collaboration with Associate Professor Pedram Rezamand, to look at how poor air quality due to wildfires impacts health and production of dairy cattle.
“We’re just starting to uncover the effects in humans, so livestock and other animal species have taken a back seat to that,” said Anderson. “We haven’t really begun to look at the effects in livestock. It’s not just dairy cattle that there aren’t results. Most animal species don’t have quantified effects of smoke exposure.”
Alumni Programs Highlight
The Office of Alumni Relations hosts virtual pregame events 45 minutes prior to each kickoff during the spring season. Let's rally together with special guests, beverage recipes and tailgate-ready recipes.
RSVP Now >>
As a service to our Vandal Family, U of I offers free planning guides for charitable giving in your will or estate plan. This valuable information can help you take care of your loved ones and establish your legacy with the non-profit causes you care most about.
Alumni News
Moscow principal Brian Smith '05 received Idaho's prestigious Gem award for his leadership at the elementary school level.
Cynthia Yee-Wallace '00 and '03 graduate of the College of Law was appointed District Judge to the Fourth Judicial District Court by Gov. Brad Little in January.
Dear Vandals,
It’s been 20 years since the first group of Vandals committed to spend their spring break helping others through the Alternative Service Break (ASB) program offered by the Department of Student Involvement's Center for Volunteerism and Social Action at our alma mater. Since then, nearly 900 students, staff, advisors and community partners have foregone the usual spring break activities, and instead, rolled up their sleeves and tackled a variety of volunteer projects all over the globe.
Over the years, ASB participants have helped to build trails and mitigate invasive species in our national parks. They’ve helped with hurricane clean-up in Puerto Rico and installed plumbing systems in Ecuador. They’ve restored a local schoolhouse in Togo, Africa, and helped to build low-income housing on the East Coast. They’ve gleaned fruits and vegetables for Palouse food banks.
As with most things, the pandemic has altered ASB plans this year, but as with most things Vandal, ASB has pivoted to still make service projects possible. ASB participants will still give back to the community, just very close to home. There will be no group travel; instead, participants will focus on projects in Moscow and the Palouse.
The initial impetus for the ASB program? The desire to provide a way for University of Idaho students to 1) support the larger community and 2) put their skills to work on real world challenges with hands-on experiences. The larger lessons revolve around how to be active citizens, the value of “giving back” and understanding the challenges that exist outside our own communities.
The ASB alumni I’ve met and visited with will tell you their experiences were truly life changing and, in some cases, instrumental in setting their career paths and instilling a lifelong passion for volunteerism. On April 26-30, all of those ASB alums are invited to participate in a virtual 20^th reunion, including daily discussions on different topics and an online gala. Check out the details and/or join the new ASB Facebook group.
Actively serving our communities – large and small, near and far – is a hallmark of what it means to be a Vandal. Congratulations and thank you to the Alternative Service Break program for giving so many the opportunity to demonstrate that.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Alumni Events
March 11 – Cup of Joe:America's Power Grids with Dr. Ed Schweitzer, founder of Schweitzer Engineering, virtual
March 11 – All 1960s Grads Call, virtual
March 14 – Vandal Ski Day, Salt Lake City, Utah
March 17 – St. Paddy's Day Trivia, virtual
March 23-34 – GradFair, virtual
March 25 – 1970s Reunion Decade Call, virtual
March 27 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. S.Utah, virtual
April 3 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. ISU, virtual
April 5 – Cup of Joe: History of the Found Money Fund, virtual
April 6-7 – Vandal Giving Day
April 7 – Silver and Gold Day
April 10 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. EWU, virtual
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Alumni Board Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Melissa Lowther '08, newly appointed to the University of Idaho Alumni Association Board of Directors. She represents the southwest Idaho region.
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Accounting
Hometown: Pendleton, Oregon
1. Favorite or most rewarding class? Why?
The Integrated Business Curriculum (IBC). I was able to use real-life company cases to learn about how all business disciplines work together.
2. How did U of I prepare you for your career?
Outside academics, U of I taught me the importance of building relationships and to get the most out of an experience. It is important to be engaged within your community.
3. Why do you choose to serve the Alumni Association?
I love the University of Idaho! I want to ensure U of I alumni continue to have a strong connection with the university; ultimately, I think it helps enhance current students' experiences and opportunities.
4. What faculty or staff member was integral to your time at U of I? Why?
Scott Metlen in the College of Business and Economics. He sincerely cared for students (regardless of their major) and was a professor I felt pushed me to rise to my full academic potential.
5. Share a treasured Vandal memory, either from when you were a student or after graduating.
Being a fifth-generation Vandal, I loved seeing places and living experiences I grew up hearing about. Plus, I met my husband at U of I.
A License to Sell
Hanson Brudevold’s goal of becoming a grain buyer has come to fruition, thanks in part to a course at the University of Idaho. Brudevold will graduate in May 2021 with a degree in agricultural economics: agribusiness emphasis and a certificate in agricultural commodity risk management.
He credits an independent study course at U of I for helping him land a position as grain originator for Northwest Grain Growers.
“First job out of college, I’m going to be doing what I love to do,” Brudevold said.
Grizzly Bears Use Cooling Baths to Avoid Heat Stress
Taking a bath to relieve stress isn’t unique to humans. Bears do it too, and although they appear to luxuriate in taking a dip, it likely functions to help them cool down and conserve energy, researchers at the University of Idaho learned.
In a study led by U of I graduate student Savannah Rogers and Associate Professor of Wildlife Sciences Ryan Long, researchers found that grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park take cool water “baths” to help prevent overheating.
Alumni Programs Highlight
America's Power Grid
In this edition of our popular Cup of Joe series, we speak with founder and president of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Dr. Ed Schweitzer. He will discuss the importance of America’s power grids and what brought the Texas grid to the brink of disaster.
Put your network to work!
Use your social influence to benefit the Vandal student experience during Vandal Giving Day April 6-7. Volunteer to become a vandal Giving Day Ambassador.
Next Book Club Choice
"Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices... Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?" Read and discuss this dazzling novel as part of the Vandal Book Club.
Learn More >>
Alumni News
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences graduate Megan Blanksma '97 is among seven legislators and two legislative staff members recently selected to serve on the National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee.
Jim Arnold '75 has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions afforded to an engineer.
Dear Vandals,
What do an international journalist, power company executive and career chemist have in common? How about a sugar company CEO, cosmetics company founder, university professor and a mining company leader? Or maybe an entrepreneur serving young women in Africa, a digital platform guru and an author?
As diverse as their backgrounds are, all of the above have two things in common: they are stellar Vandals and they are being honored by the University of Idaho Alumni Association (UIAA).
Usually this time of year, we would be gathering to celebrate our fellow Vandals in person – and we still will once the pandemic is under control and it is safe to do so. For now, though, please join me in congratulating these amazing alumni:
The Alumni Hall of Fame was created in 1962 to recognize alumni who have achieved national or international distinction by their accomplishments and leadership.
- Brian D. Hill ’65, Science, worked for 3M for 34 years before retiring and moving to Portland, Oregon. Brian served the UIAA Board for six years and continues to be a volunteer for U of I in various roles. He received a Jim Lyle Award in 2008. Brian and wife, Gayle, have an endowed Undergrad Research Fellowship, which awards eight fellowships each year.
The Silver & Gold Award was created in 1982 to recognize living alumni who have a distinguished record of achievement and service in their specialized area of endeavor, thus bringing honor and recognition to the university.
- Tim Arnold '82, Mines & Earth Resources, serves as vice president of operations for Pershing Gold Corporation.
- Lisa Grow '87, Engineering, began working for Idaho Power in 1987 and held many engineering positions before moving into management. She was named president of Idaho Power in 2019.
- John McCreedy '84, '87, Letters, Arts & Social Sciences and Law, was named president and CEO of Amalgamated Sugar Company in 2015 after working there for more than 16 years.
- Amanda Moore '06, Business & Economics, co-founded Red Aspen beauty brand in 2017 and serves as its COO. Red Aspen had $1 million in sales in under a year of operating and hit $5 million in sales one year later.
- George Sprenger '74, Science, taught science courses at New Mexico Highlands University for over 30 years, focusing on teaching underprivileged populations of all ages about science and guiding students to academic achievement.
- Andrea Vogt '93, Letters, Arts & Social Sciences, is an international journalist who covered the Amanda Knox trial and has her own media company in Italy.
The Jim Lyle Award was created in 1991 to recognize any living individual or couple who has shown long-term dedication and service to the university and/or the Alumni Association through volunteerism. It is named in honor of Jim Lyle, who served with great distinction as University of Idaho alumni director from 1946-1969.
- Jim Mottern ‘70, Business & Economics, wrote and published a book on the rich history of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, to celebrate and record the chapter’s 100th anniversary at U of I.
The Brave and Bold Award was created in 2019 to recognize alumni 35 years of age or younger with a distinguished record of professional accomplishments, service to our alma mater and/or service to their community.
- Eric Billings '08, Letters, Arts & Social Sciences, is an associate vice president for Digital Product Management at Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL). He also has more than a decade of fundraising experience, most recently as the director of Annual Giving at U of I. Eric is a long-time volunteer for the Alumni Association.
- Peyton McGriff '17, Business & Economics, is founder of Style Her Empowered (SHE), a program in Togo, Africa, that makes education accessible by teaching girls to make their own school uniforms, and providing the money needed to pay for tuition and textbooks.
Because of their accomplishments, every Vandal can stand a little taller and be even prouder of our shared experience. Congratulations and go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Alumni Events
March 24 – GradFair, virtual
March 25 – 1970s Reunion Decade Call, virtual
March 27 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. S.Utah, virtual
April 3 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. ISU, virtual
April 3 – Alumni and Friends Easter Egg Hunt, Moscow
April 5 – Cup of Joe: History of the Found Money Fund, virtual
April 6-7 – Vandal Giving Day
April 7 – Silver and Gold Day, wear Vandal gear
April 10 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. EWU, virtual
April 17 - Vandal Football Pregame vs. NAU, virtual
April 17 - Vandal Day of Service, Caldwell, Idaho
April 16-18 – Spring Parent and Family Weekend, virtual
April 21 – Wine Down Wednesday, virtual
April 22 - Thirsty Thursday Trivia, virtual
April 24 – Vandal Day of Service, Boise
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Alumni Award Winner Reactions
We surprised our 2021 Alumni Association award winners. Watch their reactions.
Alumni Board Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Mark Blickenstaff '16, newly appointed to the University of Idaho Alumni Association board of directors. He represents the Central Region.
Degree: M.S. Movement and Leisure Science
Hometown: Cascade, Idaho
1. Favorite or most rewarding class? Why? College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Professor David Paul’s design and analysis of research course was perhaps my favorite. His course taught me to not accept the conclusions given to me, but dig deeper and draw my own conclusions based on the available evidence.
2. How did U of I prepare you for your career? U of I prepared me for my career by teaching me the value of hard work and perseverance.
3. Why do you choose to serve the Alumni Association? I choose to serve the Alumni Association as a way to give back to the university that influenced my life in almost every aspect.
4. What faculty or staff member was integral to your time at U of I? Why? Professor Sharon Stoll, director of the Center for ETHICS, was by far the most integral to my time at U of I – not only her lessons in class, but outside of class as well.
5. Share a treasured Vandal memory, either from when you were a student or after graduating. Homecoming, always a great time. Now that we’ve relocated, Homecoming will be even more special and memorable.
New Roads to the Past
Interactive kiosks developed by students deepen tourist experience on Forest Service Historic Roadways
For years, the Nez Perce and the Kootenai Salish people traveled through Idaho via trails that are now historic roadways. These trails – once used for seasonal travel and hunting – now serve as a path to connect all people with the past.
The U.S. Forest Service works to tell the stories of these roadways and maintain access to the trails. Natural resource experts fill the Forest Service, but their knowledge of multimedia storytelling is limited. Through a partnership with the University of Idaho, students provided the modern expertise to tell the stories of these roadways.
Two U of I faculty, Diane Kelly-Riley, associate professor of English, and Karen Thompson, director of professional writing and senior instructor, guided the interdisciplinary student team through the project over two semesters.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Vandal Giving Day
Ambassadors Needed: April 6-7
Vandal Giving Day 2021 starts Tuesday, April 6 at 8 a.m. (PDT). With your help, this 2,021-minute online giving event will raise funds for scholarships and other resources that create a life-changing educational experience for U of I students. Show your support by signing up to be a Vandal Giving Day ambassador. You will receive everything you need to spread the word and encourage giving to this worthy cause.
Alumni News
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences graduate Steve Hannah '11 and his team at Micron found a breakthrough way to decrease server storage costs while increasing server speed and reliability.
Captain Joseph Renner (USAF) '13, graduate of the College of Business, was selected out of an extremely competitive joint service selection process, and is now currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Systems Operations for the White House Situation Room.
Preston Rutledge '76 has joined Rutledge Policy Group, LLC, as a strategic consulting advisor. Rutledge has 25 years of legislative and executive branch experience to counsel clients on issues related to tax, labor, employee benefits and health care policy. Rutledge is a graduate of the College of Business and Economics.
Dear Vandals,
What a difference a year makes! This time last year, we were reeling from the news and uncertainty of the pandemic. Our alma mater had moved all classes online; the majority of students moved home.
Despite – or maybe because of – the events of the time, however, Vandals rallied. We raised $50,000 in emergency funds to support students struggling to buy groceries and stay in school, and then, just a few weeks later, made Vandal Giving Day 2020 the most successful one in our history. Together, we raised nearly $650,000 in just 2,020 minutes. Those dollars supported scholarships, academic programs, student living groups and more.
We rallied because that’s what Vandals do – especially when it comes to helping other members of the Vandal Family. Today, we can all be proud that we found a safe way to return to offering in-person classes sooner than most institutions nationwide.
Fast forward 12 months. Pandemic numbers are dropping; vaccination numbers are rising. We are planning in-person commencement events with safety protocols in place. And, students still need our collective support.
Vandal Giving Day 2021 will run for 2,021 minutes beginning April 6, and there are at least three ways you can make it the same success it was last year. First, sign up to be an ambassador and leverage your social networks to expand the reach of the effort. Or, consider setting up a match or challenge gift for your favorite fund. And, of course, make a gift or multiple gifts. Whether $5 or $5,000, the amount doesn’t matter as much as your participation.
The Vandal Family is a true force of nature when we link arms to help each other and the institution that gave us so much. Here’s to another successful Vandal Giving Day!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
April 6-7 – Vandal Giving Day
April 7 – Silver and Gold Day, wear Vandal gear
April 10 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. EWU, virtual
April 17 – Vandal Football Pregame vs. NAU, virtual
April 17 – Vandal Day of Service, Caldwell, Idaho
April 16-18 – Spring Parent and Family Weekend, virtual
April 20 – 1980s Virtual Class Reunion, virtual
April 21 – Wine Down Wednesday, virtual
April 22 – Thirsty Thursday Trivia, virtual
April 22 – 1990s Virtual Class Reunion, virtual
April 24 – Vandal Day of Service, Boise
April 28 – 2000s Virtual Class Reunion, virtual
April 29 – 2010s Virtual Class Reunion, virtual
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Propelling Excellence
2,021 minutes of giving. A lifetime of impact. Vandal Giving Day raises funds for scholarships and other resources that create a life-changing educational experience for U of I students.
Alumni Board Volunteer Spotlight
Erin Jessup '05, '10 is newly appointed to the University of Idaho Alumni Association board of directors. She represents the Northern Idaho Region.
Degree: B.S. Electrical Engineering, M.E. Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Albany, Oregon
1. Favorite or most rewarding class? Why? ECE 525 and ECE 526 Power System Protection and Relaying I & II. These courses were directly applicable to my career at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.
2. How did U of I prepare you for your career? Experience in SArb, Gamma Phi Beta and teaching courses in graduate school prepared me for a leadership role in my career.
3. Why do you choose to serve the Alumni Association? I love U of I and the unique college experience in Moscow. I’ve always enjoyed giving back to my alma mater so future Vandals can have the great experience that I did when I was in school.
4. What faculty or staff member was integral to your time at U of I? Why? Dr. Joe Law (ECE Department) was always encouraging and supportive and challenged me to learn and grow. He also helped me get my foot in the door at SEL, which has turned into a great career for both me and my husband.
5. Share a treasured Vandal memory, either from when you were a student or after graduating. When I was a senior, we had a really cool senior design project. We used ultracapacitors to invent and patent a new starting system for internal combustion engines. Our team won the Innovation Award at the College of Engineering Senior Design Expo and we were interviewed on the news
Seeking Experiences
Undergraduate research projects provide hands-on opportunities to learn more.
A love of animals and learning prompted Sarah Peterson to seek opportunities to expand her knowledge beyond the classroom. As an animal and veterinary science student in the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, she has discovered plenty of ways to get involved. Peterson has participated in four undergraduate research projects to push her studies further.
Vandal Theory Podcast Season 4
The Vandal Theory podcast asks, “What gets University of Idaho researchers’ brains buzzing... besides coffee?” These award-winning stories showcase researchers exploring and solving real-world problems. With interviews and quick updates on all things Vandal, discover the world of U of I research with host Leigh Cooper.
Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform so you don’t miss an episode.
In the first of eight podcasts launched on Mondays, Cooper dives into Project Echo, which connects Idaho’s rural healthcare providers. Director Lachelle Smith talks about the impact.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Our class reunion calls have been wildly popular, so we've added more! Graduates of the 80s, 90s, 00s and 10s each have virtual reunion zoom calls perfect for a drop-in to connect or re-connect. Log in to be refreshed on the university, where we are now and what's ahead. Join breakout rooms with old classmates, tell stories and overall catch up on lost time.
RSVP Now >>
Take your Vandal pride with you everywhere you go with the University of Idaho Rewards Visa®.
Alumni News
Sophie Haussman '19, graduate of the College of Business and Economics, earned her first professional LPGA win at the IOA Championship March 28.
Timothy Stoddard '06, graduate of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences Lionel Hampton School of Music, recently released his debut EP "Mortally Wounded," composed and workshopped long-distance during the pandemic.
College of Engineering graduate Robert Kimble '06 is the new Director of Public Works for Pacific County in Washington state.
Dear Vandals,
The signs of spring are beautifully predictable on the Palouse. Temperatures rise, albeit intermittently. Trees and flowers on campus bud out. Wheat fields green up. Stereo speakers appear on fraternity roofs. And for the past four years, the spring release from the Vandals Uncorked Wine Club is delivered!
This year we had more wines than ever before submitted for Vandals Uncorked, which is designed to feature and celebrate the work of Vandal-connected wineries and vineyards. The wines were submitted from four states. I was most excited that we had some new wineries submit for the first time and that they were selected.
Altogether, the panel participating in the blind tasting had 21 options from which to choose. This year, we invited current wine club members to participate in the tasting, a tradition we will continue from here on – another perk of being a member. Here are the wines the panel chose to be included in the Spring 2021 release:
- A chardonnay from 3100 Cellars located in Garden City, Idaho, owned by Marshall Minder '03 and his wife, Hailey, whose talented winemaker served as Joe Vandal '99
- A pinot noir from W2 Winery in Caldwell, Idaho, owned by Angie Shaltry ‘98
- Convergence 46 Chardonnay from Huston Vineyards, also located in Caldwell, owned by Gregg and Mary Alger ‘89
- A 2019 cabernet sauvignon from Pend d’Oreille Winery in Sandpoint, Idaho, owned by James Bopp ’02 and Kylie Presta
It’s not too late to sign up for the spring offering. Check the details out here.
And, while you’re enjoying a Vandals Uncorked wine or any beverage of your choice, join me in raising a glass to all of the Vandals who volunteer their time, talent and treasure to our alma mater. I deeply appreciate their efforts every day, but especially on National Volunteers Day, which is tomorrow. Thank you, thank you for all you do.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
April 21 – Wine Down Wednesday, virtual
April 22 – Thirsty Thursday Trivia, virtual
April 22 – 1990s Virtual Class Reunion
April 22 – Vandal Happy Hour, Coeur d'Alene
April 24 – Vandal Day of Service, Boise and Meridian
April 24 – Vandal Day of Service, Coeur d'Alene
April 28 – 2000s Virtual Class Reunion
April 29 – 2010s Virtual Class Reunion
May 11 – Cup of Joe with Spencer Martin, virtual
May 15-16 – Commencement, Moscow
May 18 – Commencement, Boise
May 18 – Commencement, Idaho Falls
May 22 – Vandal Scramble, Hayden Lake
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Giving Day Success
Vandal Giving Day 2021 was our best ever!
Thank you, Vandal Family!
Thank you for making Vandal Giving Day 2021 an enormous success and our best year yet. With the support of our many alumni, ambassadors, faculty, staff, parents and students, the university raised $669,510 to support our students and enhance our programs. Your compassion and generosity will create positive and lasting change for many Vandals.
Alumni Board Volunteer Spotlight
Jake Carlson '13 is newly appointed to the University of Idaho Alumni Association board of directors. He represents the nation's Central Region.
Degree: B.S. Finance, B.S. Operations Management
Hometown: Eagle, Idaho
1. Favorite or most rewarding class? Systems and simulation with Professor Scott Metlen, or portfolio management with Professor Ray Dacey in the College of Business and Economics.
2. How did U of I prepare you for your career? U of I gave me a rigorous and affordable business education through the former Integrated Business Curriculum and projects with industry partners. The interdisciplinary curriculum taught me how to understand all aspects of business, and the Vandal Family taught me how to build relationships, work hard and get out of my comfort zone.
3. Why do you choose to serve the Alumni Association? Vandals are some of the most giving and good-natured people, who generously gave their friendship, time and resources to me while I was a student and now as an alumnus. I'm honored to serve other Vandals, help build and maintain connections back to the university and continue the tradition of being a difference-maker in the lives of other Vandals.
4. What faculty or staff member was integral to your time at U of I? Why? College of Business and Economics Professor Scott Metlen pushed me to be my best and went above and beyond to provide opportunities to his students. His classes and mentorship led to my first job at Boeing and sparked a fulfilling career that has taken me around the world.
5. Share a treasured Vandal memory, either from when you were a student or after graduating. I have too many to count, however, they include late nights studying with close friend USMC Capt. Jake Johnson '10 in the Albertson's building basement, reconnecting with my Delta Sigma Phi brothers throughout the years, being a part of the PNW Division II Champion Men's Rugby team, and of course, meeting Adrie '12, my wife and fellow Vandal.
Rock Solid Experience
Geology Students Learn Hands-On from Hecla Mining Company Professionals
Slim cylinders of rock two feet long and weighing as much as a truck jack lie on tables at the Integrated Research and Innovation Center (IRIC) on the University of Idaho Moscow campus.
Students outfitted with hand lenses, tools and notebooks examine the slender rock columns before making notes in logbooks.
The sections of rock are core samples, and the exercise — called core logging — provides students with a hands-on look at the day-to-day activity of mining geologists.
“We wanted to give students practical experience, and core logging is one of the entry-level skills every mining geologist learns,” said Professor of Geology Jerry Fairley. “Analyzing different sections of rock samples to see what minerals are there and logging what you see is an important skill for students to learn going into the workforce.”
By teaming up with Nick Furlin ’08, Hecla Mining Company chief geologist, Fairley and his department provided a different kind of education to U of I geology students. They scheduled a workshop to bring together students, geology professors and Hecla geologists to supplement academic science with hands-on instruction.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Cheers to you!
Join the university's premier wine club, Vandals Uncorked, and receive a complimentary gift. Membership includes two shipments a year of four award-winning varietals.
Learn More >>
Welcome future Vandals!
Give your new bundle of joy these cute kicks when you submit a birth or adoption announcement to Class Notes.
Learn More >>
Alumni News
Cathy Boysen '83 and Rachel Krick '18, graduates of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences were named Outstanding Preceptors by the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for their work with U of I and ISU students, respectively.
Singer- songwriter Colby Acuff '19, graduate of the College of Business and Economics, released his second album.
Mountain West Bank has promoted commercial lender Ross Morton '08 to assistant vice president. A graduate of the College of Business and Economics, Morton joined the bank in 2015 and has nearly 12 years of banking experience.
Dear Vandals,
The best way to cap a year like no other? Celebrate commencement in a way like no other!
We can all be proud of how our alma mater has navigated the pandemic. Now that same careful, safety-conscious planning is allowing the Vandal Family to celebrate its newest alumni association members in person.
On the morning of Saturday, May 15, the Class of 2020 will finally have the opportunity to don their caps, gowns and honor cords and walk across the Kibbie Dome stage to receive their diplomas. What a special, long-awaited moment for them, their friends and families.
Later Saturday and throughout the day Sunday, May 16, graduates of different colleges will gather in ceremonies with their friends and families. We will celebrate U of I Boise students on May 18 and their counterparts at U of I Idaho Falls on May 19.
Graduating from college is an amazing feat under normal circumstances, but when you understand just what these two classes of students have overcome, it is even more impressive. With the help of each other and U of I faculty and staff, the Classes of 2020 and 2021 have become flexible and resilient learners – skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Their ability to “Keep Calm and Vandal On” has allowed the institution to continue to fulfill a key promise of its land-grant mission – providing quality higher education to students from our state, nation and world.
I hope every member of the Vandal Family will take a moment to join me – either in person or in spirit next week – in truly celebrating the success of our new graduates. They have earned it in a way like no other.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
May 11 – Cup of Joe with Spencer Martin, virtual
May 13 – Thirsty Thursday with the Alehouse, virtual
May 15-16 – Commencement, Moscow
May 18 – Commencement, Boise
May 18 – Commencement, Idaho Falls
May 19 – Wine Down Wednesday, virtual
May 22 – Vandal Scramble, Hayden Lake
For information about events, visit the
alumni calendar.
Alumna Kelly Yost-Hove's '62 Vandal experience was heavily influenced by her piano professor. He challenged her to become a better pianist — to think about her music differently — and she used what she learned to shape her career.
Urban Heat in Moscow
College of Art and Architecture Student Studies Walkability to Tackle Climate Change
Tackling an issue such as climate change takes a village.
“Climate change is happening, and we need to be prepared,” said Layal Alawi Hussain, a senior studying landscape architecture at the University of Idaho.
Using data collected through surveys and GIS analysis, Layal wants to help the Moscow community address climate change and increase walkability locally.
Layal’s research is focused on the Palouse Mall parking lot and adjacent Highway 8. According to Layal, GIS analysis of Moscow showed these locations radiated greater amounts of heat compared to other areas of town.
Improving Research Protocols
CALS student helps develop new genotyping assay
Mice have been used in biomedical research for centuries due to their genetic similarity to humans. Mice used in laboratories are bred to produce offspring with certain desired characteristics depending on what researchers are investigating.
The traditional process of breeding laboratory mice with the correct genotype, or genetic make-up, for a study can take 30-36 months. Scientific advances have lowered that timeframe to 15-18 months, but genotyping methods remain expensive and time consuming. A novel mouse genotyping assay developed at the University of Idaho could help reduce time and save money while providing significantly more genetic information to researchers.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Shop Alumni Gear
The official store of every Vandal grad.
Start Shopping >>
Create Connections
Vandals want to help and engage with other Vandals (alumni and/or current students) and make a difference in their lives. Virtual mentoring provides an opportunity connect all ages and stages of Vandal life to accomplish employment and career goals.
Join Now >>
Alumni News
The city of San Diego, Calif. awarded College of Art and Architecture alumnus Jonathan Segal '84, FAIA with the title of Master Architect.
Alyssa Charlston '14 and Stephen Madison '19 teamed up to launch No Bad Shots podcast. Listen wherever you find your podcasts.
Dear Vandals,
And, that’s a wrap! The 2020-21 academic year comes to a close this afternoon with an in-person commencement ceremony at University of Idaho’s center at Idaho Falls.
It will go down in the annals of U of I history as one of the most unique and challenging academic years ever, full of change and tumult. But, I hope, in addition to acknowledging the challenges and triumphs of operating during a pandemic, we also remember the great progress our alma mater made on all fronts.
Some of the successes are directly connected to the pandemic:
- Working with Gritman Medical Center to set up our own testing lab, a critical tool for monitoring the collective health of our university community.
- Joining together to create and abide by the Healthy Vandal Pledge, an agreement that we – students, faculty and staff – would follow certainly protocols to keep each other safe.
- Being among the first and only universities to safely offer an in-person option for many classes. Not one case of COVID-19 was traced back to in-person class participation.
- Raising more than $65,000 for the Bruce and Kathy Pitman Fund for Student Emergencies, Vandal Food Pantry and Project ECHO. Vandal Giving Day (VGD) of 2020 garnered a record-breaking $639,000, and then we broke another record with VGD 2021 with nearly $670,000 raised. Those dollars have helped students financially struggling because of the pandemic in addition to a host of other important programs.
- Standing up some of the first virtual alumni programming in the country, such as Cup of Joe, Trivia Thursdays and Wine-Down Wednesdays.
- Watching the Lionel Hampton School of Music, the Sound of Idaho Vandal Marching Band and the Department of Theater Arts pivot their delivery methods and performance content to accommodate their students and provide their larger audiences with amazing pieces of creative work.
- Conducting eight – yes, eight – separate commencement ceremonies in Moscow, Boise and Idaho Falls, so every student who wanted to – including the Class of 2020 – could safely walk across the stage, pick up their diploma and celebrate with family and friends.
Many of our successes, however, demonstrate our university’s ability to be effective regardless of conditions. Consider:
- Construction of the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena is nearly finished. We’ll all look forward to the grand opening – especially of the Idaho Alumni Club inside the facility – during Vandal Week in October.
- Near record-breaking fundraising continued this past year, benefitting faculty, staff, students and programs in every college and around the state.
- The U of I community pulled together to address its budget issues head on, establishing a stable foundation on which to build the financial health of the institution.
- And many more individual milestones and accomplishments of faculty, staff and students.
In my opinion, all of these accomplishments revolve around two things.
The first is strong, focused, capable leadership – heartfelt thanks to President Scott Green '84 and his entire team. What you helped us accomplish in the past year sets the stage for many more successful years to come.
The second is a captured best by a phrase we used and heard often during the past year. “Keep calm and Vandal on” perfectly describes the mindset – both during pandemic and not – that has always been a hallmark of the Vandal Family.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
May 19 – Commencement, Idaho Falls
May 19 – Wine Down Wednesday, virtual
May 22 – Vandal Golf Scramble, Hayden Lake
June 4-6 – UIAA Board of Directors Spring Meeting, Moscow
June 11-12 – 101st Annual FIJI Pig Dinner, Moscow
June 18 – Canyon County Vandal Golf Scramble, Nampa
June 26 – Latah County Vandal Golf Scramble, Moscow
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
State of the University 2020-2021 message by President Scott Green '84.
A Global Perspective
CALS student brings international experiences to the classroom
Olivia Murphy-Sweet developed a love for travel and global citizenship as a child. Her father served in the Navy and the family lived in various locations in the United States and around the world.
Murphy-Sweet hopes to extend her knowledge on global citizenship to future generations as a high school agriculture teacher. She graduated from the University of Idaho in May 2021 with master’s degrees in agriculture education and curriculum and instruction.
Although Murphy-Sweet’s parents grew up on farms in Idaho, she herself had little experience with agriculture before attending Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She joined the FFA program and discovered that she learned better through hands-on opportunities.
Not Your Regular Cup of Joe
Black Rifle Coffee Company Gives Back to U of I Veterans Through Operation Education Fund
The black firearm he carried for most of his military career inspired the name of former University of Idaho student Evan Hafer’s brand of coffee. The sacrifice of fellow service members inspired his recent gift to a U of I veterans’ program.
The two are indelibly linked.
Hafer, who grew up in Weippe and Lewiston and who attended U of I to study political science, spent 20 years in the Army, mostly as a green beret.
During slow times on duty, often with a black rifle hanging from a sling on his back, he perfected his hobby of roasting coffee. When Hafer left the military, he turned his aromatic pastime into the multimillion-dollar Black Rifle Coffee Company.
This spring, Hafer and Black Rifle donated $50,000 to Operation Education, a U of I scholarship program that helps veterans cover college expenses.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Vandal Voyager 2022 trip specials
Book before the trip brochure is in the mail and you'll benefit from our Paperless Savings offer. For this limited-time offer, Vandals save $250 per person on selected trips add and extra $250 on Special Savings programs for a total of up to $500 savings per person per trip.
Vandal pride in your pocket
With the University of Idaho Rewards Visa^® Start earning even more rewards today and every day.
Alumni News
Vandal grad featured on NASA Tumblr
Curious about how to send research to the International Space Station or how to get involved with NASA missions? Here’s your chance to ask experts, including Hannah Johnson '21, College of Engineering major and member of the U of I team experimenting on test bacteria resistant polymers in microgravity.
Submit questions starting May 20. Interview airs June 3.
Vandals visit the Shark Tank
David and Jamie Montz '98 met at U of I, married and started their respective careers in technology and ecommerce. Together, they filmed with Shark Tank and are featured pitching The Original Stretchlace on season 12, episode 24 originally aired May 14, 2021 on ABC.
Terrific teacher recognized
Two-time U of I grad Amy Wise '86, '14 was named the Coeur d'Alene Schools Teacher of the Year.
Dear Vandals,
During our marathon of commencement ceremonies two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to chat with Vice President for Research and Economic Development Christopher Nomura and he agreed to share some of his first impressions of his new position with us.
1. What attracted you to the research vice president position at U of I? The Vice President for Research and Economic Development opportunity was attractive to me for several reasons. U of I is Idaho’s land-grant institution and already has a stellar national and international reputation in a number of research areas. Idaho is one of the fastest growing states, and the opportunity to help U of I achieve an R1 Carnegie ranking (very high research activity), afforded to the most accomplished research universities in the country, was too good to pass up.
2. What are the most significant research opportunities available to the university in the next five years and what makes them so? The U.S. finds itself in a situation where global competition means that our seat at the head of the research table is no longer a given. To address that new reality, our congressional leadership is looking toward large investments in research funding for everything from artificial intelligence to health and biomedical topics through energy research. This will result in massive opportunities to fund research and expand the opportunities for students to participate in state-of-the-art research programs. U of I has initiated the P3-R1 program to leverage these upcoming opportunities, whereby the university is investing $3 million a year into doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships. This program will allow our faculty to expand the impact of our world-class research.
3. What are the biggest research challenges facing the university in the next five years and what makes them so? The biggest research challenges echo what is happening in the broader context of the university: How will the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic affect our student enrollments at both the undergraduate and graduate levels? We know that the effects of the pandemic are far-reaching but how these will impact the ability of students to enroll and participate in research programs remains to be seen. One of the other challenges has been the impact of having to shut down and then restart research programs because of the pandemic. There are expenses to both of these actions that were not originally anticipated by any of the sponsored research programs resulting in delays and even inability to continue ongoing research. The world has become a more competitive place and we must continue to build our research strengths at U of I to ensure that our students have the best opportunities possible to be on the leading edge of new technology development and utilization.
4. What student achievements have impressed you? U of I students are amazing! We highlighted many of the university's achievements, including specific highlights for some of our students, in our "Inspired Discoveries: 2021 Research Report." I would invite our alumni to look through this report and prepare to be amazed!
5. Do you have any examples of alumni support to share? Does President Green count? All kidding aside (we know how supportive he is of all of the endeavors at U of I), I have been incredibly impressed by the level of engagement of our alumni in the Industry Summits with U of I. Their engagement in these listening sessions has been so informative for the university and demonstrates how incredible our Vandal alumni are.
6. Favorite spot in Moscow? Obviously it is the University of Idaho campus, but outside of that, Moscow is a fantastic place with so many different restaurants and beautiful places to see. I love the many parks within the city, and one of our favorite places to eat brunch is Bloom.
7. Favorite spot on campus? I have to limit my answer to this thus far to the Moscow campus as I haven’t had the opportunity to visit all of our centers yet. I think the arboretum is amazing but I have to say the place for me is the Integrated Research and Innovation Center (IRIC), which houses a wide variety of cutting-edge interdisciplinary research programs. These projects often cross disciplines, and this space provides the platform for collaborative work.
I hope you'll join me in welcoming Chris to the Vandal Family. Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
June 3-5 – UIAA Board of Directors Spring Meeting, Moscow
June 11-12 – 101st Annual FIJI Pig Dinner, Moscow
June 18 – Canyon County Vandal Golf Scramble, Nampa
June 18 – 35th Annual Silver & Gold Gathering, American Falls
June 26 – Latah County Vandal Golf Scramble, Moscow
July 21 – Ada County Vandal Picnic, Boise
July 22-24 – McCall Outdoor Science School 80 Year Anniversary, McCall
July 24, 25 – Vandal Raft Day, Riggins
July 27 – Vandals in the Park, Coeur d'Alene
July 30 – VSF 50th Annual Vandal Pig Out, Buhl
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Wet meadows provide important resources for greater sage grouse and livestock. Scientists at the University of Idaho’s Rinker Rock Creek Ranch are conducting grazing research to evaluate strategies that work for both grouse and cattle.
Navy, Army ROTC Students Secure Foreign Language Scholarships
Cadet, midshipman will spend summer learning Russian, Chinese through a government language program
University of Idaho soccer player and Army ROTC Cadet Milana DesRosier was already fluent in Mandarin when she started learning Russian on her own.
Languages, like the arc on a corner kick, intrigue her.
Navy ROTC Midshipman Luke Jones intended to learn Chinese in Taiwan, but the future U.S. Marine adapted to changed plans.
Both U of I International Studies students will spend the summer learning foreign languages as part of Project GO, a language and culture training program for students enrolled in ROTC.
Sharing Stories of Connectivity
During her first year at the University of Idaho, Sacha Wells realized she could use storytelling to bring ecology to life.
Wells, a recent graduate of ecology and conservation biology, came to U of I intent on studying ecology. As she pursued her degree, however, she was enamored with storytelling through film making.
“Storytelling is such a powerful tool,” Wells said. “Combining image and sound into a film allows stories to be shared with anyone from anywhere.”
Wells started making films during her spare time and slowly developed her skills as an extracurricular activity.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Estate Planning
As a service to our Vandal Family, U of I offers free planning guides for charitable giving in your will or estate plan. This valuable information can help you take care of your loved ones and establish your legacy with the non-profit causes you care most about.
Put a Ring on It
Get $100 off your custom class ring now until the end of the year.
Alumni News
Celebrating Survivors
Leslie Scantling '90 and her mother Barbara Rhoades, both breast cancer survivors, started a Flock Cancer walk in Boise to celebrate cancer survivors. Her pivot and passion lead to a $25,000 donation to the Boise YMCA oncology recovery program.
Dear Vandals,
Let the summer fun begin! The Office of Alumni Relations and alumni chapters around the country are developing a full slate of in-person events and celebrations, and you need to be there!
I always look forward to seeing my fellow Vandals, especially in their natural habitats. But, this year, after so many months of being able to connect only via Zoom, I am even more excited. We went virtual early and well, but there is nothing like being together, face to vaccinated face. Consider joining us for all-Vandal picnics in Boise and Coeur d’Alene. Or how about a day on the river, rafting with Vandal-owned H2O Idaho? And, it isn’t too late to receive the spring shipment of Vandals Uncorked wine – the perfect touch for any summer festivity.
You can check out all of our summer events here, and while you’re at it, make sure you’re signed up to receive information about future events. I especially urge you to watch for information about Vandal Fest in early October – it has all the hallmarks of a true Vandal Family reunion! And, thanks to the University of Idaho Alumni Association Board of Directors, we can celebrate that reunion in the new Idaho Alumni Club in the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena.
Until then, I wish you the happiest of summers, full of just enough activity to keep you energized and just enough downtime to help you relax. Here, we will take a hiatus from the Vandal Vibe until August and focus on enjoying every moment of the season.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
P.S. The Vandal Vibe is taking a break for the rest of June and July, and will return to inboxes Aug.18. We may keep in touch as needed sharing up-to-date news with a special edition, should the need arise. Have a wonderful, safe and healthy summer.
Upcoming Events
June 18 – 35th Annual Silver & Gold Gathering, American Falls
June 26 – Latah County Vandal Golf Scramble, Moscow
July 10 – Palouse Alumni Comedy Night, Moscow
July 21 – Ada County Vandal Picnic, Boise
July 25 – Vandal Raft Day, Riggins
July 27 – Vandals in the Park, Coeur d'Alene
July 29 – Vandal Day at Silverwood, Athol
July 30 – VSF 50th Annual Vandal Pig Out, Buhl
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
The University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music presents "Festival Fanfare" by Dan Bukvich. Bandfest/Stringfest 2021 virtually hosted 150 high school musicians from 41 high schools over five states. This video features members from the LHSOM Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and various chamber ensembles along with over 90 video submissions from high school participants.
On Track to a Career in Medicine
Vandal Sprinter and Science Student Is on Home Stretch to Medical School
In preparation for his daughter’s commencement, Alfred Bowens walked back and forth to his mailbox for a month.
He had been battling diabetes and congestive heart failure for years and because of heart failure, renal failure, edema and hypertension was hospitalized for four days this year.
The daily walks outside his Boise home were meant to strengthen his body enough to walk into the facility when his daughter Tristin received her diploma at the spring University of Idaho commencement ceremonies.
“The doctor years ago said if he didn’t change his lifestyle then he wouldn’t make it to see my high school graduation,” Tristin Bowens said.
Tristin, who attended U of I on a track and field scholarship, is earned degrees this spring in microbiology and molecular biology.
She chose to attend U of I to prepare for the medical profession because of her dad’s illness.
Grow the Sport
Grad Student Builds, Renovates Disc Golf Courses Across Region
Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports, with professional international and national competitions attracting large viewership and some of the top players signing $10 million contracts. University of Idaho’s Trevor Pumnea is helping grow the sport.
Pumnea, who is working on a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in healthy active lifestyles, has designed and installed disc golf courses throughout the region for the past five years as part of the group Full Time Recreation, a leader in pocket disc golf course design and installation. He hopes to develop disc golf courses incorporating inclusive trail designs to ensure equitable access and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
“Disc golf engages the senses, challenges the individual and is extremely social in nature,” said Pumnea. “It’s like going for a hike in the woods or a walk in the park but having purpose.”
Fueling for Success
Proper nutrition and physical activity are important for every occupation, especially those with varying schedules and high stress, like police officers. When the Idaho Falls Police Department implemented a new wellness program, they knew sports nutrition was a key topic that needed to be covered.
Luckily, the University of Idaho Extension, Bonneville County office has the perfect individual to cover such topics. Leslee Blanch is a U of I Extension associate educator specializing in family and consumer sciences, a registered and licensed dietitian, and a certified group fitness instructor. She developed a presentation tailored specifically to the needs of police officers at the request of the IFPD.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Connecting Vandal to Vandal just got easier with a mobile app. Simply visit "Vandal Mentor Network" on your mobile device browser (use Safari on your iOS device) and follow the prompts to “Add to Home Screen.”
The 5th annual Vandal Raft Day is coming up July 24 and 25. Make your way to Riggins and get out on the water. July 24 is already sold out! Get your ticket for the July 25 raft trip today.
Alumni News
Larry D. Hayden-Wing ' 58, '62, '69 was awarded with the Marquis Who's Who Lifetime Achievement Award honoring those with many successful years of experience in their professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes accrued in their field.
Vandal graduate Collene Zahn '95, '00 has been appointed to Idaho Supreme Court replacing Justice Roger Burdick '74, who is retiring in June.
Dear Vandals,
We had a summer! A terrific, mask-free summer with in-person picnics and award ceremonies, raft trips and reunions. And it was wonderful!
Now fraternity and sorority members are back on campus recruiting new members. The Vandal Marching Band begins practice this week. Students are moving into the residence halls and returning to their off-campus apartments. Freshmen will get their Game Day shirts and learn the fight song, and then on Aug. 23, classes will start.
It is a time of preparation and maybe a little trepidation. More beautifully, though, it is a time of ultimate possibility. Every student – new and returning – has the opportunity to learn from experts in their subjects, put what they learn to work in the field or lab, build lifelong friendships and take a giant step closer to becoming the best version of themselves. I can’t think of anything more promising and positive than that. It is my favorite time of year.
On a personal note, I will savor the start of this new semester perhaps more than ever because it will be my last as alumni director. I am retiring in December.
The search for a new alumni director should begin within the next month or so, and I encourage each of you to nominate the stellar Vandals you know or consider applying for the position yourself. It truly is the best job at our alma mater.
I am looking forward to this next life chapter – there are children and grandchildren to love, dogs to be walked, so many books to read, bread to bake, camping trips to be taken and new adventures to enjoy. As you all know, though, once a Vandal, always a Vandal! In retirement, I look forward to staying engaged as a donor, ambassador and alumna.
Until then, however, there is much work to be done and fun to be had. Enjoy these last days of summer and then seriously consider coming back to the Moscow campus for a football game or Homecoming or just because. You know it will fill your cup.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Aug. 19 – Annual Cornhole Tournament, Moscow
Aug. 19 – Boise GOLD Thirsty Thursday, Boise
Sept. 4 – Vandal Tailgate: Idaho vs. Simon Fraser, Moscow
Sept. 4 – National College Colors Day - wear gold and silver!
Sept. 10 – Friday Night Touchdown Social, Indianapolis
Sept. 11 – Salt Lake City Chapter Barbeque, Salt Lake City
Sept. 12 – Boise GOLD Wine Tasting, Boise
Sept. 18 – Vandal Tailgate: Idaho at Oregon State, Corvallis
Sept. 25 – Sunnyslope Wine Tour, Caldwell
Oct. 3-9 – Homecoming Week, Moscow
Oct. 7-9 – Vandal Fest, Moscow
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Idaho alumni may journey far and wide, but always find time to come back together to celebrate the tried and true. Take a look at our summer alumni events.
Living With Fire
Student Builds Her Master’s Thesis as a Demo Garden
In the summer of 2019, a house in the Boise foothills burned down. The fire’s origin was internal, but it destroyed the entire property and threatened neighboring homes.
Olivia Harman, a graduate of the University of Idaho’s College of Art and Architecture, was a friend of the family who owned the house. Witnessing the tragedy made her aware of the importance of landscaping in fire prevention.
Vandal Explorer Series:
Historical Log Cabin in Chewelah
Student Dates Historical Colville Indian Agency Cabin Using Tree-Ring Science
Matt Franz has learned that walls can talk. They just need someone to translate.
The senior who is majoring in forestry and fire ecology is working with Associate Professor Grant Harley, who runs a tree-ring laboratory in the Department of Geography and Geological Sciences. In Summer 2021, Harley’s team traveled to Chewelah, Washington, to age the Coville Indian Agency Cabin.
The cabin was the home of Maj. John A. Simms, an Indian Agent of the United States who worked with the Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Kalispel and Colville tribes. The Stevens County Historical Society believes the cabin was built in the mid-1800s and reached out to Harley for help pinpointing its exact year of construction.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Away Vandal Tailgates
We're getting the Vandal Family together to cheer on the brave and bold!
RSVP >>
Vandalize Your Classroom
Thousands of classrooms across Idaho and the nation have been “vandalized” in the best way possible, with silver and gold! Share your Vandal pride with your peers and students with this program sponsored by Latah Credit Union.
Sign Up >>
Alumni News
Congratulations to alumnus Erik Peterson '86 on his promotion to Lieutenant General (3-star) in the US Army. He received his commission from the famed Army ROTC Chrisman Battalion. He is now the highest ranking Army officer in the history of our university.
Nick Weber '02, has been promoted to manager partner for Archer Energy Solutions, LLC. Nick is an enthusiastic volunteer and serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Dear Vandals,
The fun and beauty of working on a residential campus never gets old. Consider the magic 16 minutes between 7:43 and 7:59 every weekday morning.
On any given day at that time, traffic is heavy on campus. Cars are lined up at every intersection; parking lots are filling. Students on bicycles, students on foot, and, the other day, even a student on her electronic skateboard – all rushing to their destination, all with backpacks in tow.
And, then, just as quickly as the rush starts, everything is quiet. The carillon rings eight, the streets and sidewalks clear, and classes begin. The true business of our alma mater is underway.
As alumni, we all know the quality of education we received at the University of Idaho and what that process of learning and growing looked like for each of us. Even the crabbiest among us will soften when remembering their favorite faculty member or mentor and what that person did to help us on our journey. We care about the university now, because when we were there it cared about us.
Be reassured that the academic rigor and faculty engagement continue today. And the hustle and bustle of each new day is a great reminder that a new generation of the Vandal Family is on the way.
Happy fall semester and go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Sept. 4 – Vandal Tailgate: Idaho vs. Simon Fraser, Moscow
Sept. 4 – National College Colors Day - wear gold and silver!
Sept. 10 – Friday Night Touchdown Social, Indianapolis
Sept. 11 – Salt Lake City Chapter Barbeque, Salt Lake City
Sept. 12 – Boise GOLD Wine Tasting, Boise
Sept. 14 – Cup of Joe with Blaine Eckles, virtual
Sept. 18 – Vandal Tailgate: Idaho at Oregon State, Corvallis
Sept. 25 – Sunnyslope Wine Tour, Caldwell
Oct. 3-9 – Homecoming Week, Moscow
Oct. 7-9 – Vandal Fest, Moscow
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Our newest class of Vandals has arrived. They're starting their next great adventure, one we all know well.
Tracking Logging Impact
on Non-Fish Bearing Streams
Clayton Christensen '21 wants a job that will allow him to sleep under the stars.
In his four years at the University of Idaho, Christensen has often slept with the Milky Way as a twinkling blanket overhead while pursuing an environmental studies degree.
Christensen worked 10 weeks tracking big horn sheep at U of I’s Taylor Wilderness Research Station surrounded by 4 million acres in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. He has also studied the effect of snow on Idaho elk and deer herds.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Away Vandal Tailgates
We're getting the Vandal Family together to cheer on the brave and bold!
RSVP >>
Flights to/from Boise are Back
Boise to Moscow flights make it easier than ever to make the trip for Vandal Fest Oct. 7-9. Book now on Alaska Airlines.
Book Now >>
Alumni News
Governor Brad Little '77 has appointed Cynthia Siddoway '73 and WWAMI Advisory Board member Cally Grindstaff Roach to the State Board of Education.
Cheryl Mele has been promoted to vice president of customer care and corporate communications at El Paso Electric, which provides electricity to customers in west Texas and southern New Mexico. Mele, a Texas-registered professional engineer, completed the utility executive program at the University of Idaho.
The Barajas brothers pictured here with their spouses during a family vacation to Mexico this summer. The brothers were migrant/seasonal workers from Bonners Ferry. Jaime Barajas '04, center standing, as the first student in the first College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) class back in 1999. His brothers followed soon after and three of the four brothers me met their wives through the program .
Dear Vandals,
Late summer/early fall is one of the most beautiful times of year on the Moscow campus. Even now, splashes of scarlet, orange and gold are starting to pop near the Administration Building, along Greek row and in the new arboretum. By Homecoming – when I hope to see all of you in Moscow – the color show should be at its peak.
Speaking of colors, we are working hard to help more and more members of the Vandal Family show their Vandal colors loud and proud.
For the third year in a row, the Vandalize the Classroom project has been a resounding success. Thanks to sponsorship by Latah Credit Union, we are in the process of sending packets of silver and gold bling to nearly 750 elementary, middle school and high school teachers in Idaho and beyond. Since the project’s inception, we have “vandalized” literally thousands of classrooms – putting our alma mater in front of thousands of prospective college students. My hope is that seeing those classroom displays day in and day out prompts conversations between students and teachers about the value of going on to college and about choosing the University of Idaho as a best option.
We also are partnering with our colleagues in University Communications and Marketing, to “vandalize” as many businesses as possible. We are starting with the 170 Vandal-owned businesses participating in the Vandal Business Directory and will expand from there. If you have a Vandal-owned or Vandal-influenced business, be bold and show off that silver and gold.
U of I alumnus President Scott Green ’84 talks often about the importance of “telling our story” as Vandals. Proudly displaying the silver and gold is a great start.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Sept. 18 – Vandal Tailgate: Idaho at Oregon State, Corvallis
Sept. 25 –Sunnyslope Wine Tour, Caldwell
Sept. 25 - CALS Days, Moscow
Oct. 3-9 – Homecoming Week, Moscow
Oct. 7-9 – Vandal Fest, Moscow
Oct. 7-9 – Borah Symposium, virtual
Oct. 16 – ICCU Arena Concert featuring AJR, Moscow
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Connection is a huge part of the Vandal experience and continues after graduation through mentorship.
Student Research Drives
Peer-Reviewed Papers at
U of I's Rowley Lab
This year, nine students in U of I’s Rowley Lab published research papers in two peer-reviewed science journals. The undergraduate-driven research explored how anti-fungal toxins produced by yeasts could be used as therapeutics.
Josephine Boyer did not foresee her future as a published scientist.
Despite attending a middle school that focused on teaching science and mathematics and enrolling at the University of Idaho with the intention of earning a biology degree, Boyer, who graduated this year, considered science daunting.
“I never thought I could be a scientist to start with,” said the Boise native.
Becoming a published scientist seemed even more unlikely, and being published as a student was a pipe dream.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Don't Miss Out
Celebrate what it means to be a university on the rise - an unstoppable force for positive impact. Be a part of campus history by attending the ICCU Arena ribbon cutting and Brave. Bold. Campaign Kickoff.
RSVP >>
Journey the Vandal Way
Pair a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with a rich educational opportunity. We select trips to provide meaningful and memorable experiences with top rated tour guides, knowledgeable historians and enthusiastic explorers. Most trips are with intimate groups who develop fast friendships.
Browse Trips >>
Alumni News
Jean (Weston) Kosters, Margaret (Post) Fickeisen and Gwen (Scribner) Wilder class of 1956, met in Post Falls this summer to celebrate the 65th anniversary of their U of I graduation.
Alumnus Tyler Victorino '05 has been promoted to associate for Cushing Terrell. Tyler is an electrical engineer who manages the Boise electrical team. He specializes in lighting design and renewable energy projects, specifically solar, with credentials in photovoltaics as a North American Board Certified Energy Practitioner.
Jesse Davis '14, graduate of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences and former student-athlete, has been selected as a team captain for the Miami Dolphins.
Dear Vandals,
If there were a way to bottle the excitement on campus right now and send it to you, I would. In a heartbeat.
You all know the magic of the Moscow campus in fall – this year is especially grand. But the buzz in the air is more than seasonal. There are big successes at our alma mater that should make every Vandal proud.
While the numbers aren’t official yet, it looks like enrollment will be up for the first time in a while. I’m proud that alumni have stepped up the past several years to nominate potential Vandals via the Grow the Gold program and to write welcome cards to prospective students. I know it has made a difference.
We’ve always known what a great value a University of Idaho education is. Now, U.S. News & World Report agrees. For the second year in a row, we are listed as the No. 1 Best Value Public University in the West, and in fact, the only public school ahead of us on that list is North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Overall, we rank in the top 6% of all public universities on the Top Public Schools list.
After getting a sneak peek in the new ICCU Arena last Friday though, the festivities scheduled for Oct. 8 and 9 during Vandal Fest are the most exciting for me. The Arena truly is stunning, and the Idaho Alumni Club – made possible by the foresight, hard work and generosity of the U of I Alumni Association Board of Directors – is Vandal-perfect. The grand opening of this amazing facility alone is worth a trip to Moscow.
But on top of all that, it is Homecoming and everything that entails. In the interest of safety, the majority of activities will be held outside; fingers crossed the traditional good weather of early October comes through.
It’s been a while since the Vandal Family has been able to have a reunion; I can’t wait to see you. We have a lot of catching up to do!
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Oct. 2 – Football Watch Party, Castle Rock, Colorado
Oct. 3-9 – Homecoming Week, Moscow
Oct. 7-9 – Vandal Fest, Moscow
Oct. 11-13 – Borah Symposium, virtual
Oct. 8-10 – VandalStore Sliding Scale Homecoming Sale
Oct. 19-20 – GradFair, virtual
Nov. 5-7 – Parent and Family Weekend, Moscow
Nov. 6 – Vandal Brew Tour, Boise
Nov. 9 – Cup of Joe with David Vobora, virtual
Nov. 13 – Vandal Tailgate at Montana State, Bozeman
Nov. 20 – Vandal Tailgate at Idaho State, Pocatello
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
A Dairy Future
Internship experience solidifies future career goals
Alicia Easterday has always loved animals. Growing up on her family’s dairy farm in Buhl, Easterday learned early on the importance of caring for animals.
“My grandpa taught me from a young age how to respect livestock, especially dairy cows. We take care of them because they take care of us,” she said. “I love animals and am very passionate about caring for them.”
Easterday’s love for animals led her to enroll at the University of Idaho to pursue a degree in animal and veterinary science: dairy option. An internship in summer 2021 reinforced that decision and her career goal to work in the dairy industry.
Talking about Teenage Suicide
WWAMI Student and St. Luke’s Provides Suicide Prevention Training to Jerome Schools
Roughly one in five teenagers considers suicide annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“That number, it should shock people. There are actions we can take to lessen that number though, and we start by talking about suicide,” said Mike Reynolds, a third-year medical student with Idaho WWAMI, the state's regional medical school operated through a partnership between University of Idaho and University of Washington School of Medicine.
As part of his medical training, Reynolds is introducing suicide prevention training to the Jerome School District. He wants to offer teachers and school officials — who may see students in trouble — the tools to prevent suicide amongst their students.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Celebrate Near and Far
You don't have to be in Moscow to show your U of I spirit. Vandals everywhere can celebrate anywhere with these activities.
A Perfect Pair for Future Planning
"As a family of Vandals and a loyal Vandal alum for over 60 years, I definitely recommend that other University of Idaho alumni get their insurance through Payne West. The U of I and Payne West partnership is one that will greatly benefit students and the future of the University."
- Bill Drake '58
Alumni News
Tom Mueller '85, a renowned rocket engine designer and the first employee of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, joins the Idaho Technology Council Hall of Fame.
U of I Idaho Falls Student Services Coordinator Debbie Caudle '12 received a Post Register Silver Star award. The award honors eastern Idahoans for their personal and professional accomplishments, talents and contributions to the eastern Idaho community.
YouTube series earns alumnus Blake Manley '08 Educator of the Year Award. The forestry and natural resources teacher features videos that introduce career paths to students that they may have not seen in every day life.
Dear Vandals,
What an amazing weekend of festivities! From all things Homecoming to the grand opening of the ICCU Arena, it was a time to truly celebrate our alma mater.
One of the most important events was the public launch of the university’s Brave. Bold. A Promise to Idaho's Students philanthropic campaign. My friend, colleague and fellow member of the “Ladies of the Eighties Club,” Mary Kay McFadden '80, serves as vice president for Advancement. I asked her to share her thoughts about the campaign and what it means for the Vandal Family and Idaho.
Kathy (K): What is the Brave. Bold. campaign about?
Mary Kay (MK): It is a multi-million-dollar promise to Idaho students, and the first phase of the university’s overall Brave. Bold. Unstoppable. campaign. We are 100% focused on ensuring access to any qualified student who wants to attend U of I by raising money for scholarships; investing in experiences that matter for students, such as internships, undergraduate research and service learning; and ensuring our students are ready for and poised to begin meaningful careers. So, really, it is an effort to support students from the time they aspire to enter the University of Idaho, through their educational journey and on to when they enter the workforce and beyond.
K: That’s a great start! What does the rest of the campaign look like?
MK: The second phase – the Unstoppable phase– will focus on initiatives that bolster established and emerging sectors of the Idaho economy and address some of our state’s most critical needs. We are working with the provost, vice president for research and deans to develop the academic and research programs that help with issues like rural health care, fire science, sustainability and cybersecurity.
K: What can or should members of the Vandal Family do to help make the campaign a success?
MK: Every Vandal can play a role in one of these three ways. First, we all can be strong advocates and ambassadors for our university. We know the quality of a U of I education firsthand and should be sharing that story loud and proud. Second, we can all be connectors, meaning we can connect Vandals and non-Vandals alike to U of I's areas of excellence they might be interested in supporting. We have a lot of new people in our state who would benefit from understanding more about the important work we are doing on the state’s behalf. And, finally, we all can make an investment of our own in the areas that made a difference for us as students. It will take the work of all of us to make this campaign truly transformational for an institution that has given us so much.
K: How can the Vandal Family learn more about our Brave. Bold. campaign?
MK: Our campaign site breaks down our vision for Idaho’s students to have the best possible educational experience, regardless of their financial circumstances. I encourage everyone to visit the website and explore the many ways they can get involved – there’s something for everyone!
K: Thank you, Mary Kay, for your dedication to the University of Idaho.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Oct. 19-20 – GradFair, virtual
Nov. 5-7 – Parent and Family Weekend, Moscow
Nov. 6 – Vandal Brew Tour, Boise
Nov. 9 – Cup of Joe with David Vobora, virtual
Nov. 13 – Vandal Tailgate at Montana State, Bozeman
Nov. 13 - Rake Up Boise, Boise
Nov. 20 – Vandal Tailgate at Idaho State, Pocatello
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Home is where the heart is and we 💛 Moscow. Here, the Brave and the Bold gather to reconnect, celebrate and propel the Vandal family forward. Here we make big leaps, empower each other and lead the way. This is the place where we do big things. This is the place we call home.
U of I Awarded $18.9 Million For Deep Soil Research Facility
A facility designed to study soil at depths greater than anywhere else in the world will be built by University of Idaho researchers with support from an $18.9 million National Science Foundation grant.
The Deep Soil Ecotron will enable scientists to conduct experiments on columns of soil up to three meters deep (about 10 feet). Currently, to study soils, scientists often dig pits, which destroys the soil systems as they are uncovered. Also, most research involves just the top 30 centimeters (roughly one foot) of soil. There is a lot to be learned by going deeper, said Michael Strickland, the project’s lead principal investigator.
Alumni Programs Highlight
New Wine Release
What do a tempranillo, a bordeaux, a merlot and a chardonnay have in common? They're all a part of the Vandals Uncorked fall release. Order now to get your shipment before the holidays.
Start Sipping >>
Reserve the Idaho Alumni Club
Host a meeting, a reception or reunion at the home for all Vandal alumni. The ICCU Arena is open.
Reserve Now >>
Alumni News
Sam Koester '14 was recently elected president of the North Idaho Pride Alliance. The nonprofit represents LGBTQIA+ people and supports community groups working together to create a more inclusive North Idaho.
Nancy '90 and Charley '75 Jones were presented with the Women and Children's Alliance 2021 Joyce Stein Memorial Award recognizing their positive impact on the growth and advancement of women.
Kami Denaei '08 is the new academic director for the School of Energy Resources academic program at the University of Wyoming.
Dear Vandals,
From its inception, our alma mater has had a strong connection to the armed forces. “Military sciences” is listed as a primary area of focus in our land-grant charter, a charge we have proudly pursued for more than 130 years.
The men and women who have completed their ROTC assignments on the Moscow campus, who have served this country after graduation, who come to U of I after their years of service or who are actively deployed represent a sizeable and impressive sector of the Vandal Family. They are located around the globe, serve in all different branches of the military and yet, share a unique Vandal bond. Some of their best stories revolve around being deployed in some far corner of the world and finding out – usually by sheer coincidence – that a fellow Vandal is there with them.
Now, a group of those passionate Vandals is working to build a more formal network to stay connected. Spearheaded by alumnus, veteran and Vice President of the Alumni Association Nick Weber ’02, the Vandal Vets will be an alumni chapter – supported by the Office of Alumni Relations – open to any Vandal with a military connection.
In their first organizational meeting a couple of weeks ago, the group gathered via Zoom and within a very short time developed a list of ideas for programs and events specifically relevant to those who have served or are serving. There will be virtual happy hours and virtual watch parties – not only for Vandal Athletics, but also events like the Army-Navy game. One goal everyone agreed on was working to support current ROTC cadets on the Moscow campus. The possibilities are nearly endless; the volunteer steering committee is enthusiastic and energetic.
Stay tuned for more details about the Vandal Vets on the Office of Alumni Relations web site and/or join the alumni group on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2137018649816098) .
In the meantime, I hope you will join me in taking a moment to pause this week and think about the freedoms we all enjoy because of the service of the men and women in uniform, yesterday, today and in the future. Count this Vandal truly thankful.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Nov. 13 – Vandal Tailgate at Montana State, Bozeman
Nov. 13 – Rake Up Boise
Nov. 15-20 – Vandals vs. Bengals Food Fight
Nov. 16 – Baltimore Consort Concert, Moscow
Nov. 18 – Men's Basketball vs. WSU, Battle of the Palouse, Moscow
Nov. 20 – Vandal Tailgate at Idaho State, Pocatello
Nov. 21 – Women's Basketball vs. WSU, Battle of the Palouse, Moscow
Dec. 8 – Ugly Sweater Holiday Trivia, virtual
Dec. 10 – Jazz Choirs Holiday Concert, Moscow
Dec. 11 – Winter Commencement
Dec. 18 – Christmas Lights at Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Nov. 11, 2020 University of Idaho Army ROTC placed 315 flags to represent all 315 Vandal alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Today, we honor those who have served in our military, current service members and their families. We are grateful for your commitment and sacrifice. Thank you, veterans.
You Are Removing Barriers to College
Avelardo Vargas didn’t grow up planning to work in the dairy industry, but life has a way of showing you exactly where you need to be. Once he firmed his goal he discovered his path to U of I through the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and Chobani Scholars Program.
He didn’t stop there. Once on campus, he joined the Dairy Club and became a CALS Ambassador and an Agriculture Future of America Campus Ambassador. He saw a growing need to address issues and support underrepresented students in agriculture and became a founding member of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences club. Scholarships helped Avelardo open doors — doors he’s holding open for others.
Make a difference for students like Avelardo >>
Pursuing Tuskless Elephants
Professor Says Tuskless Elephants Arose from Poaching, Civil War
Female elephants in a region of Africa are slowly evolving without tusks due in part to black market poaching and the ravages of a civil war, according to research by University of Idaho’s Ryan Long, an associate professor of wildlife sciences, and his colleagues at Princeton University, ElephantVoices and Gorongosa National Park.
Long is among a group of scientists investigating why elephants in certain regions of Africa wracked by heavy poaching lacked their iconic white tusks, which are prized in the multibillion-dollar wildlife black market.
Until now, there was no direct genetic evidence indicating how this was happening or why this trait was occurring exclusively in female elephants.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Your Opinion Matters
As a proud Vandal, we know you have opinions about your University of Idaho. That’s why we invite you to take the U of I Alumni Pulse Survey, which is live now through Nov. 24. Check your email inbox for the Nov. 5 email from the Office of Alumni Relations.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Now more than ever, students need connections to help them explore what their career paths could look like after graduation. The Vandal Mentor Network matches alumni and students for a low-commitment online mentoring connection. It's rewarding and easy.
Vandal Tailgate
Just two more opportunities to get together and cheer on our football players.
* Nov. 13 - Vandals vs. Bobcats, Bozeman, Montana
* Nov. 20 - Vandals vs. Bengals, Pocatello, Idaho
Alumni News
Major General Benjamin Doty '53 was inducted into the 2021 Army ROTC Hall of Fame. Maj. Gen. Doty is a Chrisman Battalion alumnus, served, and in both the United States and overseas, and retired in 1985. He was the ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate upon graduation and his Army career spanned almost 31 years.
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences graduate Dana Storms '94 was named executive director for Performance Management and Chief risk officer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Dear Vandals,
True confession. I am a chronic list maker.
Give me a legal pad and a pen, and I can make lists that organize my day, outline the dinner menus at our house for the week, itemize what we need at the store, designate whose turn it is to walk the dogs and spell out what everyone wants for Christmas. And, I take great satisfaction in crossing things off my list. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve been known to add a task I’ve already completed to my list just so I can cross it off!
One list that brings me joy every year is my gratitude list – the things for which I am truly grateful. Best written after the Thanksgiving feast while sitting by the woodstove with a glass of Vandals Uncorked wine, my gratitude list includes both personal and professional accomplishments, events and blessings.
Here are just a few entries I will add to the “professional” column on this year’s list:
- I am thankful for what has become the traditional U of I - Idaho State University Food Fight, and I am really thankful we won this year! What started out as a friendly, fun bet with our sister institution has become a true outpouring of generosity for our fellow Idahoans. This year alone we together collected enough cash and canned goods to provide nearly 17,000 meals. Bengal or Vandal, that has got to make you feel good!
- I am thankful for alumni like the active and retired members of the military who are stepping up to create an alumni chapter for that branch of the Vandal Family tree. It isn’t surprising that those who stepped up to serve our country would do the same thing for their fellow Vandals.
- I am thankful for my University of Idaho colleagues – from President Green and the leadership team to faculty and staff, in Moscow and around the state – who show up day in and day out to serve our alma mater. It is a labor of love for most of us, and that kind of dedication benefits the institution, its students and our state.
- I am thankful for the alumni and friends who support our alma mater by donating their time, talent or treasure. This fall’s celebration of the beautiful new ICCU Arena and launch of the “Brave. Bold. A Promise to Idaho Students” campaign highlighted just how much of a difference our collective efforts can make. Giving back to a place that gave, and continues to give, each of us so much creates a virtuous upward spiral that ensures not only the future success of the institution but also a prosperous future for the state and beyond.
Here’s wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings and blessings of your own too numerous to list.
Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Nov. 25 – Friendsgiving, Salt Lake City
Dec. 8 – Ugly Sweater Holiday Trivia, virtual
Dec. 9 – Holiday GOLD Happy Hour, Boise
Dec. 10 – Jazz Choirs Holiday Concert, Moscow and virtual
Dec. 10 – Vandal Vets Happy Hour, virtual
Dec. 11 – Winter Commencement
Dec. 18 – Christmas Lights at Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
You Empower Experiential Learning
“I think going into medicine is the perfect metaphor for skydiving…I don’t know where I’ll land but that’s not my focus right now. Just have to take the first leap.”
A chemistry and pre-med major, Claire Qualls isn’t your typical student. She’s a licensed EMT with an eye toward a career in emergency medicine. She explores archaeological chemistry and presented her work at a national conference. She’s got a bucket list; she’s got a focus and her leaps have purpose. Because of scholarships, Claire has time to investigate her interests and dive into experiences that will embolden her career.
Make a difference for students like Claire >>
Building a Career
Working with Cattle
Proett has always enjoyed working with livestock and knew she wanted a career working with cattle. She enrolled in U of I’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to study animal and veterinary science: production option but wasn’t sure exactly what career she wanted.
During her sophomore year, her advisor encouraged her to attend the U of I Career Fair to learn about internship opportunities. She spoke with Agri Beef and learned more about their feedlot in American Falls and decided to take a chance.
Alumni Programs Highlight
Brave. Bold. Recipes.
Students in the CALS Family Consumer Science Dietetics program created dishes that harness the Brave. Bold. Vandal spirit during the holidays. Ready to try something new? Their recipes are available to you.
View Recipes >>
Shop and Support U of I
Power student success every time you shop with Amazon. Go to www.smile.amazon.com and select University of Idaho Foundation Inc. as your charity.
Start Shopping >>
Survey Reminder
Haven’t taken the Alumni Pulse Survey yet? Click here to make your voice heard and enter a drawing to decide which student-focused area receives a $500 donation from the Office of Alumni Relations.
Take Survey >>
Start Planning
Alumni staff and volunteers are working on the annual Vandal Ski Days schedule. If you'd like to coordinate a casual get-together at your local hill, contact the Office of Alumni Relations.
Make Plans >>
Alumni News
College of Education graduate Brendon Artz '10, '12 has been hired by the City of Hermiston as director of the Hermiston Parks and Recreation.
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences graduate Kevin Church '06 has been promoted to executive vice president of research at Athira Pharma.
Dear Vandals,
They say time flies when you’re having fun. That is the only possible explanation for how quickly the past six years have flown by and the time for me to say good-bye has come.
I don’t think anyone grows up thinking they want to be an alumni director; I know I had never considered it a career option until the opportunity to serve my alma mater came up. And yet, it has been a beautiful and satisfying close to my working life.
There are so many “I can’t believe I get paid to do this” memories – way too many to list them all here. A few will always stand out:
- Watching a Vandal in American Falls pay $75 for a hat from the Corner Club at the annual picnic and auction there just to support scholarships for local young people to attend U of I
- Freezing my keister off at the Potato Bowl and not even caring because we won
- Losing my voice cheering when the Vandals beat UNLV in overtime
- Listening to the hopes, fears and dreams of new students while helping them move into their residence halls each fall
- Singing and swaying to the alma mater at award ceremonies, commencement, you name it – chokes me up every time
- Listening to the Vandal Marching Band whenever, whatever, however they’re performing
- Walking and throwing candy with the U of I Alumni Association in the Homecoming Parade
- Rafting through rapids on the Salmon River with then-new President Scott Green and members of the Alumni Association’s Executive Committee
- Eating burgers in the snow with Vandal alums on a bluebird day at Bogus Basin
- Singing the Fight Song for the first time in the new Idaho Alumni Club inside the ICCU Arena
- Singing the Fight Song anywhere, really
- And many, many more
My husband Tom and I have made new friends and visited parts of Idaho we never knew existed. I can now honestly say I have seen both Mullen and Mud Lake! And, we’ve both gained an even deeper appreciation for what the University of Idaho does for individuals, communities, our state, the nation and the world.
Vandal to Vandal, my only request of you is to get involved or stay involved with the university in whatever way suits you. Our institution needs what you have to offer – perhaps more than ever these days.
I wish you a healthy, happy 2022. I remain forever grateful for the opportunity to serve an institution that has given me so much. Thank you for your support. And, as always, Go Vandals!
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
Upcoming Events
Dec. 8 – Ugly Sweater Holiday Trivia, virtual
Dec. 9 – Holiday GOLD Happy Hour, Boise
Dec. 10 – Jazz Choirs Holiday Concert, Moscow and virtual
Dec. 10 – Vandal Vets Happy Hour, virtual
Dec. 11 – Winter Commencement
Dec. 18 – Christmas Lights at Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
In 2018, Emma Arman was a high school sophomore learning water science with U of I community leaders. Now, as a University of Idaho Extension intern, she travels the region bringing water quality lessons to life. It’s a full-circle Vandal success story. From high school through a postgraduate internship, Emma Arman found U of I support each step of the way.
Pioneering Digital technology on the Experimental Forest
Student Managers Map Future Forestry Careers
During a summer internship at a large western timber company, forest supervisors encouraged University of Idaho senior Jordan Williams to master deciphering airborne imagery before she graduates.
The imagery, called lidar, for “light detection and ranging,” uses reflected laser energy to measure structures scanned from a drone, helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft to generate precise, 3D information about trees, brush, terrain, streams, roads and rock formations.
In her forestry classes at U of I, Williams had already learned that lidar data are used to digitize forest structure. Forest managers use this information to accurately inventory forests on a computer screen, significantly reducing time spent in the woods counting and measuring trees using traditional practices.
Unearthing Military History
Archaeology Field Studies Class Excavates Coeur d’Alene’s Fort Sherman
Armed with GPS units, trowels and an introductory anthropology class, sophomore Savannah Johnson headed to Coeur d’Alene to participate in an archaeological field studies class. Built in the late 19th century, Fort Sherman was a U.S. military fort built on the lands of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and now on the property of North Idaho College.
Alumni Programs Highlight
University Magazine
The next edition of your Here We Have Idaho magazine is set to hit mailboxes in late January. Update your contact information to make sure one is delivered to your mailbox.
Update Your Info >>
Alumni Awards for Excellence Gallery
Honors were given to students set to graduate this winter or spring who have achieved outstanding academic success and have demonstrated career and professional preparation; campus and community leadership and involvement, or serve as leaders in the classroom, laboratory, campus and community.
Insure Your Future
PayneWest has an exclusive partnership with the University of Idaho Alumni Association to give you more options to shop and save for home, auto, travel and more.
Alumni News
Alumni Association Board of Directors member and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Graduate Travis Jones '99, '02 has joined the Boise office of Strategies 360 as Vice President for Government Relations.
Dear Vandals,
In 2021, with your participation and support we broke ground, barriers, limits and expectations. As we look forward to 2022 our mission, at alumni relations continues, to relentlessly and energetically work to build, strengthen and enrich relationships among University of Idaho alumni and their alma mater and among all sectors of the extended Vandal Family.
Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year!
From the Office of Alumni Relations and Advancement Communications team
P.S. The Vandal Vibe will take a break over the next few weeks and return to inboxes Jan. 19, 2022.
Upcoming Alumni Events
Mark your Calendars
Jan. - March – Vandal Ski Days
Jan. 28 – Vandal Scholarship Fund Gala, Boise
Feb. 23-26 – Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Moscow
March 18-20 – Spring Training and Golf, Phoenix
April 5-6 – Vandal Giving Day
April 8-10 – Parent and Family Weekend, Moscow
We are closely monitoring COVID updates from the CDC and may alter or cancel events if necessary.
For information about events, visit the alumni calendar.
Featured Video
Brave, bold, tried and true. Vandals, you've graduated and the rest of your story is yet to be written. Congratulations to the Class of 2021!
From Fiddle to Forestry
Musician Switched Majors After Attending Forestry Field Camp
Daria Paxton is as adept at the vibrato as she is with a drone.
Her prowess on the violin stems from her days playing in ensembles and fiddle contests as a child in southwestern Idaho where her ambitions included a career as a musician.
Her instrument, a maple Cremona with ebony fittings, put her on a path to a music degree at U of I, until the rubber soles of her hiking boots found a new trail: A dirt-packed path under a canopy of fir.
“I took a summer course in forestry at the MOSS campus in McCall where we spent most of our days in the field learning about forest ecology, trees and forest management,” Paxton said.
She and fellow U of I students dug deep holes to study roots, measured the height and girth of trees and learned about plants.
Her worldview suddenly expanded from music halls to an outdoor amphitheater.
“I switched majors,” Paxton said.
After graduating Fall 2021 with a degree in forest management, Paxton will move on to graduate school in the College of Natural Resources studying forest soils.
The switch from music major to earning a natural resources degree reached a crescendo thanks to a series of internships working on forests from central to northern Idaho. She learned to grow trees meant to fuel the state’s timber industry and her resume includes working as a researcher for the Forest Policy Group, a U of I think tank that helps guide the state’s forestry plans.
Keep Reading
Physics Lab is Pipeline to High-Tech Industry
Nanocluster Lab Gives Students Real-Time Know-How
When his brother visited home from graduate studies at the University of Idaho, Rabindra Khanal listened to the prepared presentations on the magnetic nanoparticles his brother used in his research.
The oral presentations were acted out in front of family members who provided input and suggestions, but Khanal was most fascinated with the work itself.
His brother accepted a job last year as a physicist for the Intel Corporation in Hillsboro, Oregon, the world’s largest semiconductor chip manufacturer which supplies microprocessors, motherboards, circuits, chips and flash memories for the likes of Dell and HP.
In the meantime, Khanal took his brother’s place in the University of Idaho physics lab of You Qiang, where researchers develop new ways to use nanoclusters to enhance 5G and 6G communication systems to assist in space travel and nuclear waste recycling systems
Keep Reading
Alumni Programs Highlight
Uncork and Unwind this Holiday
Your U of I support comes full-circle if you purchase a wine club membership as a gift; with a portion of your purchase supporting alumni engagement programs, which is sourced from vineyards and wineries with a Vandal connection all delivered to the door of a person you care about.
Card Writing Campaign
Share your story with potential students in our collective effort to recruit more Vandals. Choose 10, 25, 50 or more notecards and our team will send you a packet and a list.
Get Writing >>
U of I Alumni Shop is Open
Hoodies, diploma frames, shirts, license plate frames, glassware and more is the perfect gift for your Vandal grad.
Shop Now >>
University of Idaho alumni have lifetime access to the Office of Career Services. Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you.