Vandal Vibe Newsletter

Happy New Year, Vandals!

I hope your holidays were restful and fun-filled. Students are returning to the Moscow campus despite the “snowmageddon” of the past week. Classes begin today.

This is also the time of year when prospective Vandals are making choices about whether and where to attend college. As satisfied customers, we know what their choice should be, and I am happy to report that alumni are stepping up in new ways to tell the U of I story.

Many of you may already know about our “Vandalize the Classroom” initiative. The brainchild of alumni chapter leaders at a retreat last summer, the project entailed sending U of I alumni who are K-12 teachers a package of bling to decorate their classroom and show their Vandal pride. With help from our partners in University Communications and Marketing as well as Strategic Enrollment Management, along with a healthy social media campaign run by the Office of Alumni Relations, we ended up vandalizing more than 1,000 classrooms.

The majority of those classrooms are in high schools in Idaho, but we also sent materials to elementary, middle school and high school alumni teachers throughout the state and around the country. If on average every Vandalized classroom serves 20 students, and I think that is a conservative estimate, at least 20,000 prospective Vandals are being exposed to our alma mater’s brand every day of the school year. That makes me very happy!

Another initiative sparked by the chapter leaders is a card-writing campaign. Currently, alumni have signed up to write and send more than 1,000 specifically-branded cards to students who have been admitted to U of I but are not yet enrolled to congratulate them on their choice and share their own success stories. That personal touch reaffirms what it means to be part of the Vandal Family.

U of I also is taking its story on the road, thanks to a project initiated by President Scott Green ’84 and implemented by our colleagues in Strategic Enrollment Management. Beginning later this month, university officials, often including President Green, will travel the state, stopping at Idaho high schools to make presentations about the value of a higher education, what it takes to afford college, what resources are available at our alma mater, etc. In some of those locations, alumni will join in the effort to help tell the story and celebrate being Vandals. I will keep you posted about the details of when and where the "Enroll Idaho" van will be.

Every new year brims with possibility, but 2020 is definitely going to be the year of the Vandal!

Go Vandals!

Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association

P.S. If you’d like to help recruit students to U of I, please fill out the Alumni Interest Form. You can also nominate a specific student to join the Vandal Family through Grow the Gold.

Upcoming Alumni Events

Jan. 18 – Vandal Night with the Spokane Chiefs, Spokane, WA
Jan. 22 – Alumni Office Sign Dedication, Moscow, ID
Jan. 24-25 – Kappa Alpha Theta Centennial Founders Day, Moscow, ID
Jan. 25 – Palouse Chapter Bowling Night, Pullman, WA
Jan. 31-Feb. 1 – Vandal Ski Day, Grand Targhee Ski Resort, Alta, WY
Feb. 7 – Palouse Chapter Murder Mystery Night, Moscow, ID
Feb. 9 – Vandal Ski Day, Bogus Basin, Boise, ID
Feb. 13 – Eastern Wash. Chapter Basketball Pregame, Cheney, WA
Feb. 17 – Portland Chapter Basketball Pregame, Portland, OR
Feb. 21-22 – Vandal Ski Day, Lookout Pass, Mullan, ID
Feb. 28-29 – Vandal Ski Day, Brundage Mountain Resort, McCall, ID
Feb. 29 – Vandal Ski Day, Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Twin Falls, ID
March 6 – Phi Gamma Delta 100th Pig Dinner Weekend, Moscow, ID
March 16 – Junior Achievement Volunteer Opportunity, Boise, ID
March 20, 21 – Arizona Spring Training Baseball, Tempe/Mesa, AZ
March 22 – Arizona Chapter 13th Annual Golf Tournament, Phoenix, AZ

View more events on the alumni calendar.

Loss in the Vandal Family: Pete Isakson

It is a sad day in the Vandal Family. Pete Isakson '03, a longtime leader at the University of Idaho, passed away suddenly Tuesday morning.

Pete has worked as a tireless advocate for the university during two different terms. From 1998 to 2003 he served as the assistant athletic director for development, marketing and promotions. He went to work at Washington State University Athletics in 2003 and later worked for WSU President Elson Floyd. Pete returned to his Vandal Family in 2017 and served as the associate athletic director for revenue generation. Pete stepped in to serve as interim athletic director in 2018, which he performed with distinction. Since 2019, he continued to serve the university in Advancement, with a focus on student success and building our Vandal Promise scholarship fund.

Pete had a deep desire to create a positive environment, always leading with optimism and energy. His sense of humor, passion for student-athlete success and willingness to step into any situation to help will long be remembered.

Pete and his wife, Kelly, have three children. Both he and Kelly have served the youth of Moscow as coaches and mentors for many years.

Our condolences go to Pete’s family and friends and to all those who knew Pete. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. (Pacific) Monday, Jan. 20 at the Church of the Nazarene, 1400 E. 7th St., Moscow. A “post game” gathering will follow at the Latah County Fairgrounds. Wear Idaho Vandal or Moscow Bear gear.

Scott Green
President

Here's My U of I Breakthrough

By James Jordan '75, '80, '89

I was born in Moscow in January 1950 where I grew up until 1959. My father, Dr. James V. Jordan, was a professor of agriculture at Idaho. I attended many Idaho football games as a child at Neil Stadium and became a Vandal supporter.

My mother’s father was stranded in Australia due to World War II and became involved in the concrete industry. My father became interested in the industry as well so the family moved to Sydney, Australia, in 1959. I grew up and went to school in Sydney and graduated high school in 1968. My dream was to return to Moscow and attend U of I. In January 1969, I returned to Moscow as a freshman in Chrisman Hall. I went from summer weather in Australia to Moscow's 10 below zero and snow that was taller then me in places. Culture shock hit rather quickly, which resulted in not a very successful freshman year. I managed to survive. One of the saviors was the Fraternity of Alpha Kappa Lambda, which was a life-saving fit.

I graduated finally in 1975 with a bachelor of science in education. I returned Australia where I taught science in Canberra. In 1978, I returned to Moscow and completed a master's in guidance counseling and landed a job in the Meridian School District. After eight years I returned to Moscow and completed a specialist certificate in school psychology. In August of 1989, I moved my family to Townsville, Queensland Australia, where I worked as a guidance officer until my retirement in 2013.

Go Vandals!

Share your U of I breakthrough story

Alumni Programs Highlight

Over 1,000 packages went to Vandal teachers, now we want to see those Vandalized classrooms! Post a photo and tag @uidahoalumni to be entered to win an extra plush Vandal alumni prize pack. Make sure to like and follow our page, too. Submit photos by Jan. 20. Winner announced Jan. 21.
Post your photo >> (https://www.facebook.com/uidahoalumni/)

Join Vandals on the slopes across the state (snowboarders welcome too).

Our land-grant mission extends to each of Idaho’s 44 counties. Let’s show it with signs and building wraps along our state’s roadways.  

Alumni News

Gary Baker '67, Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame charter class, remembered.

College of Law graduate Neomi Gilmore '14, confirmed as district court judge by 14th Navajo Nation Council.

We held a little retirement party last week for a member of the Vandal Family that has served the university for more than four decades: the sign hanging at the entrance to the Alumni Office on the Moscow campus.

You may remember the carved wooden sign sporting the former “sunburst” U of I logo. Commissioned by Robie G. Russell ’73, ’78 and carved by New Meadows craftsman Vic Durden in 1973, the sign originally hung outside what was then the university’s Boise alumni office and Vandal store, which Russell managed. When the store, which was located on Capitol Boulevard between Idaho and Bannock streets, closed in 1975, the sign was moved to the entrance of the Alumni Office in Hays Hall. It graced the entry for 45 years.

The Palouse elements took their toll over the decades. Most of the paint on the sign was long gone; the wood weathered and cracked. It was starting to list to one side, and there was a little patch of moss growing on one corner. It was definitely time to make a change. But, you don’t just get rid of an old friend.

We have given the old sign a place of honor in the Alumni Lounge with a plaque explaining its history right underneath. Other members of the Vandal Family – including former alumni directors Dick Johnston ’53 and Flip Kleffner ‘55 – gathered to raise a glass to celebrate the old and honor the new. We sang the fight song and thought about the thousands of alumni that sign greeted during its tenure.

The new sign – shiny and bold in the renewed U of I colors – now hangs outside our door. Here’s to the thousands of new alumni it will welcome over the next 45 years.

Go Vandals!

Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association

Upcoming Alumni Events

Jan. 31-Feb. 1 – Vandal Ski Day, Grand Targhee Ski Resort
Feb. 7 – Palouse Chapter Murder Mystery Night
Feb. 9 – Vandal Ski Day, Bogus Basin
Feb. 13 – Eastern Wash. Chapter Basketball Pregame
Feb. 17 – Portland Chapter Basketball Pregame
Feb. 21-22 – Vandal Ski Day, Lookout Pass
Feb. 28-29 – Vandal Ski Day, Brundage Mountain Resort
Feb. 29 – Vandal Ski Day, Pomerelle Mountain Resort
March 6 – Phi Gamma Delta 100th Pig Dinner Weekend
March 16 – Junior Achievement Volunteer Opportunity
March 20, 21 – Arizona Spring Training Baseball
March 22 – Arizona Chapter 13th Annual Golf Tournament

View more events on the alumni calendar. 

Here's My U of I Breakthrough

By Roy D. Merrill Jr. '55

While taking algebra, Professor Halderman called me in to say, "If you don’t get B or greater grade in this class, you will never make it through engineering." At that time, I was a C student, so I reorganized my studies so that algebra was the first subject I studied every night. And, thanks to my roommate, Dale Waters '53, who taught me to be able to take 15-minute naps and be able to study until 2 a.m. many nights, I passed algebra with a B grade, and I got better grades in all my other subjects almost, magically.

That incident was my turning point in school. To illustrate how important that incident was, later I received a scholarship while in the U.S. Air Force and obtained a master's degree in engineering at Ohio State University Extension at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. And later while working for the Lockeed Palo Alto Research Lab, I was awarded another scholarship to study computer science and control engineering at Stanford. Later, with four years of study there, I obtained an SU engineering degree (a Ph.D. with thesis rather than dissertation).

So as a consequence of Professor Halderman’s warning, I ended up with a BS(ME), BS(EE), MS(EE) and engineering degrees.

Best Regards,
Roy D. Merrill, Jr.
Share your U of I breakthrough story

Alumni Programs Highlight

Congratulations to Marianne Sletteland '09, College of Education, Health and Human Sciences graduate and special education teacher at J. Russell Elementary in Moscow. She is the winner of our Vandalize the Classroom photo contest and received a bag of alumni branded teacher necessities.

Thanks to the many teachers to participated!

Join Vandals on the slopes across the state (snowboarders welcome, too).
Learn More >>

There's no better way to travel than with Vandals. Check out this five-day, four-night Costa Rica trip for young alumni.
Find Out More >>

The Office of Alumni Relations is now taking submissions for its Vandal Business Directory. Be a part of the inaugural launch and help build the network of alumni-owned businesses!
Learn More >>

Alumni News

David Manz, '05, '10 computer science graduate has been inducted into the CyberCore: Scholarship for Service Hall of Fame for his outstanding commitment to excellence in cybersecurity. Manz serves as chief cybersecurity scientist in the National Security Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Learn more about SFS >>

Matt Cook '13, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences graduate has been elected president of the Local Executive Council for the Association of Flight Attendants Council 30 in Anchorage, Alaska. Cook uses his journalism and mass media degree to represent and resolve issues for the nearly 400 flight attendants based in the Anchorage area.

There is nothing better than when a good idea spreads. That is exactly what has happened with Vandal Ski Day.

The Office of Alumni Relations resurrected a single Vandal Ski Day at Brundage Ski Resort outside McCall four years ago at the request of alumni hungry to share the slopes with their fellow Vandals. Working with our great partners from U of I’s McCall Outdoor Science School (https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/mccall-outdoor-science-school) (MOSS), we put up the Vandal canopy in the resort parking lot, hauled in the barbecue, grilled some burgers and dogs, fed about 100 Vandals, sang the Fight Song, took some pictures and enjoyed each other’s company.

Last year’s event at Brundage was bigger and better, and this year – largely due to some amazing members of the University of Idaho Alumni Association Board of Directors and strong chapter leaders – Vandals have five opportunities to ski and snowboard with their fellow alums. Grand Targhee was the first location for alumni in the southeastern part of the state; Vandals gathered there in late January. This past weekend, President Scott Green dusted off his skis to join us under crystal blue skies and sunshine at Bogus Basin outside Boise. Vandals up north will gather at Lookout Ski Resort Feb. 21. And Feb. 28 and 29, Vandals will gather both at Brundage in McCall and Pomerelle Resort outside of Twin Falls. More details about all of the events are available here (https://www.uidaho.edu/alumni/events/vandal-ski-day) .

We live in the most beautiful state in the union, with countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Vandal Ski Days give members of our Vandal family a way to do what they love in places they love with people they love. What could be better than that?

Go Vandals!

Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association

Upcoming Alumni Events
Feb. 13 – Eastern Wash. Chapter Basketball Pregame, Cheney, Wa
Feb. 17 – Portland Chapter Basketball Pregame, Portland, Or
Feb. 19 – Greek Alumni Council Meeting, Coeur d'Alene, Id
Feb. 21 – Coeur d'Alene Center
Feb. 21-22 – Vandal Ski Day, Lookout Pass, Mullan, Id
Feb. 25 – Boise Center GradFair, Boise, Id
Feb. 28-29 – Vandal Ski Day, Brundage Mountain Resort, McCall, Id
Feb. 29 – Vandal Ski Day, Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Twin Falls, Id
March 6 – Phi Gamma Delta 100th Pig Dinner Weekend, Moscow, Id
March 6 – Vandal Night with the Idaho Steelheads, Boise, Id
March 13 – Boise Grads of the Last Decade St. Patty's Day Party, Boise, Id
March 16 – 10th Annual St. Paddy's Day Party, Spokane, Wa
March 16 – Junior Achievement Volunteer Opportunity, Boise, Id
March 20, 21 – Arizona Spring Training Baseball, Tempe/Mesa, Ar
March 22 – Arizona Chapter 13th Annual Golf Tournament, Phoenix, Ar
March 29 – Portland Silver and Gold Event, Portland, Ore

View more events on the alumni calendar.

Help Us Vandalize Grain Bins, Elevators and Barns

Vandals are everywhere, in every community in Idaho, so let’s continue to make our presence known. One way we can tell the University of Idaho story, and reinforce that agriculture is our foundation, is to enhance the grain bins and grain elevators along our highways with gold and black lettering. We can transform our alumni-owned and Vandal-supported farms and barns with road signs sporting Vandal graphics.

Fill out the form on our website to volunteer your property or to identify an agricultural fixture in your community that would be ideal for a long-term Vandal billboard. All the property owner has to do is donate the space.

Learn More >>

Listen While You Work: Vandal Theory Podcast

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.

Vandal Theory can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher and wherever you find podcasts.

Search Episodes >>

Here's My U of I Breakthrough

By Martin E. Ross '79

In 1972, I was a new Ph.D candidate at a university that will remain unnamed. It turned out to be a miserable experience from which I was released in 1974. Deflated and angered at what, by all accounts, had been a politically motivated act, I felt my dream of becoming a university professor was over. Within a day after my oral exam, a fellow grad student suggested I consider switching over to the University of Idaho. I was reluctant at first, but within a day or two, found myself on the phone with John Bond, the acting dean of the College of Mines, inquiring if I could transfer over, and if he would be willing to be my dissertation adviser. He said he had no problem with me coming over, but I would first have to meet with George Williams, chair of the Department of Geology.

George was an incredibly affable man with a goatee and a twinkle in his eyes. Since I hoped to continue with the research project I had invested two years on at the other school, he wanted to be certain that would be okay with my previous adviser. When George hung up the phone, he said my ex-adviser was very happy to let me continue my project.

I successfully completed several courses at Idaho and continued my field work mapping Columbia River Basalts in the Troy, Oregon area. In the spring of 1975, I was hired by the department to fill in for a professor who had suddenly been appointed to a high position in the Department of Interior and was off to Washington D.C. I successfully completed my degree in the summer of 1978, at which time I became a father and accepted a teaching position at Northeastern University in Boston. I was tenured in 1983 and retired as a professor emeritus in 2018. Without the University of Idaho and the excellent faculty in the Department of Geology, my career path would have changed drastically.

Martin Ross '78
Professor Emeritus
Northeastern University
Share your U of I breakthrough story

Virtual Campus Tour

We know that once a potential student steps foot onto our beautiful Moscow campus, they're more likely to enroll and become a Vandal. What happens when a student isn't able to make the on-campus trip? We bring the experience to them with a virtual Vandal tour.

This 360 degree tour is narrated and includes videos and links to explore special spaces on campus.

Take a Tour >> 

Bright yellow school buses full of young musicians are as welcome a harbinger of spring on the Palouse as snowdrops and robins, in my opinion. It’s Jazz Festival Week on the Moscow campus, and some amazing music is in the air.

Every year, it seems, there is a something new to enjoy about the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival – and not just the fresh faces of those eager young musicians here to learn from the greats. This year, the new feature is an honor and distinction we all can take pride in.

The Lionel Hampton School of Music, under the leadership of school Director Vanessa Sielert '96, was named a GRAMMY Museum University Affiliate in 2019, making it one of only 16 such affiliates around the globe. The designation acknowledges and recognizes the exceptional quality and dedication of the faculty, as well as the history and stature of the school and the Jazz Festival. It elevates our alma mater’s music program status to one of the finest on the planet. A little closer to home, it also means several new workshops at this year’s festival.

Bob Santelli, the founding executive director of the GRAMMY Museum, is in Moscow. Over the course of the next several days, he will conduct workshops on topics such as “How to Win, Put on the Show, and Join the Recording Academy” or “Making of Grammy Music: What It’s All About.”

Just think about the small-town high school musician with great skills and big dreams tapping into that kind of knowledge, all while visiting the University of Idaho. Just think about your fellow alumni, who may have set foot on campus for the first time to attend the festival 20 years ago, getting to revisit the great experience and education they received. We have created a legacy of excellence that truly has impacted generations of Vandals.

In an ideal world, every Vandal alum would have the opportunity to drop what they are doing and head back to campus to enjoy the energy, fun and music of Jazz Fest. But, don’t despair if you can’t join us in person; join us in spirit. Put some Hamp on the stereo, pour a glass of wine and know that a whole new group of potential Vandals are learning just how special our university is.

Go Vandals!

Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association

Upcoming Alumni Events
Feb. 28-29 – Vandal Ski Day, Brundage Mountain Resort, McCall, Idaho
Feb. 29 – Vandal Ski Day, Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Twin Falls, Idaho
March 6 – Phi Gamma Delta 100th Pig Dinner Weekend, Moscow, Idaho
March 6 – Vandal Night with the Idaho Steelheads, Boise, Idaho
March 13 – Boise Grads of the Last Decade St. Patty's Day Party, Boise, Idaho
March 16 – 10th Annual St. Paddy's Day Party, Spokane, Washington
March 16 – Junior Achievement Volunteer Opportunity, Boise, Idaho
March 20, 21 – Arizona Spring Training Baseball, Tempe/Mesa, Arizona
March 22 – Arizona Chapter 13th Annual Golf Tournament, Phoenix, Arizona
March 24-25 – GradFair, Moscow, Idaho
March 29 – Portland Silver and Gold Event, Portland, Oregon
April 4 – Vandal Bowling Day, Caldwell, Idaho
April 7 – Silver and Gold Day celebrating the founding of the Alumni Association
April 7 – Latah County Silver and Gold Celebration, Moscow, Idaho
April 7-8 – Vandal Giving Day – Details coming soon!

View more events on the alumni calendar.

Memoir Shares Friendship and Magic Behind Renowned Jazz Festival

The memoir “Hamp and Doc: Lynn Doc Skinner and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival” tells the story of a remarkable event in the history of the University of Idaho and a story of an unparalleled friendship.

A longtime music educator at U of I, Skinner revolutionized the university’s jazz festival by bringing in legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton to give high school students an opportunity “to hear and learn from the greatest artists in jazz.”

Read More >>

M Here's My U of I Breakthrough

By Andy Resor '66

I grew up in St. Maries, Idaho. I was too small to be a logger so I became the first of our family to attend college. I originally started at the College of Idaho in political science but was floundering. After the first year while working summers for the Idaho Forestry Department, I met Bob Clark at Heyburn State Park one weekend. He convinced me to try his accounting class, and as they say, the rest is history. While in Seattle at an Idaho vs. University of Washington football game, I had an interview with The Boeing Company. They offered a dollar a day more than Idaho Forestry. I relocated to Seattle and worked in Boeing Finance for 38, years retiring in 2005 as the director of business management for the Aircraft Trading Unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes the Used and Leased Aircraft unit of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.Thanks to Bob, a long and successful career was achieved.

Andy Resor
U of I Class of 1966

Share your U of I breakthrough story

Alumni Programs Highlight

We're on a mission to congratulate students who have been admitted to U of I, and we're looking for card-writing volunteers to assist in the effort. Volunteers can select 5, 10, 15 or 25 cards to complete, and we'll send you the cards and envelopes.

Sign Up >>

Alumni News

Lisa Grow '87 appointed CEO of Idaho Power. Grow has served the state's largest utility for 32 years.
Read More >>

Javier Gabiola '96 was appointed to the 6th Judicial District, serving Bannock, Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties in Idaho.
Read More >>

Ray Stark '75 was named to Boise Metro Chamber Hall of Fame. He was selected for his everlasting contributions to the betterment of the Chamber and support of its mission to advocate for a vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life.
Read More >>

Greetings Vandals,

Members of the University of Idaho Alumni Association (UIAA) Board were early supporters of the new Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena on the Moscow campus. Before any blueprints were finished or earth moved, they saw the potential for a new, dedicated home for a Vandal Alumni Club. The space that runs the length of the west side of the building on the second floor – complete with covered terrace as well as a great view of the basketball court – caught their eye and their imagination.

After careful consideration and due diligence, the board voted to invest in the new facility. In fact, they were among the first groups to put money toward the ICCU Arena’s construction.

Fast forward two and a half years, and that original vision is closer and closer to becoming reality. Mass quantities of dirt have been moved, and the structure is taking shape. Plans have been finalized, appropriate approvals won, and now the fun begins.

Members of today’s UIAA Board are helping choose how the space will be signed, designed and decorated. They are involved in conversations about what kind of technology should go where to allow alums to update their contact info, look up a former classmate or digitally scan through the list of UIAA Hall of Fame members and award winners. They have a committee already working on identifying possible alumni events in the space throughout the year, not just on Game Day.

We still have a way to go before the ICCU Arena is finished – fall 2021 is the official timeframe for opening. When that day comes, though, when the Vandal Family is gathered on the terrace enjoying a beautiful Homecoming reception, we all will have the members of the U of I Alumni Association Board to thank.

Go Vandals!

Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association

Upcoming Alumni Events
March 13 – Boise Grads of the Last Decade St. Patty's Day Party, Boise, Idaho
March 16 – 10th Annual St. Paddy's Day Party, Spokane, Washington
March 16 – Junior Achievement Volunteer Opportunity, Boise, Idaho
March 19 – Vandalized Happy Hour, New York City, New York
March 20, 21 – Arizona Spring Training Baseball, Tempe/Mesa, Arizona
March 21 – Brunching with the Vandals, New York City, New York
March 22 – Arizona Chapter 13th Annual Golf Tournament, Phoenix, Arizona
March 24-25 – GradFair, Moscow, Idaho
March 26 – From the Palouse Hills to Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
March 29 – Portland Silver and Gold Event, Portland, Oregon
April 4 – Vandal Bowling Day, Caldwell, Idaho
April 7 – Silver and Gold Day celebrating the founding of the Alumni Association
April 7 – Latah County Silver and Gold Celebration, Moscow, Idaho
April 7-8 – Vandal Giving Day – details coming soon!
April 17 – Spring Parent and Family Weekend

View more events on the alumni calendar.

Here's My U of I Breakthrough

By David Wood '70

I came to U of I from out of state because of the forestry school, thinking a forest ranger was what I wanted to be. It wasn't but a couple of summers with the Forest Service to convince me I wanted to head in a different direction. To be a school teacher became my focus.

Somewhere during my sophomore year I became discouraged and considered dropping out. Fortunately, I had Professor Terry Armstrong as my advisor. He was a great listener and motivator, and I became recommitted to my education. To this day, I recognize him as one of the top five individuals who impacted my life.

Thank you Dr. Armstrong...I taught high school biology for eight years upon graduation. I worked 12 summers as a smokejumper for the Forest Service during college and while teaching. My career turned to being a consultant for the Oregon Education Association for 20 years.

Some days I stop for a moment and think to myself...where would I have ended up if I had not spent that time with Dr. Armstrong? And then I realize how grateful I am for him and the directions I took in my life.

David Wood
Class of 1970

Share your U of I breakthrough story

Alumni Programs Highlight

Book Club selection for March-April: There There, by Tommy Orange. Named among the 2018 National Book Critics' circle Awards and one of New York Times Favorite Books of 2018, There There was chosen as the Common Read novel for the 2019-20 academic year.
Sign Up >> 

Looking for a new role and need a resume refresher or interview prep? U of I Career Services offers lifetime support to Idaho alumni.
Learn More >> 

Alumni News

As part of a team at the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, U of I alumnus Ensheng Dong '16 helped develop an interactive world map that shows the status of the virus COVID-19. The map tracks the number of confirmed cases, and related data for all affected countries in real time.
Take a Look >>

Armond Hawkins Jr. '18 has been hired by the University of Southern California football program putting his public relations degree to work as a high school relations staffer.
Read More >>

Rachel Davis '20, Jackie Davis '19 and Ayomipo Kayode-Popoola '19 were tired of listening to podcasts from folks who had the whole adulting thing figured out, so they started their own. Take a listen to Your Best Year Yet - empowering young people to live their fullest lives right now.
Listen Now >>

Greetings Vandals,

Wow. What a difference two weeks can make. Since the last time I wrote, all classes have been moved online, commencement has been canceled and we have postponed or canceled all in-person alumni events. And, despite it all, our alma mater is still finding a way to educate the next generation of Vandals, thanks to whole groups of folks dedicated to making it work.

Here’s to the faculty, who in less than a week’s time, have moved their classes to online delivery only. I can only imagine the creativity and patience it must take to translate subjects as diverse as philosophy and biochemistry, electrical engineering and music theory, to a digital format.

Here’s to the staff working behind the scenes to make sure the technology is available to deliver courses online; that there is safe, comfortable space for students who need to return to campus to live, eat, work and study; and that financial aid, advising and other support system adjustments are taken care of, etc.

And, finally, here’s to the students – both those who have returned to campus and those who have opted to stay home and take classes. I am proud of them for not letting current circumstances stand in the way of their education. Thanks, too, to their families for helping them to navigate rough waters.

I hope that the coronavirus and its impact on all of us will soon be a moment in history we can add to our “and I lived through it” list. Until then, though, I remain amazed and humbled by the resilience and commitment of the Vandal Family. Stay calm, wash your hands and go Vandals!

Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association

An update from President Scott Green on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and health of our graduates and the rest of the Vandal Family is our top priority.

Upcoming Alumni Events

April 3 – Virtual Vandal Social: Cooking Class, online
April 7 – Silver and Gold Day, wear your Vandal gear!

For information regarding canceled or postponed events, visit the alumni calendar.

Memo from the President Regarding COVID-19

In light of the growing concern over the spread of COVID-19 and to keep our Vandal Family as healthy and safe as possible, University of Idaho will deliver classes online/remotely for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. Classes will not return to face-to-face instruction. Faculty must prepare courses so they can be completed by students from any location for the remainder of the semester.

We know this is a huge disruption to our community. Slowing the spread of this virus is vitally important and we need to do our collective part. We will continue to provide quality education and shared experiences to the best of our abilities and within appropriate social distancing guidelines.

The transition to remote course delivery has many unknowns. Many universities across the country are doing this at the same time, which could impact delivery. We must be patient and flexible as we navigate the onset of online/remote education in the coming weeks. These are the plans we have in place currently knowing that additional restrictions and access to services on campus may be necessary in the near future.

Students
If returning to campus is your only option, facilities around the state remain physically open with some modifications, including the Moscow campus. If, however, you wish to remain away from campus and learn from home — which we strongly recommend — you can do so for the remainder of the semester.

University of Idaho Residence Halls are open and Vandals Dining will continue to offer safe options for meal services. If you choose to leave your residence hall for the semester, you have the option to cancel your housing agreement and check out. Housing and Residence Life will offer pro-rated housing and meal credits to your account. An email from Housing and Residence Life with additional details will be sent to all residents shortly. More information is also available on the U of I coronavirus webpage.

Students residing in a fraternity or sorority should contact their chapter leadership as soon as possible for information on their facility and any potential changes.

Additional campus support resources, such as Counseling Services, Academic Advising, Career Services, etc., will also be available for students. If you need support from any of these services, please call the respective office directly prior to visiting to schedule an appointment. Updates to these services will be posted on the U of I coronavirus webpage as they are available.

Student-employees should check with their supervisor about their work. Every effort will be made to help student employees maintain employment, which may mean a shift in work and/or work location, depending on the position. If you are not returning to work but receive work study or teaching assistant payments as part of your financial aid package, you will receive more information as it becomes available.

University Employees
University offices will remain open, so employees should continue working unless you are taking sick leave or approved time off. You may request a flexible working arrangement from your supervisor for COVID-19-related issues including illness, care of family, or caring for school-age children who are out of school. We know not everyone can work remotely due to the nature of their work. If you have questions, please talk to your supervisor.

Most university-related travel, foreign and domestic, is canceled. If your job or research requires travel, it must be approved by your unit supervisor and relevant vice president — this includes research trips, donor visits and all other travel. Only essential university travel will be approved.

Stay home if you are sick. If anyone in your family contracts COVID-19, all family members should self-quarantine according to CDC guidelines. If you run out of sick days, please contact Human Resources. They are developing options to meet the needs of all our employees and federal guidelines are changing to support you.

The university remains open for research and to researchers. Principal investigators and supervisors have the authority and responsibility to manage their research programs. This includes changes to access or approaches to allow for increased social distancing or deferral of lower-priority work. Additional information has been added to the university COVID-19 website and the Office of Research and Economic Development remains open and staffed to provide services to students, faculty and staff on research matters.

Human Resources has worked with our benefits provider to waive the co-pay fees for COVID-19 testing. Other healthcare charges (including the office visit) may still be incurred. More information is available on the U of I coronavirus webpage.

Campus Events
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America restrict gatherings of groups larger than 10 for the next eight weeks. As a result, the university is canceling all events larger than this size during this time.

Unfortunately, these cancellations include the Spring Parent and Family Weekend as well as Spring 2020 Commencement. By making this determination now, we hope everyone is able to cancel any reservations and travel plans. The decision to cancel Commencement was especially difficult. Celebrating our graduates is one of our most important traditions and celebrations. We hope all Spring 2020 graduates can return and participate in the Winter 2020 or Spring 2021 Commencement ceremonies. We promise to make them special.

I personally want to say how much I appreciate our Vandal Family around the state and greater Moscow community. I am regularly questioning if we are doing all we can in a prudent and responsible manner for our collective health and safety. We are in uncharted waters — but we are not alone. Brave and Bold Vandals will get to the other side of this. Let’s be supportive, work together and stay healthy.

Keep Calm and Vandal On.

Scott Green
President

Join Dr. Blaine Eckles, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, and Dr. Torrey Lawrence, vice provost for faculty for an update on actions the University of Idaho has taken to reduce risk and support social distancing and get answers to your Vandal questions.

Friday, March 27 | 10 AM (PT)
Facebook.com/UIdahoDOS

Here's My U of I Breakthrough

By Tom Anderson '58, '61
This is a personal note about my honor to attend and graduate from the U of I College of Engineering and how it enabled my astonishing engineering career.

My father took it upon himself, without telling me, to find out what were the best civil engineering colleges in the Western U.S. including Cal Tech, UC Berkley, Colorado and all the rest in the 10 western states. The top five he was told by ASCE included U of I. That was special because he and my mom met and were married in Sandpoint and I could apply for a skiing scholarship there to help pay my out-of-state tuition. So I applied. I was accepted and also was awarded a fine skiing scholarship to join the winning Vandal Varsity Ski Team.

My engineering education at U of I was world class. It enabled me to build a wonderful engineering career working at Boeing (stress analysis on the 727), Battelle Memorial Institute (working on the Hanford Atomic Works cleanup) and Fluor Engineers and Constructors (first base isolated building for LA County and seismic design for the Trans Alaska Pipeline).

I would love to share my engineering stories with others to show, no, prove, that a U of I engineering education matches, if not exceeds, anything else in the U.S.

Go Vandals,

Tom '58, '61,
Academy of Engineers 2011

Share your U of I breakthrough story 

Alumni Programs Highlight

Wine shipped right to your door? Yes. With Vandals Uncorked wine club you get four fabulous Vandal-connected wines delivered to you twice a year.
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Alumni News

Hannah Marx '16 answered the call of the wild doing research in central Idaho. Her curiosity about alpine plants was inspired by the Sawtooth Mountains and her program allowed her the flexibilty to follow her passion.
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After earning her master and doctorate from University of Georgia, Dr. Siân Griffiths '95 went on to teach creative writing at Weber State University. She has two books to add to your reading list that are set to be published this spring and summer.
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