The snow is belly-button deep at my house, and more is on the way. The temperatures are frigid and the sky is gray. The dogs have started to run the opposite direction when I call them to go outside, and frankly, I don’t blame them.
So, what better time to do some heavy duty, armchair travel? With a glass of Vandals Uncorked wine and a laptop, I love cruising the Vandal Voyager website to dream about the possibilities of visiting warmer climes and different destinations.
The Vandal Voyager Travel Program was created decades ago to provide alumni – lifelong learners, of course, because they were educated at U of I – a way to see the world with their fellow Vandals. The Office of Alumni Relations works with professional travel providers to pick trips that open the door to exotic and exciting locations in country and out.
This year, for example, you could immerse yourself in the culture of the southern U.S. with a river boat cruise from Memphis to New Orleans. Or, how about spending a week in Tuscany, feasting on delicious Italian food and wines? There’s an opportunity to cruise the Nile and see the Pyramids or travel the Mediterranean from Rome to Barcelona.
Traditionally, most of the excursions have been cruises, and those are still a great option. We are expanding, however, to include more land-based trips. We also are exploring trips designed specifically for those interested in service learning – that is, working on a project to benefit the country you are visiting. In 2020, we will offer a European trip specifically designed for new grads – what a great graduation present that would be!
Personally, I have my eye on the July 2020 trip to Ireland. Thoughts of touring the Emerald Isle, tipping a pint of Guinness and enjoying some Celtic cuisine and company may be just enough to get me through this winter. And, I didn’t even have to pack a suitcase.
Go Vandals! 
Kathy Barnard, '81
Executive Director
University of Idaho Alumni Association
|
|
Upcoming Alumni Events
March 13-16 – Big Sky Basketball Tournament pregame events, Boise, ID
March 15 – Boise GOLD St. Patty's Day Event, Boise, ID
March 19,20 – GradFest, Moscow, ID
March 21, 22 – Spring Training with the Vandals, Goodyear & Tempe, AZ
March 21 – Seattle Alumni Reception with Deans, Seattle, WA
March 24 – 12th Annual Arizona Chapter Golf Tournament, Phoenix, AZ
April 3 – Golden I Reunion (50+years since graduation), Moscow, ID
April 4 – Latah County Silver and Gold Award Celebration, Moscow, ID
April 5-7 – Moms' Weekend, Moscow, ID
April 7 – Silver and Gold Day, U of I Alumni Association Founding
April 12 – Theta Chi 60 Year Reunion
View more events on the alumni calendar.
|
|
|
Presidential Search Update
|
|
|
Candidates Interview With SBOE Thursday
The Idaho State Board of Education will conduct interviews this week with presidential candidates.
The interviews will occur in executive session at the Board Office at 650 W. State Street, Boise on March 14, 2019.
Listed in alphabetical order, the University of Idaho president finalists are:
Christopher Callahan – Founding Dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University
Diane Z. Chase – Executive Vice President and Provost of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Scott Green – Global Chief Operating Officer and Financial Officer of Hogan Lovells, an international law firm
Elizabeth Spiller – Dean of the College of Letters and Science at the University of California, Davis
A fifth University of Idaho finalist, Paul Tikalsky has withdrawn from consideration.The Board’s intent is to name new presidents at both institutions by April.
These statements have been taken from a SBOE press release issued March 11.
Learn More >>
|
|
|
CALS student studies abroad in Thailand
Logan Heflin discovered studying abroad is about much more than exploring a new country — it enables lifelong camaraderie, eliminates cultural barriers and provides people with a broadened perspective of the world around them.
A sophomore at the University of Idaho majoring in biotechnology and plant genetics in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Heflin spent fall 2018 studying at Mahidol University in Salaya, Thailand, just west of Bangkok.
Read More >>
|
|
Alumni Volunteer Spotlight
|
|
Sean Wilson '97
UIAA Director-at-large, Latah County
B.A. General Studies
We caught up with Alumni Association directors and asked them a few short and sweet questions about their Vandal experience.
1. What was your favorite or most rewarding class?
A. Geology of the North West. I found if fascinating. Knowing about the ground below us - how it formed and its attributes helped me greatly.
2. How did U of I prepare you for your career?
A. Teaching me how to interact with people. I wasn't aware of the power of language. I now know it's importance and use it to be a high functioning communicator.
3. Why did you choose to serve the Alumni Association?
A. It's an honor to be asked to serve this institution in this manner, and the people are a whole lot of fun - always have been.
4. What faculty or staff member was integral to your time here?
A. Mickey Gunter (distinguished professor emeritus, department of Geology). On every test he made us answer this question "Where will you not build or buy a house?" The answer was "in a floodplain."
5. Share a treasured memory as a student.
A. Being able to finish classes and still go play in the woods on weekends. I did this like a religion.
Thanks, Sean!
The UIAA Board of Directors is an elected body that governs the UIAA, Inc. and meets formally three times a year. Duties of directors include managing corporate affairs, business and assets of the association and advocating for the U of I.
Learn More >>
|
|
|
Benefits and Services Highlight
Travel and Tours
|
|
|
More trips added for 2020
Travel is considered a continuing education program and provides alumni and friends an opportunity to learn more about the University of Idaho and the benefits of being a part of the Alumni Association. The program affords participants the chance to maintain contact with the university while learning about international and domestic locations among the camaraderie of fellow alumni and friends.
Click Here >>
|
|
|
Looking for a new career? Need help revising your resume? Alumni of the University of Idaho have lifetime access to the U of I Office of Career Services. Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you. Check out these job opportunities:
Automation Engineer | Idaho Forest Group, Athol, ID
Learn More >>
Brand Analyst | MarkMonitor, Boise, ID
Learn More >>
Fisheries Geneticist | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Hagerman, ID
Learn More >>
Software Engineer | Continuous Composites, Coeur d'Alene, ID
Learn More >>
Looking for jobs at U of I? Visit the U of I job board >> |
|
|
Joe Knows...
Watch: Idaho women claim first Big Sky regular-season title since 1985
SWX - March 7, 2019
Learn More >>
Where do potatoes come from? Our food editor investigates
Martha Stewart - March 7, 2019
Learn More >>
Gay rodeo and the subversion of western cliches
High Country News - March 6, 2019
Learn More >>
Vandal Theory Podcast: How is climate change affecting Idaho's natural landscapes?
U of I Science News
Learn More >>
|
|
Alumni chapters nationwide await more Vandal grads.
To join, simply contact a chapter volunteer.
Find One Near You >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
