Vandal Vibe Newsletter

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. Check the Vandal Scholarship Fund website for the latest info about VSF events.

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.

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.
Start Watching >>

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.
Read More >>

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.
Read More >>

Share Your News

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.

Check the Vandal Scholarship Fund website for the latest info about VSF events.

View the 2021 spring football schedule here.

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.

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.
Read More >>

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.
Read More >>

Share Your News

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.  

Check the Vandal Scholarship Fund website for the latest info about VSF events.

View the 2021 spring football schedule here.

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.

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

Powering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals
Watch the YouTube Video >>

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.

Read More >>

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.
Read More >>

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!

Share Your News

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.

For the latest info about VSF events website.

Check the Vandal Scholarship Fund View the 2021 spring football schedule here.

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.

Read More >>

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.”

Read More >>

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.

Get Resources >>

Alumni News

Moscow principal Brian Smith '05 received Idaho's prestigious Gem award for his leadership at the elementary school level.
Read More >>

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.
Read More >>

Share Your News

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 here (https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/student-involvement/volunteer/asb/asb-reunion) 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 Scheitzer, 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.

For the latest info about VSF events website.

Check the Vandal Scholarship Fund View the 2021 spring football schedule here.

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.

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.
RSVP for Link >>

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.
Learn More >>

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.
Read More >>

Jim Arnold '75 has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions afforded to an engineer.
Read More >>

Share Your News

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 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsFam5LwKdc) :

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsFam5LwKdc

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.

Learn more about the UIAA >>

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.

Read More >>

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.

Sign Up Today >>

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.
Learn More >>

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.
Read More >>

Share Your News

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

Learn more about the UIAA >>

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.

Read More >>

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.

Start Listening >>

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®.

Learn More >>

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.
Read More >>

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.
Listen Now >>

College of Engineering graduate Robert Kimble '06 is the new Director of Public Works for Pacific County in Washington state.
Read More >>

Share Your News

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.

See the Impact >>

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.

Learn more about the UIAA >>

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.

Read More >>

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.
Read More >>

Singer- songwriter Colby Acuff '19, graduate of the College of Business and Economics, released his second album. 
Learn More >>

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.
Read More >>

Share Your News

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. You can find the details of when, where and how here.

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.

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.
Learn More >>

Share Your News

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.

Read More >>

Read more commencement features

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.

Read More >>

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.
Start Browsing >>

Vandal pride in your pocket
With the University of Idaho Rewards Visa^® Start earning even more rewards today and every day.
Learn More >>

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.

Learn More>>

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.

Learn More >>

Terrific teacher recognized
Two-time U of I grad Amy Wise '86, '14 was named the Coeur d'Alene Schools Teacher of the Year.

Watch Video >>

Share Your News

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," which can be found at this link. 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.

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.

Get Resources >>

Put a Ring on It
Get $100 off your custom class ring now until the end of the year.

Start Shopping >>

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.

Learn More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.”

Read More >>

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.

Read More >>

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.

RSVP Now >>

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.

Read More >>

Vandal graduate Collene Zahn '95, '00 has been appointed to Idaho Supreme Court replacing Justice Roger Burdick '74, who is retiring in June.

Read More >>

Share Your News