LETTER FROM THE DEAN
Dear CNR alumni, colleagues and friends, am lucky that I encounter students everyday whose stories remind me why we’re here. Undergraduate Autumn Herrington, for one, is a senior in the Wildlife Resources program at the University of Idaho. She’s developed advanced skillsets in research, GIS and remote sensing so that she can work internationally as a wildlife ecologist who stewards and conserves precious natural resources. During Vandal Fest in October 2021, the U of I kicked off a big, bold promise to our students: to provide access for all our world-class meaningful research, experiential learning opportunities and training for careers that matter. The U of I is ranked second in the nation as a best value public university, but many students still struggle to afford the opportunity to grow their knowledge and fulfill their potential. As a first-generation student from Boise with a love for the outdoors and wildlife, Autumn always dreamed of going to college but thought it was financially out of reach. Autumn chose U of I because of the strong reputation of CNR, the accessibility to her home state and funding from CNR scholarships. She has received a Doris Duke Scholarship, an internship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and multiple summer research positions. Her training has prepared her to think critically, to work with people of all backgrounds and to be a leader in our increasingly complex world. Many determined individuals, especially Idaho students, choose not to pursue education after high school — whether a four-year degree, associate degree or a technical certificate. Scholarships are the difference between Autumn and these students. Or, more accurately, you are the difference. Every gift, no matter the size, changes lives, makes dreams come true, contributes to Idaho’s growing economy and ensures that our essential work continues. In this issue we share how our alumni and friends are giving back to the college and university. We’re building a culture of philanthropy from a diverse community of supporters. We’re establishing joint research positions with state agencies and leveraging congressional and legislative funding for our classrooms and labs. And of course we’re expanding accessibility for future Vandals like Autumn. My sister and I were the first in our family to graduate from college. It wasn’t easy to leave the farm, but I had the support of an earlier generation of donors. I see myself in the students walking the halls of the CNR building. It’s our turn to give back so that they may realize the possibilities of a college degree.
Sincerely,
Dennis Becker, Ph.D. ’02 Dean
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WINTER 2021 - 22
