Welcoming Students and Partners

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

am in awe of the resiliency of the University of Idaho’s students, faculty and leadership as we have faced unprecedented challenges brought on by an unpredictable pandemic. As students yearning for in-person learning have enthusiastically returned to campus, several classes have reached record attendance levels. CNR has endured and continues to exceed expectations. With support from stakeholders and constituents alike, President Scott Green has brought the U of I back from fiscal trials. Sacrifices from every member of our community have not gone unnoticed. President Green’s student-focused vision and rethinking of revenue streams will benefit long-term financial stability and make the U of I more resilient. Online learning presented challenges that made us re-think education. Creating new opportunities for distance learning allows students with limitations to attend in Moscow. The advisory board of the CNR continue to focus on developing specific career objectives for students as well as removing boundaries to accessibility. With this goal in mind, CNR is developing associate degrees as a gateway. We have created two-plus-two (two years off campus, two years on campus) programs with the College of Southern Idaho and others to expand the reach of natural resource education. These innovative programs will keep CNR at the forefront of providing exceptional learning and job prospects. Creative solutions are essential to the future of higher education. Support from stakeholders and alumni is necessary to allow for innovation and improvement of CNR programs. Join me as we expand student accessibility and thank the University of Idaho for contributing to the training of future generations.

Sincerely,

The College of Natural Resources magazine is published annually for alumni and friends of CNR. Subscription is free. The magazine is also available online in its entirety on the college’s website, uidaho.edu/cnr.

Magazine Staff

Dennis Becker, dean Kelsey Evans, CNR editor and contributing writer Ralph Bartholdt, Leigh Cooper, Jamie Wagner, Katy Wicks, University Communications & Marketing (UCM) contributing writers

CNR Alumni News

University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1142 Moscow, ID 83844-1142 Email: cnr-alumni@uidaho.edu

Design – Beth Case, U of I Creative Services Photography – U of I Photo Services. Other image credits noted on the pages where they appear.

Gretchen Hyde Advisory Board Chair