Here We Have
university of idaho magazine | fall 2010
Our Innovators Great Ideas for the World
April Gannon Class of 2010 Business and Economics
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My favorite call was with an alumnus who bought season tickets every year and parked his RV in front of the Kibbie Dome for every home game. I always think of him whenever I go to a game and see all the RVs parked outside of the dome. Talking to alumni like him showed me early on how great it is to be a Vandal!
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idaho Here We Have
University of Idaho magazine | fall 2010
Photo by Mark LaMoreaux
Departments
Cover Story
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From the President Campus News Class Notes Upcoming Events
Our Innovators How inventions meet real-world needs and fuel the economy
Features 12 A New Era in Partnerships Collaborations are critical for our 21st century university
On the Cover: Laboratory technician Amber Terhaar ’09 and R. Garth Sasser, president and research director at BioTracking. Sasser, a retired University of Idaho professor of animal and veterinary science, created the company and licensed his invention – a blood test that saves ranchers time and money in determining pregnancy in cattle.
15 It’s A-maze-ing 20 Stereotype Busters Athletes hooked on science 40 Idaho Pole Vaulters Insanity meets ingenuity
Also in This Issue 16 2010 – Year in Review 23 2010 Foundation Annual Report 1
From the President
It’s been an active and exciting fall semester statewide. Our forward momentum is seen in many areas, including an increase in overall enrollment to more than 12,300 students. I’m proud of their dedication to discovery, leadership and engagement that comes through the learning experience here at the University of Idaho. Their work with our outstanding faculty in the classroom, lab, studio, the field and abroad is dedicated to finding solutions to some of the issues that face not only our state but the world. In my fall address to our statewide community, I mentioned how my travels around the state and the nation affirm to me the distinctiveness and excellence that define the University of Idaho as the flagship research and land-grant institution in our state. As I visit other colleges and universities across the nation, I return to Idaho pleased with how our reputation is growing and with the solid way we are preparing our students for the future. I also shared with our statewide community 10 critical areas of progress where the University needs to focus, including stabilizing our institution’s budget; developing corporate partnerships and increasing private giving; being more entrepreneurial; and increasing collaboration with other organizations, agencies and institutions in our state. I believe that our spirit of innovation and creativity will make a difference as we model what it means to be a land-grant institution of the 21st century. Land-grant universities have a proud past and a relevant future to bring their teaching, research and outreach efforts to bear in service to their states. Here in Idaho, we educate teachers, lawyers, scientists, engineers, architects, artisans and professionals of all types. We improve agriculture,
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forestry, mining and technology, as well as other industries in our state and we partner with them to help the Gem State’s economy move forward. We spur economic growth and enhance the quality of life of our citizens. That’s the heart and legacy of the land-grant system, established by President Lincoln. Innovation is a fundamental strength of the University’s research enterprise. Within the pages of this edition of our magazine, you’ll read about how the Office of Technology Transfer is helping research and ideas move from the classroom or lab into real-world settings that benefit society. For example, research by Professor David McIlroy and colleagues at Washington State University developed nanosprings. With some technology transfer assistance, they formed a company called GoNano Technologies, Inc., and a new Idaho-based product made its way to market. Nanosprings are formed from silica and increase the effectiveness of any material they coat. Another example is the work of Professor Don Crawford who took soil bacteria and found beneficial strains that could be effective in promoting healthy plant growth by protecting them from fungus. Innovation also is found in student-athletes who redesigned and engineered a new “cage” to help pole vaulters train more effectively by allowing them to practice vaults without the worry of falling 12 to 18 feet afterwards. You will find innovation, news, athletics, philanthropy and more in this edition of our magazine. I hope you are as encouraged by these stories as am I, and that you know that your alma mater is leading the state, region and nation in exciting ways.
M. Duane Nellis President
Here We Have Idaho
The University of Idaho Magazine Fall 2010 • Volume 27, Number 3 University President M. Duane Nellis
Vice President for Advancement Christopher D. Murray
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Christopher S. Cooney
University of Idaho Alumni Director Steven C. Johnson ’71
Alumni Association President Kristen Ruffing ’93
University of Idaho Foundation Chairman Jeffry L. Stoddard ’75, ’76
Editor
Jeff Olson
Magazine Design Scott Riener
Class Notes Editor Annis Shea ’86
Writers and Contributors Amanda Cairo Hugh Cooke ’74, ’77, ’02 Donna Emert Spencer Farrin ’07 Tim Helmke ’95 Karen Hunt ’08 Joni Kirk ’98 Bill Loftus ’81 Brett Morris ’83 Corinna Nicolaou Tania Thompson
Photographs
Joe Pallen ’96 Kelly Weaver and as credited www.uidaho.edu/herewehaveidaho
The University of Idaho is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and educational institution. © 2010, University of Idaho Here We Have Idaho magazine is published three times a year. The magazine is free to alumni and friends of the University. Send address changes to: P.O. Box 443147, Moscow, ID 83844-3147 Send editorial correspondence to: University Communications and Marketing P.O. Box 443221, Moscow, ID 83844-3221 E-mail: uinews@uidaho.edu Phone (208) 885-6291; fax (208) 885-5841
Letters Policy
We welcome letters to the editor. Correspondence should include the writer’s full name, address and daytime phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for purposes of clarity or space.
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campusNews Student Poet Will Be Well Read
Million Dollar Gift Supports Public Legal Education in Boise Public legal education in Idaho is getting a lift thanks to the generous support of the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation. The Idaho-based nonprofit – committed to educational excellence for students and institutions – has committed $1 million to the University of Idaho College of Law for development of an Idaho Law Learning Center in Boise at the historic Ada County Courthouse. The Law Learning Center is a collaborative undertaking of the University and the Idaho Supreme Court. The renovated facility will become home to the College of Law third-year program in Boise; to the Idaho State Law Library, operated by the college under an agreement with the Supreme Court; and will be a venue for judicial education and law-related public education – all of the components of the “law learning center” concept.
Fall Semester 2010. So, what’s new? Ciara Shuttleworth
Master of fine arts student Ciara Shuttleworth has gained early success in her writing career. One of her poems has been accepted for publication in The New Yorker, which is considered to be one of the most significant literary and cultural publications in the world. “I wrote the poem during class,” admitted Ciara. “It was not, however, an in-class assignment. I suppose writing classes are the only ones in which we can get away with ignoring discussion for a few minutes to write a draft of something!” The class had been studying sestinas, a challenging and technical form of poetry. Halfway through class, Shuttleworth said, “I’ve written my sestina.” She then revised the poem and sent it to The New Yorker. Just how big is her accomplishment? Consider this: The magazine’s editors receive more than 600 poems each week for consideration. 4
Things change, and at the University of Idaho, fall semester features a number of new faces, programs and opportunities. • Starting this fall, all freshmen are now required to live on campus in either residence halls or Greek houses. Exemptions are given to students who are 21 years or older, plan to live at home with parents, are married or have children, or have completed more than 27 college semester credits. Studies show that living on campus leads to a more successful transition to a university education and a more engaged learning experience. • The College of Law now offers a third-year law program in Boise. • A new graduate degree program, the master’s in professional science, specializes in natural resources, environmental science and water resources. The program combines advanced science and math skills with training in areas such as project management, communications, ethics and leadership.
campusNews Idaho Vandals Take to the Skies
The University of Idaho colors are now flying high with Horizon Air. The airline has painted one of its planes with the University's colors and marks; the new plane made its debut in early November. The plane will feature a silver I-Vandals logo on its golden tail, the University of Idaho word mark, and the words "Idaho" and "Vandals" in gold on both sides.
The new 76-seat turboprop Q400 aircraft is sure to delight the University's large alumni base in Idaho and around the Northwest. The cost of painting the aircraft will be covered by Horizon as part of its scheduled repainting; there is no cost to the University. In addition to the Idaho plane, Horizon’s fleet includes seven other university-themed aircraft.
Enrollment Highlights More than 80 percent of last year’s record freshman class is returning to the University of Idaho. The retention rate is a contributing factor to the institution’s overall 3 percent statewide enrollment growth rate – 12,302 students – registered in the head count for fall 2010 semester. The number includes 1,754 freshmen, the second-largest class after last year’s record of new freshmen students. Other points of interest include: • an increase in the number of transfer students, up 3 percent; • dual-credit student – high school students who take concurrent collegelevel courses – were up 10 percent; • graduate student numbers rose 5 percent, to 2,114; • two-thirds of the total student body came from cities and towns in the Gem State; • one-third of new students are first generation, defined as those who are the first in their family to seek a college degree; • the student body is 54 percent men and 46 percent women; • 9,993 students are registered as full-time students – an all-time high for the University. • 22 new National Merit Scholars, who were in the top 1 percent of their high school class; 13 of the 22 are Idaho residents. There are 81 National Merit Scholars now at the University. This total is higher than all other institutions in the state combined and second in the Northwest among public universities. 5
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Innovations
By Corinna Nicolaou
University of Idaho’s Inventions Meet Real-world Needs and Fuel the Economy
This past June, the National Science Foundation awarded GoNano Technologies, Inc. a grant to help develop a commercial version of the Carbon Capture and RecycleTM process. Based on technology created by professors at the University of Idaho and Washington State University, this product could revolutionize treatment of carbon air pollution by converting it into useful products. The NSF grant is an indication that the federal government recognizes the importance of making the invention available in the marketplace. For researchers everywhere, no accomplishment tops having an idea make its way into the real world as a product that benefits society at large. At the University of Idaho, the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) helps good ideas from the classrooms and laboratories make an impact on the state and national economies. The road from academic setting to commercialization can be long and
complicated, and it is the job of Gene Merrell, director of OTT, and his staff to protect and shepherd innovations along the way. Chief among their duties is navigating the cultural differences between academics and businesspeople to help each side better understand the needs and expectations of the other. Merrell likens this journey in a product’s evolution to the “the valley of death” because so many potential pitfalls lurk. The office keeps a catalogue of innovations developed at the University for investors to choose from.
The University’s intellectual property Patents are the most common means by which OTT protects University of Idaho’s intellectual property. A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted to inventors for a period of 20 years by the United States government.
GoNano Technologies Inc. researchers produce a catalyst to tackle the problem of carbon dioxide. Under a solar simulator, the Nanosprings™-supported catalyst converts carbon dioxide into useful fuel products. 7
The right was established more than 200 years ago in Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. Current electronic records for patents issued to the University of Idaho go back to the 1950s and describe a range of products from the obscure to the straightforward. Patents include: XXa special method of sorting ions in 1954; XXa 1960 patent to improve the method of measuring the radial growth of tree trunks; XXan unusual playground climber in 1974; XXa 1978 patent for a solar heat collector; XXa low-damage beet cleaner in 1983; XXa technique for killing insect larvae in fruit in 1991; XXa 1998 patent for a variable flow sprinkler head; XXa process of transforming gaseous titanium into solid titanium through condensation in 2000; and XXa method to detect Epstein-Barr virus in biological samples in 2008. In addition to patents, the University of Idaho has a long history of receiving Certificates of Protection from the U.S. Plant Variety Protection Office for plants that include numerous varieties of potatoes, wheat, mustard and canola.
While the paths to commercialization vary, one thing is certain – many innovations that change how we do things and improve our lives start as ideas right here on campus and at our centers statewide.
Nanotechnology that promises to transform pollution control Sometimes, the tiniest discoveries have the potential to make the biggest impacts. For many years, researchers have been exploring the uses of nanotechnology, which are innovations on a molecular scale. David N. McIlroy, a physics professor at the University of Idaho, worked with M. Grant Norton, professor of mechanical and materials engineering at Washington State University, to develop a way to create Nanosprings™ – think of mattress springs so small that billions fit into a square foot. Formed from silica, commonly found in nature as sand or quartz, these springs increase the effectiveness of any material with which they are coated by presenting much more surface area with that material on it. The professors patented their discovery jointly and made their invention the intellectual property of both universities.
Nanotechnology in your car engine Traditional catalytic converters in car engines typically use a platinumcoated filter to turn harmful carbon monoxide emissions into less harmful components such as carbon dioxide and water. GoNano has developed a catalytic converter that replaces the conventional material configuration with platinum-coated Nanosprings that increase the surface area available for conversion by 400 times. Converters using nanotechnology use considerably less platinum, last longer, and start working at colder temperatures. Currently, GoNano is working with car manufacturers to test this next generation of catalytic converters. 8
In 2007, the professors, along with Idaho businessman Tim Kinkeede, obtained the exclusive license for this technology and founded the company GoNano Technologies, Inc. With a handful of employees, several of whom are recent University of Idaho graduates in engineering fields, GoNano Technologies has been working to improve pollution control products through the use of NanospringsTM. GoNano’s most ambitious project is a Carbon Capture and RecycleTM system that uses NanospringTMs to dramatically reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from emitters such as coal or natural gas-burning power plants. Currently, 50 percent of the electricity generated in the United States is from coal, and the emissions are released directly into the air. Many speculate that new emission regulations will soon be passed by Congress and, in preparation, possible solutions are being proposed. The most well known is to liquefy the gas emissions and store them permanently underground. GoNano is working on an alternative that, if successful, promises to revolutionize pollution control by turning waste into valuable commodities. Through a photocatalytic process, solar panels that contain titaniumcoated NanospringsTM convert the carbon into chemicals – such as formic acid, methane, methanol and formaldehyde – that are used to make rubber, glass and plastics. GoNano has a lab-scale prototype panel and, with the help of the National Science Foundation Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I grant, the company hopes to make the product commercially available by 2015. Carbon Capture and RecycleTM would truly innovate pollution control, permanently locking carbon
into useable products and creating valuable chemicals worth millions of dollars where before there was only pollution being released into the sky.
A molecular discovery gives birth to a new pregnancy test for cows In the late 1970s, Garth Sasser, a professor in animal and veterinary science, discovered the presence of a specific molecule in the blood of pregnant ruminants. Initially, he believed his discovery would benefit the management of wildlife such as the decimated elk population in the Clearwater National Forest. Blood samples from the elk herd would supply important information about their breeding habits. In 1985, Sasser patented his discovery through the University. Several pharmaceutical companies expressed interest, especially after it was determined the blood test could be used to determine pregnancy in cattle. Ranchers and dairy farmers traditionally hire a veterinarian to perform manual pregnancy exams on each animal but the blood test could detect pregnancy earlier and requires no doctor, saving both time and money. However, Sasser’s technology was cumbersome and even dangerous. Ultimately, the companies decided not to license the intellectual property. Convinced that his discovery offered true innovation, Sasser refused to let it succumb to the valley of death. In 1993, he formed the company BioTracking and licensed his own invention, which he named bioPRYN® (“PRegnancy Yes/No”). After he retired from teaching in 1999, he continued to refine the process and perfected it in 2003.
Now, ranchers are able to mail in blood samples they collect themselves and receive pregnancy reports via e-mail or fax in two days. Today, in addition to Sasser, who owns the company with his wife and son, BioTracking has nine employees and affiliate labs across the country that purchase test kits and receive training on how to process them. In 2009, the BioTracking lab located in Moscow processed 180,000 tests and sold another 400,000 nationwide. In 2010, the company is expected to bring in more than $1 million in revenues.
Bacteria harnesses useful properties in soil A happy scenario for a University of Idaho patented innovation is to be licensed and marketed by an existing company. This has occurred for several soil bacteria discoveries patented through the University of Idaho. As part of his professional research, Don Crawford, a professor of microbiology until his retirement in 2006, identified 265 strains of bacteria found in soil. He numbered each strain as he discovered it and performed experiments to determine their unique qualities. Two of them – numbers 9 and 108 – exhibited characteristics that protected plants from fungal pathogens and promoted healthy growth. These strains had something else unique: when dry, their spores became dormant – a key factor in their usefulness as a product that could be shipped and stored. The University of Idaho received a patent for strain 108 in 1995 and another for strain 9 in 1996. Both discoveries are licensed to Natural Industries, a company based in Houston, Texas, that provides
Idaho researchers discovered soil bacteria can be used to stabilize existing foundations to create a safer infrastructure. The bacteria also can play a role in the building of roads. The research team is led by Ron Crawford, professor emeritus and former director of the Environmental Biotechnology Institute.
organic fungicides to the horticulture, turf, lawn, garden and agricultural industries. Strain 108 is sold as Actinovate® SP, a product with a high concentration of a patented beneficial bacterium on a 100 percent water soluble powder that effectively suppresses a wide range of soil borne diseases and other root decay fungi. Strain 9 has become DeThatch-9®, a product that can be applied to turf to break down dead plant tissue, convert it into a food source for the plant, and prevent harmful thatch accumulation. Ron Crawford, professor emeritus, former director of the University’s Environmental Biotechnology Institute, and Don Crawford’s twin brother, also helped develop a University-patented innovation using soil bacteria; he worked with a team that includes Barbara Williams, associate professor of biological and agricultural engineering; Thomas Weaver, former civil engineering professor and current scientist with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and Malcolm Burbank, microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry doctoral student. 9
Together, they discovered that by injecting a soluble food source into soil, the bacteria multiply and harden. This process can be used to stabilize existing foundations so that during an earthquake, the soil is prevented from liquefying under buildings, helping to create a safer infrastructure. The process also can be used to facilitate the building of roads in less developed countries. The research team is working with TerraFusion, a soil stabilization industry leader, to commercialize this process.
A unique block game offers a one-of-akind math and science experience Not all intellectual property is a “product” in the traditional sense of the word. It also can be an educational experience. Harriet Shaklee, a professor in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, developed an interactive block-playing exhibit called BLOCK FestTM. The idea arose from research that indicates the importance of early math and science learning to future academic performance. Yet, unlike other activities that promote literacy,
math and science lessons generally do not begin until a child is further along in school. In addition, most parents do not recognize the full potential for math and science learning that exists in everyday play. Developed in 2005, BLOCK FestTM is designed to fill this void for both parents and children, ages eight months to eight years. As a child visits each of five building stations that feature different blocks, trained instructors explain to adults how informal activities such as block play and other seemingly ordinary experiences translate into early math and science exploration. While parents learn strategies for recognizing and encouraging this type of play, children are experimenting with concepts – such as balance, symmetry, shapes, proportion and pattern – that will inform their understanding in the years to come. In 2009, the Twiga Foundation, a nonprofit based in Boise, signed an agreement with the University of Idaho for an exclusive license to produce and distribute BLOCK FestTM. The organization now is promoting it nationally and provides materials and training to school districts across the country.
Building blocks for the future: Harriet Shaklee, a professor in the School of Family and Consumer Sciences, developed an interactive block-playing activity that promotes early math and science literacy in children.
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Experiments with energy storage revolutionize the flashlight Some products born from research at the University of Idaho never become the University’s intellectual property. Occasionally, what begins in a laboratory develops further after student researchers graduate. Such is the case with David Alexander, who graduated in 2003 with a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering. As a student, his research focused on possible uses for ultracapacitors, a type of energy storage system that differs from traditional batteries in that it can be recharged almost instantly and up to 50,000 times. After finishing his degree, Alexander went to work for the automotive industry in California, but he continued to think about how to unlock the innovation ultracapacitors offered. He reconnected with a former classmate, Erik Cegnar, an electrical engineering alumnus who also had worked on the ultracapacitor project at Idaho. The two men picked up where they left off – talking about possible uses for ultracapacitors; it was a puzzle they wanted to solve. In 2005, they formed their company, IVUS Energy Innovations, based in Moscow. With the help of investors, they began to create a prototype of the first ultracapacitor flashlight. Their target market was law enforcement and, in this application, ultracapacitors offered true innovation. With the use of energy-efficient LED lights, the ultracapacitor charge is long lasting and, once it depletes, can be recharged in 90 seconds in the car. The batteries can last more than 100 years, they save money and offer a “green”
A bright idea: ultracapacitors. David Alexander ’03 conducted research as a student on possible uses for electrochemical systems that store energy. After graduation, he continued to think about uses for ultracapacitors, and eventually teamed up with former classmate Erik Cegnar to create an ultracapacitor flashlight. Their company now has seven employees.
An important part of the University’s mission Gene Merrell points out that, in a broad sense, OTT’s task of facilitating the commercial application of research helps the University fulfill its mission as the state’s landgrant university through concrete contributions to the “health and welfare of our citizens through new and enhanced products and services.” More specifically, the goal is “the creation of new companies that hire employees, bring new revenues into the state, and increase the tax base.”
Web resources:
alternative to flashlights that operate on traditional batteries. IVUS patented the charging system and negotiated an exclusive deal with a 511 Tactical, a company that supplies gear to public safety professionals. So far, 25,000 lights have been preordered, and rave reviews are pouring in – all of them stating that the product is well worth the $170 cost, especially considering new batteries never need to be purchased. Today, IVUS has seven employees, most of whom are University of Idaho graduates in engineering fields, and the company is focused on incorporating ultracapacitors into other products such as an emergency LED light that stays on in power outages, for which it has a provisional patent. Alexander sees a bright future for the use of the ultracapacitor in all sorts of products – cell phones, power tools and laptops – that will benefit from instant recharging.
But often something deeper drives those doing the research and making the discoveries. Don Crawford says that next to “following the careers and successes of the students who I taught and advised,” the satisfaction of seeing his inventions make it in the real world is his greatest professional achievement. “The successful discovery, development and commercialization of inventions such as [the bacteria strains] 108 and 9 satisfied me the most during my 30-year career at the University of Idaho. The fact that these inventions have had a positive impact on the environment adds to that satisfaction.”
To see the catalogue of innovations developed at the University, go to www.uidaho.edu/ott/technologies. Go to www.uidaho.edu/research/innovations/patents for the most recent patents granted to the University of Idaho. GoNano Technologies, Inc.: www.gonano-technologies.com BioTracking: www.biotracking.com Natural Industries: www.naturalindustries.com Twiga Foundation: www.twigafoundation.org IVUS Energy Innovations: www.ivusenergy.com 11
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A New Era in Partnerships Collaborations Are Critical for Our 21st Century University Story and photography by Bill Loftus
O
n a bright September morning, Essie Fallahi presided over the annual Fruit Field Day at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Parma Research and Extension Center. Hundreds, something more than 300 by actual registrations and perhaps 700 by a television station's estimate, of visitors, young and old, crowded onto the historic research station’s lawn to hear about pomology research focused on apples, peaches and nectarines and its work with table grapes. Long rows of tables laden with some two tons of sweet peaches and nectarines represented the 160 varieties studied at the station. Baskets of bunches of table grapes proved the appeal of a budding new industry. Three months earlier, Parma attracted a smaller gathering whose scope spanned the world. The J.R. Simplot Co. invited representatives of 17 countries to view research it collaborated on with fertilizer manufacturer Specialty Fertilizer Products or SFP at Parma. A year earlier on another bright summer day, newly appointed
University of Idaho President M. Duane Nellis assured Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter and other supporters of the Parma center the University would not invoke a budget-cutting plan before making every effort to find other ways to fund operations there. That search, led by College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean John Hammel, resulted in the agreement with Simplot. In return for access to a fraction of the center’s 120 acres of cropland to conduct its research, the company’s funding underwrote the center's field operations. The Simplot field day provided an international flavor for University of Idaho and company officials to celebrate a new partnership at Parma. A five-year, $1.5 million pact with Simplot allowed field operations at the Parma center to continue despite cuts to the college’s budget in 2009 as the great recession bore down on Idaho. The Treasure Valley Agricultural Coalition pledged some $300,000 more. The nearby 80 acres that hold orchards and vineyards developed by Fallahi drew a five-
year, $150,000 agreement with tree fruit growers who see Parma’s research as critical to their industry. The crowd that sat and listened politely to the opening discussion soon splintered into a swirl of motion. People moved purposefully, intent on collecting their shares of the bounty. In the words of Boisean Kyle Jones, 14: “The fruit free-for-all is a lot of fun.” So much fun that when a photographer took his picture and asked for his name as he claimed a bunch of grapes, he asked, “Did I do something wrong?” His mother, Katrina Nelson laughed. The family is there, she explained, because a neighbor offered the use of a half-acre garden. She and her husband, Todd, plan to grow organic produce on it both for their use and eventually to take to a farmers’ market. A half hour later, the foraging wound down, the tables stripped to bare baskets. Fallahi then led the group in a convoy to the orchards and vineyards more than a mile away. He explained new cropping systems for apples that included slanted
At left, center photo, Parma collaboration: Mike Thornton, Parma Research and Extension superintendent, explains a potato growth study to President M. Duane Nellis and J.R. Simplot Co. Executive Committee members, Debbie S. McDonald, a member of the company’s board of directors, and Scott Simplot, chairman of the board. 13
trellises and a high density planting that packed together 1,500 new Aztec Fuji apple trees per acre. He took the group through an experimental tunnel system for producing table grapes. Fallahi’s research drew three grants in the past year that total $275,000 for his work with table grapes, apples, peaches and nectarines. Former Sen. Larry Craig said the grants reflect the need to help agriculture to diversify, and added “the goal is to develop new crops that are profitable enough to support a family on 200 or 300 acres.” As a land-grant university, the University of Idaho’s roots stretch back to its founding in 1889, but the vision that saw a higher education system to support agriculture began in 1862 with passage of the Morrill Act championed by President Abraham Lincoln. For Nellis, the June field day provided a chance to celebrate
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agriculture and history. “We’re very proud at the University of Idaho with our industry partnerships,” Nellis said. “A remarkable achievement surrounds us. “This facility very much represents the history of our land-grant system, universities dedicated to agriculture and the applied aspects of science and engineering to the benefit of the United States,” Nellis said. Hammel saw it as proof, too, of the long relationship between the college and agriculture, Idaho’s No. 1 industry. It is only natural, he said, that the J.R. Simplot Co., itself a major force in agriculture in Idaho and worldwide, would see the value of investing in Parma. “We’ve always had a good relationship with the Simplot Company. It has been supportive in funding research that meets its needs as well as the needs of
producers in the state,” Hammel said. The company’s support was critical in the building of the Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory dedicated in 2001 at Moscow. Simplot agronomy manager Terry Tindahl, who helped forge the research pact with the college, said the company's support for research is a key component of its business. “The foundation for our advances starts at the research centers.” “We have always looked for cooperative agreements with intelligent partners in developing better products and services as a leader in world agriculture,” Tindall said. “The Simplot Company depends very much on third-party, independent researchers like those at the University of Idaho to help support, direct and provide validation for its sciencebased agricultural research.”
Story and photograph by Bill Loftus
It’s A-maze-ing What’s more fun than a corn maze? That’s what students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences asked when confronted with possible fundraising efforts. They lined up some partners – the Lewiston Roundup Grounds and Kaufman Farms – and in June, planted the seeds for success. The nearly 11-acre corn maze was precisely planted, thanks to the GPS expertise of Professor Dev Shrestha, who designed a maze that offered more than 2.6 miles of paths. The corn maze was open on weekends during October, including Halloween. Clark Gill, a senior agribusiness major, was the student corn maze chairman. He organized more than 100 students from the
college to staff the corn maze, either handling tickets, running parking or helping out in the maze itself. During the first three weekends of October, more than 6,000 people visited the tall corn attraction. That added up to a nice profit for the students, who will use the proceeds to fund student clubs in the college. The students also showed great resiliency. A corn maze was planted last year, but a record cold spell in mid-September 2009 ended that maze before it could open to the public. Other partners in the 2010 corn maze are Primeland Cooperative, LM Sign Design, Blue Mountain Ag and Hillcrest Aircraft Co.
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2010
Year in Review
Community celebration honoring the 2009 Idaho Vandal football team.
January
February
March
~~A community celebration to honor the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl champion Idaho Vandal football team is held in Moscow.
~~The Alumni Association honors Dr. Roy and Frances Ellsworth ’83, Jim Dickinson ’77, ’81, Dolores L. Chapman ’61, and Tom ’59 and Diana Nicholson at the annual Silver and Gold Celebration in Boise.
~~Sharon Allen ’73 receives the University’s Legacy of Leading Award.
~~Legacy Pointe in the Idaho Water Center opens. ~~Clen ’66 and Emma ’68 Atchley donate 25,000 bushels of wheat to support the faculty excellence fund in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The wheat is sold by agricultural economics students to allow them to gain experience as agribusiness professionals. 16
~~Tom Alberg and Judi Beck pledge $400,500 to begin the Raven Scholars program to provide the necessary academic and social support to assist students with disabilities.
President M. Duane Nellis and Sharon Allen ’73
~~For the fourth year in a row, student efforts earned the University of Idaho a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. It is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
April
~~The College of Art and Architecture received approval to move to an integrated education delivery model, where the college has a singleunit management structure with a common studio culture, instead of the traditional model with multiple departments. The new configuration will create greater synergy among
faculty members and students that mirrors the evolving profession that centers on integrated disciplines. ~~The University of Idaho is one of the country’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review that ranked the University as one of the nation's top 286 green colleges.
~~Idaho Legislature approves SJR 101, the Idaho Tuition and Fees Amendment, to be placed on the November 2010 ballot. ~~Three national leaders in Native American law present diverse perspectives on “The United States and Tribal Nations: An Evolving Relationship Guided by Domestic and International Law” as part of the College of Law’s Bellwood Lecture. ~~Vandal football player Mike Iupati is a first-round NFL draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers.
Mike Iupati
~~The College of Natural Resources consolidates its five departments into three to allow the college to expand its efficiencies in how it structures and administers academic degree, research and outreach programs. 17
2010
May ~~The University of Idaho is named a finalist for the national C. Peter Magrath University/Community Engagement Award. The University is selected for its partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and its communities and is one of just five universities to be selected as a finalist. ~~A total of 1,518 University of Idaho students were recognized at four statewide commencement ceremonies. As of this spring, the total number of graduates from the University stands at just over 100,000; also, because graduates can earn multiple degrees, the University now will have awarded more than 107,000 degrees.
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Year in Review Daniel Frye ’79, Nancy Morris ’83 and Pete Cenarrusa ’40
~~The University’s Alumni Hall of Fame inducted three new members: Pete T. Cenarrusa of Boise, who was an Idaho elected official from 1950 until his retirement in 2003, and who remains the longest-serving elected state official in Idaho’s history; Daniel D. Frye of Portland, Ore., who is vice
president of open system development, which includes management of IBM’s Linux Technology Center; and Nancy Morris of New York, N.Y., who is executive vice president at Allianz Global Investors of America, where she serves as chief U.S. regulatory counsel, and previously served as U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission secretary.
June ~~The State Board of Education gives approval to a $6.7 privately funded project to make needed improvements to the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center.
July ~~The Micron Foundation provides a four-year, $1.2 million leadership gift to allow University researchers to identify the barriers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning. ~~The University and city of Moscow are connected more safely on the north side of campus as the new Stadium Drive extension officially opened. The project brings a well-defined entrance to the University on the north side of campus and offers greater safety for pedestrians crossing Highway 8 to and from campus. It also will allow for more efficient traffic control and traffic flow for large events on campus.
August ~~College of Law offers thirdyear law program in Boise.
The newly renovated Haddock Performance Hall.
September ~~David Gray Adler joins the University as director of the James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research. A political science professor at Idaho State University since 1985, Adler will now lead the University of Idaho in civic education and public dialogue regarding pressing issues in the state and nation.
~~Haddock Performance Hall in the Lionel Hampton School of Music Building is dedicated. ~~Construction cranes for the next phase of the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center life safety upgrade project are erected. Work on the Kibbie Dome will begin in December. ~~The University honors Professor Emeritus of Chemistry Malcolm Renfrew on his 100th birthday with the rededication of Renfrew Hall.
~~More than 80 percent of last year’s record freshman class is returning to the University of Idaho. The return rate is a contributing factor to the institution’s overall 3 percent statewide enrollment growth rate – 12,302 students – registered in the head count for fall 2010 semester. ~~The VandalStore opens on Idaho Street in downtown Boise and provides an outlet for Vandal Gear to southern Idaho alumni, fans and supporters.
October
November VandalStore in Boise grand opening
~~The Paradise Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project, which realigned the creek to its historic path through campus, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is completed. 19
2010-11 Skip and Bee Pierce Athletes in Science Scholarship recipients Alexander Brekke and Megan Lopez.
Stereotype Busters By Jeff Olson
Athletes Hooked on Science
Skip Pierce shook his head as he remembered the rigors of being a chemistry major at Idaho in the 1950s. “You know, I sometimes would have four or five labs in a week,” he recalled. “I was happy to have one day off because I even had a Saturday morning lab one semester, and labs lasted three or four hours.” Besides studying chemistry, Skip’s plans for college also included playing on the tennis team and playing in the band. Those plans lasted only a year. “When you’re a chemistry major, it gets a little busy,” Skip said. Several years ago, Skip and his wife, Bee, came up with a plan to support 20
a special group of high-achieving students at the University of Idaho. They incorporated their interests in Vandal Athletics and the College of Science to create the Skip and Bee Pierce Athletes in Science Scholarship. Since 2006, 10 scholarships have been awarded to student-athletes majoring in areas of study ranging from biology to geological sciences. “One of the rules is that the students have to make at least the same grade point I did,” said Skip. “I was told athletes in science aren’t going to do that. I said, ‘You want to bet?’”
The Recipients “Doing science with sport is not an easy thing,” said Efrat Leopold ’07, a former women’s tennis player who earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. “But I always knew that in order to have success on the court, I had to succeed in school.” Efrat was one of the first Pierce Scholarship recipients in 2006-07. “The scholarship meant a lot for me,” she said. “This scholarship increased my confidence in my academic abilities and therefore increased my motivation to study hard.”
Originally from Ra’anana, Israel, Efrat now is pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Tel Aviv. Between the demands of their sport and their studies, time becomes a precious commodity for student-athletes. But there are NCAA regulations in place to help keep things in balance. “In general, a student-athlete’s countable athletic-related activities are capped at four hours a day and 20 hours a week,” said John Wallace, associate athletic director for compliance and eligibility. Each student-athlete also must be given one day off each week, and they are expected to use it as a day off. Chemistry Professor Tom Bitterwolf has the academic perspective of the time demand on his students. “Classroom and study time for a typical chem major is probably 16-20 hours a week between lecture and lab classes, and then another 20-30 hours hitting the books to do homework, read papers and just keep their heads above water,” said Bitterwolf. “The students we have doing research will spend anywhere between nine to more than 20 additional hours a week in the lab. I've had a couple of kids who I had to chase out of the lab; otherwise they would have lived there.” For student-athletes in science, it all comes down to time management and a little bit of understanding. “It was really hard to manage my time between classes, labs, studying and playing basketball,” said Amy Eisses ’10, who received the Pierce Scholarship in 2008-09 while studying geological sciences. “My coaches were amazing and very understanding when I had field trips and labs that I just couldn't miss.” Some of her favorite memories are all the field trips she went on to Nevada, Montana and throughout Idaho. She’s now earning her master’s degree in geophysics at the University of Nevada, Reno. Football player Jayson Bird ’08 earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and received the Pierce scholarship in 2006-07. He now is in his second year of dental school at Creighton University at Omaha, Neb. “I am so thankful for the opportunity that I had to be a student-athlete,” said Bird. “The time management and teamwork skills I obtained while at the University of Idaho have truly prepared me for dental school and life in general.” The accomplishments of these high-achieving students bring distinction to the Athletic Department, the College of Science and the University. Their contributions in sports
are equal to their contributions in the classroom. Idaho student-athletes have a Western Athletic Conferenceleading graduation rate of 76 percent, and that tops the general student body graduation rate of 57 percent. Both those statistics contribute to Idaho leading the WAC in student body and student-athlete success rates. “The College of Science is very grateful to Skip and Bee for their generosity in establishing their scholarship, which greatly enhances the relationship between athletics and science,” said Scott Wood, dean of the College of Science. “Thanks to the Pierces, more students will be encouraged to follow the difficult but highly rewarding path of majoring in science and participating in competitive sports.” Those sentiments about Skip and Bee are echoed by Director of Athletics Rob Spear.
Athletes in Science Scholarship Recipients 2006-07 Jayson Bird - football, biology major, Shelley, Idaho Efrat Leopold - women’s tennis, biology major, Ra’anana, Israel 2007-08 Jayson Bird (see 2006-07) Anna Sandman - soccer, chemistry/pre-med major, Maple Valley, Wash. 2008-09 Amy Eisses - women’s basketball, geological sciences major, Anchorage, Alaska Katie Tribley - volleyball, biology and international studies major, Wenatchee, Wash. 2009-10 Eugenio Mannucci - men’s track and field, biology major, Viterbo, Italy Katie Tribley (see 2008-09) 2010-11 Alexander Brekke - men’s track and field, geological science and environmental science major, Bozeman, Mont. Megan Lopez - soccer, biology major, Oceanside, Calif. 21
“Their passion for the University of Idaho is unparalleled,” he said. “They have devoted a major portion of their lives and time bringing honor and recognition to the University. Time is one of life’s most valued commodities, and we are fortunate that Skip and Bee have dedicated a major portion to the Department of Athletics at the University of Idaho.”
More on Skip and Bee The Pierces have an impressive résumé when it comes to supporting the University of Idaho. They have provided their time and energy to support the College of Science, the Alumni Association, the former College of Letters and Science, the Vandal Scholarship Fund and the University of Idaho Foundation. And, two of their children, Melissa ’94 and Nathan ’98, are Idaho alumni. “We come as a pair,” said Skip. “That’s the way we got into helping the University of Idaho, i.e., through the Alumni Association, we did it together. That happened with the Foundation and the College of Science, too. I said we come as a pair.” While Bee earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Oregon State University, she got introduced to the Vandal experience even before she married Skip. “I traveled two years for my sorority as a traveling consultant,” said Bee. “Then my first year of teaching was in Moscow at Lena Whitmore School. I thought it was a grand place.” Meanwhile, Skip was earning his master’s degree in chemistry from the University of California – Berkeley through the Air Force’s prestigious 100 Man Program. He fulfilled his commitment to the Air Force by working in a chemistry laboratory as part of the research and development command. 22
Skip and Bee Pierce
He now is the retired partner and managing director of Treasure Valley Laboratory in Boise. “I had a chemistry instructor in high school who had worked as a chemist for Conoco Oil,” said Skip. “He was very influential, and I said chemistry is what I want to do. And that’s what I’ve done all my life.” For the Pierces, helping the University comes down to students. Currently, Bee helps the Alumni Association and student recruitment efforts by calling prospective students. “My first year I think I called 18 students and 14 came here,” recalled Bee. “That’s what fires me up now: recruitment. It’s fun to hear a student say, ‘I don’t know where to go to school,’ and I say: ‘Let me tell you about the University of Idaho.’ I think this is a great place to go to school.” The Pierces also open their home to the Vandal tennis teams when they compete in the Treasure Valley. “Skip and Bee’s support of both men’s and women’s tennis has been a very valuable part of Idaho tennis for many years,” said tennis coach Jeff
Beaman. “They also help organize people coming out to our matches in Boise. For our players and coaching staff, the matches in Boise feel like home matches with the number of alumni and Vandal tennis fans that come out to watch.” “The benefit for us is that we met all these wonderful young people,” said Bee. But “wonderful young people” can sometime be less than perfect house guests. “We had a boy from Sweden one year, and his mother and father were in the States to visit and they came to our house for a dinner,” said Bee. “The father was scolding his son, who was a freshman at the time, in Swedish. The son was told to make his bed, and do this and that. When the son was a senior and having his last visit to our house, I said to him, ‘Be sure to tell your dad that you learned all the things he told you to do about being a good house guest.’” At May commencement, the Pierces were presented with the President’s Medallion for their significant contributions to the University. It’s the latest among many awards and recognitions they’ve received for the remarkable amount of time, energy and resources they have provided the University. Why have they done it? “We have fun doing it,” said Skip. “And we have so many interests,” added Bee. “We love the music programs, we love the athletics, and we very much enjoy meeting the students. It’s easy to do it. We don’t think of it as much of an effort.” Efrat Leopold offered this perspective on the Pierce’s contributions to the University and its students. “Skip and Bee are amazing people,” she said. “They have very wide hearts.”
2010 Annual Report
Letter from the Foundation Chairman It really hit home for me as more than 1,000 University of Idaho students in their caps and gowns happily filed into the Dome on a beautiful May morning in Moscow. As chairman of the University of Idaho Foundation, Inc., I truly was honored to be a part of commencement – a ceremony so steeped in tradition and joy. As I looked out from the stage, I was amazed at the thousands of parents, grandparents, children, friends and family participating. President M. Duane Nellis spoke of the successes of the graduates and the University’s important land-grant mission; U.S. Olympic gold medal winner and Vandal alumna Kristin Armstrong mesmerized the graduates with her message of “do you HAVE to or do you GET to?”; the alma mater and fight song played; and the crowd celebrated their loved ones’ accomplishments. And then it was over … or was it? It’s not over; commencement is just the beginning. The University of Idaho now has more than 100,000 graduates. We are, and always will be, the University of Idaho family. That’s why we show our support. That’s why we volunteer. That’s why we give back to the University of Idaho through the University of Idaho Foundation, Inc. It’s a “Vandal thing.” It’s our legacy. This legacy – our “legacy of leading” – is demonstrated by the amazing commitment and
24
outstanding volunteer leadership of the University of Idaho Foundation, Inc. I would like to especially thank every member of the Board of Directors for providing their expertise to our organization and their commitment to meet throughout the year to handle the business of the Foundation. The Foundation is an important partner with the University of Idaho and its dynamic leader, President M. Duane Nellis. Our Board works on a regular basis with University leadership to ensure that the momentum continues to build. With the help of our University partners, gift revenues for this year exceeded expectations. Despite a challenging financial climate, we are celebrating success this fiscal year. The Foundation’s Consolidated Investment Trust achieved a return of 15 percent which placed us in the top 11 percent of a nationally recognized database of 150 colleges and universities. Above all, I want to thank each of you for your contributions to support our great land-grant University and to emphasize the importance of your continuing support. On behalf of the University of Idaho Foundation, Inc., I am pleased to share with you our 2010 Annual Report. Sincerely,
Frances Tovey Ellsworth ’83 Chairman University of Idaho Foundation, Inc.
2010 Annual Report
Financial Highlights
In other positive news, the C.I.T. achieved a total rate of return for FY10 of 15 percent. This placed the C.I.T. return in the top 11 percent of the Cambridge Associates College and University Endowment database. This nationally recognized database consists of 150 institutions with market values between $34 million and $6.7 billion. For the second year in a row, the Foundation made a strategic decision to pay out 4 percent of the endowment value in order to smooth the negative effects of the investment environment. The C.I.T.’s FY10 distribution to the University for scholarships and other initiatives was $6.8 million. Foundation gift revenues climbed from $16.7 million at June 30, 2009 to $18.2 million at June 30, 2010. Approximately 20 percent of the growth in the Foundation assets is the result of the exciting response from donors who have pledged their support to the Kibbie Dome Renovation and Expansion project. This project is one of the many University projects and programs that are supported by gifts each year – including academic programs, faculty development and research, theater and music programs, athletics competitions, scholarships and other student opportunities.
Distributions Real Property and Buildings
$30.00
Current Use Endowment Distributions
$25.00 15.8 16.2 $20.00 Total Assets In Millions
The greatest percentage of growth in Foundation assets can be attributed to an increase in the market values of its investments, especially those investments held by its pooled endowment fund, the Consolidated Investment Trust (C.I.T.). The C.I.T.’s assets grew from $156.7 to $175.3 million and accounted for 83 percent of the Foundation’s total assets at June 30.
DistributionsUniversity of Idaho Foundation, Inc.
15.5 1.0
1.5 0.9
$15.00
2.5 1.7
7.8
2.3 1.4 0.3
$10.00 6.5
5.1
4.4
5.2
5.4
7.4
5.0
5.0
5.8
6.7
4.6
6.9
7.7
$5.00 5.3
8.1
8.2
7.3
7.8
6.8
$0.00 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Total Assets University of Idaho Foundation, Inc. Total Assets Other Restricted and Unrestricted Assets
C.I.T. Total Assets
$250.00 210.3
33.0 47.8 $200.00
29.0 35.0
46.3 51.2 62.9
Total Assets In Millions
The Foundation ended fiscal year 2010 (FY10) with a number of positive financial indicators and areas of growth. Foremost was the increase in the total assets held by the Foundation to $210.3 million. The Foundation is hopeful that this upturn means that economic conditions will continue to improve and that this points to an upward trend for both fundraising and the investment environment.
62.3
27.7
57.2
$150.00
202.3
$100.00 168.3
187.6
179.8
131.1
134.0
175.3 156.7
153.7 137.3
$50.00
$0.00 2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
As of June 30
25
Financial Highlights (Condensed Statements)
Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Assets
Net Assets ASSETS
2010
2009
$23,692,355
$17,009,291
625,122
693,017
6,716,100
2,732,376
174,912,118
159,554,488
594,895
654,311
3,481,497
3,607,701
Other assets
309,980
193,356
Total Assets
$210,332,067
$184,444,540
Cash and cash equivalents Accrued interest and other receivables Pledges receivable, net Investments Notes receivable Real estate holdings
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
2010
2009
LIABILITIES Accounts payable Liability for split interest trusts Trust earnings payable to trust beneficiaries Funds held in trust for University of Idaho Total Liabilities
$18,156,092
$16,674,827
Investment Income
7,606,675
9,265,193
Change in fair value of investments
19,069,365
(37,208,454)
(541,524)
1,976,562
95,592
211,342
Total Operating Revenues
$44,386,200
($9,080,530)
OPERATING EXPENSES
2010
2009
$6,829,153
$7,329,504
8,715,015
9,686,388
658,649
548,866
Administrative expense
1,860,247
2,527,796
5,437,879
(14,650,448)
437,027
439,482
Total Operating Expenses
23,937,970
5,881,588
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
20,448,230
(14,962,118)
NET ASSETS Beginning of Year
108,924,187
123,886,305
$129,372,417
$108,924,187
Gifts
Change in split interest trusts Other
Distribution of endowment income to trust beneficiaries Distribution to University and affiliates Distribution of trust income to life income beneficiaries
6,228,194
5,588,828
Change in value of funds held in trust for the University of Idaho
6,829,153
7,329,504
Other
67,829,850
62,391,971
80,959,650
75,520,353
95,272,890
82,181,263
Restricted - expendable
29,719,205
23,534,496
4,380,322
3,208,428
129,372,417
108,924,187
$210,332,067
$184,444,540
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
2009
$210,050
Restricted - nonexpendable
Total Net Assets
2010
$72,453
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted
OPERATING REVENUES
NET ASSETS END OF YEAR
statements of revenue, expenditures and changes in net assets and do not include statements of cash flows or the footnote disclosures. Second, the Foundation presented condensed information which consolidates current and non-current assets and liabilities.
The Foundation’s condensed financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are presented in this section.
The Foundation’s financial statements undergo an annual audit, which is conducted by EideBailly LLP. They audited the financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, which are presented in conformity with GAAP, and they expressed an unqualified opinion on these financial statements. A copy of EideBailly’s audit report dated September 17, 2010, is available upon request or may be viewed on the Foundation’s website.
To present a picture of the fiscal year activities, the Foundation has provided condensed financial statement information that departs from generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in two ways. First, the accompanying condensed financial statements include only summarized statements of net assets and
Additional information about the Foundation can be found in the 2008 annual information return, Form 990, which is available in its offices or may be viewed on the website. The 2009 annual information return will be available on the website after it is filed in late spring 2011.
26 26
2010 Annual Report
New Endowments The Foundation appreciates the generous donors who established and funded the following new endowments during FY10. Endowments are invested and managed in perpetuity, and endowment earnings are distributed to the University of Idaho annually for the uses and purposes established by the donors.
Thank you all for your generosity. Although every gift is important, the large number of donors precludes us from listing all names in a publication. We are grateful for the support of so many who have invested and continue to invest in students, faculty, programs and facilities at the University of Idaho. Your gifts make the difference between good and great. Visit us online to see the FY2010 donor roll of $100 gifts and above at www.uidaho.edu/givetoidaho.
Adjudicated Student Performance Endowment
Al (Fab) Grey Trombone Scholarship Endowment
Eduardo Alvarez Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Ernest Hemingway Fellowship Endowment
Clen and Emma Atchley Potato Research Endowment
John and Marty Mundt Agricultural Education Scholarship Endowment
Atchley Family Scholarship Endowment
Cmdr. Philip Murphy-Sweet Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Endowed Chair
Ruth Johannesen Shane Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Crowley Family Education Scholarship Endowment
Mildred Allene Skelton Smyser Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Ann McCleary DeWitt Memorial Accounting Scholarship Endowment
Donna K. Smith Student Award Endowment
Margaret and Lawrence Duclos Scholarship Endowment
Soulen Family Athletic Scholarship Endowment
Dixie and Allen Dykman Scholarship Endowment
Carol F. Stewart Education Scholarship Endowment
Mark and Laurie Engberg Scholarship Endowment
Richard B. Stewart Thermal Science Scholarship Endowment
Facility Maintenance Endowment - Auxiliaries
Ernie Wales/Forest Clinic Foundation Scholarship Endowment
Facility Maintenance Endowment - General Education Endowment Gift Purposes
FY10
Percent
$3,047,366
60.6%
1,200,832
23.8%
Faculty and Staff Support
266,550
5.3%
Outreach, Extension and Research
359,453
7.1%
Other
162,300
3.2%
Total
$5,036,501
100.0%
Student Scholarships Academic Department and Program Support
27
Giving Highlights Total of cash, pledges and deferred giving Giving Highlights reflect all sources of private support in accordance with guidelines established by CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education). These guidelines allow for counting certain private support that may not be included in the financial statement presentation.
Total Gifts Private Grants Total Support of Education Number of Donors
FY10
Percent
$21,682,135
81%
5,130,226
19%
$26,812,361
100.0%
10,711
Who Gave? Alumni
$12,031,661
55.5%
Corporations, Foundations and Organizations
6,427,346
29.6%
Friends and Parents
2,363,360
10.9%
859,768
4.0%
$21,682,135
100.0%
Planned Gifts and Realized Bequests
$2,192,178
10.1%
Outright Gifts
7,620,284
35.2%
10,885,627
50.2%
Gifts-in-Kind
307,766
1.4%
Company Matching Gifts
218,880
1.0%
Marketable Securities
457,400
2.1%
$21,682,135
100.0%
$5,036,501
23.2%
Current Operations
9,148,028
42.2%
Capital Improvements
6,265,985
28.9%
1,231,621
5.7%
$21,682,135
100.0%
Faculty and Staff Total How did they Give?
Pledges
Total How were the Gifts Used? Endowments
Annual Scholarships Total
28
2010 Annual Report
FOUNDATION FACTS History The University of Idaho Foundation, Inc. was established in 1970 to attract private financial support to aid in the achievement of institutional goals and to manage assets for the benefit of the University of Idaho. A separate legal entity from the University, the Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation receives, records, invests and disburses funds resulting from private contributions to the University for purposes including, but not limited to, student scholarships, faculty support, academic and athletic programs, and building construction and improvements.
Leadership A Board of Directors comprised of up to 25 voting members governs and conducts the business of the Foundation, meeting at least four times in each fiscal year. Selected for their professional expertise and support of the University, board members are private citizens who volunteer their time to the Foundation. Members serve as advocates for the University and assist the University with fundraising. The Board of Directors is accountable to donors to ensure that their gifts are invested wisely and disbursed in accordance with the donors’ wishes.
The officers of the Foundation are chairman, vice chairman, treasurer, secretary, and past chairman. Committees include: the Executive Committee, Committee on Directors, Operations and Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Audit Committee, Gift Acceptance Committee, and other committees appointed by the chairman as necessary to carry out the business of the Foundation. The executive director manages the operations and professional staff of the Foundation.
Funding Foundation activities are funded by: »» short-term interest earned on gifts before they are transferred to the University to be used for the purposes designated by the donors; »» assessment of one percent (1%) on gifts for endowments and three percent (3%) on gifts for non-endowed uses (e.g., operating accounts, building funds, outright scholarships); »» assessment of 50 basis points (0.50%) on qualified endowments (calculated annually on fair market value); »» earnings on Foundation unrestricted endowments.
29
Board of Directors OFFICERS
DIRECTORS*
Chairman Frances Tovey Ellsworth ’83
Tom A. Alberg
Peggy Jo Jones ’74
J. Robert Alexander ’62, ’64
Daniel L. Alsaker ’72
Lawrence L. Knight ’56
Emma Atchley ’68
Vice Chairman Jeffry Stoddard ’75, ’76
Carl G. Berry ’62
Kirstin Larson ’92
Carl G. Berry ’61
Treasurer Bryan S. Norby ’79
Greg S. Casey ’77
Dayaldas T. Meshri ’68
Dolores Chapman ’61
Carl Dyess ’67
Laine Meyer ’72
James V. Hawkins ’58, HON ’96
Keli Ann Elledge ’89
Patrick Mitchell ’75
Stanley E. Johnson ’62, ’63
Frances T. Ellsworth ’83
Bryan S. Norby ’79
J. Patrick McMurray ’70
J. Dennis Faucher ’60, ’62
Thomas Reveley ’59
Gary G. Michael ’62, HON ’03
William G. Gilbert, Jr. ’97
Jeffry Stoddard ’75, ’76
Mahlon “Lonnie” Park ’58
Karen Gowland ’81, ’84
Michael W. Sullivan ’83
Leonard “Bud” N. Purdy HON ’78
Past Chairman William G. Gilbert, Jr. ’97 Executive Director Nancy C. McDaniel ’73
Timothy Greene ’61 Mark Hedge ’85
EMERITUS DIRECTORS
*As of end of fiscal year 2010
Mack A. Redford ’61, ’67 Malcolm M. Renfrew ’32, ’34, HON ’76 Keith T. Riffle ’62, ’63 Carolyn Terteling-Payne ’59 Robert K. Woodhead ’46 HON ’80
CONTACT INFORMATION UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO FOUNDATION, INC. STAFF Boise 714 West State Street, Suite 240 Boise, ID 83702
Moscow P.O. Box 443143 Moscow, ID 83844-3143
Nancy C. McDaniel ’73 Executive Director nmcdan@uidaho.edu (208) 364-4065
Joy S. Fisher ’81 Director of Finance joyfish@uidaho.edu (208) 885-4000
Vickie Burnet ’75 Administrative Assistant vburnet@uidaho.edu (208) 364-4014
Candis Glassey Assistant Director, Finance cglassey@uidaho.edu (208) 885-4601 Kathy Finn Financial Specialist kfinn@uidaho.edu (208) 885-5400
30
Alumni Class Notes
1960s Ronald W. Iverson ’64 has been named to the TTM Technologies, Inc. board of directors and serves on the Government Security Committee.
Dean Katherine Aiken ’73, College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences and Steve Johnson, Alumni Relations executive director.
I Want to Shake Your Hand When I became director of the Office of Alumni Relations, one of my goals was to shake the hand of all of you. It’s been a wonderful challenge. This issue, I want to highlight the dean of our College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, Katherine G. Aiken ’73. Dean Aiken personifies the University’s legacy of leading. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history at Idaho, and her career path has brought her to the top leadership position in the college from which she earned that degree. Since 2006, Dean Aiken has led the University’s largest and most diverse college with nearly 4,000 students and more than 30 a cademic programs. Dean Aiken has the ability to instill an enthusiasm and passion for history in her students – sometimes in the most untraditional of ways. She has taught courses where baseball and superhero comic books help teach U.S. history. Comic books, you ask? Dean Aiken points out that the first Captain America comic book in 1941 showed the superhero punching Adolf Hitler in the face. She also uses Wonder Woman and Spider-Man comics as examples of how popular culture mirrors developments in the wider American society. She has written numerous articles and books on Gracie Pfost, Idaho’s first woman member of the Congress; environmental history; 20th century Idaho history; and the Coeur d’Alene mining district. Dean Aiken will receive the 2011 Women Making History Award.
Steven C. Johnson ’71 Executive Director of Alumni Relations
William V. McCann Jr. ’66, ’69, a Lewiston attorney, has been appointed to the new board that will oversee management of the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport. Dave Triplett ’66, ’69 was named to the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame.
1970s Gen. James Amos ’70 has been confirmed as the 35th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. Bill Clouser ’70 has been named interim dean of academic programs for Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. He has been a professor of social science for LCSC since 1985 and Social Sciences Division chair since 2007. Howard Crosby ’74 has been appointed to the board of directors and named president of Senetek PLC. He currently is the chairman of Plasmet Corp., a private, green energy company. Harold Gibson Jr. ’74, ’75 has accepted the position of managing director, Business Service Center of WilmerHale in Dayton, Ohio. David Neumann ’75, ’94 retired as superintendent of Genesee School District in Genesee. He now serves as the
northern Idaho district liaison for the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence. James Creighton Guy Jr. ’77 has been promoted to account executive at Catapult 3, Inc. Elizabeth Kellogg ’77, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Botanical Studies at the University of MissouriSt. Louis, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences of Argentina. F. Thomas Cordell Jr. ’79 has been elected president of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, an international organization founded in 1936 to further the principles of knowledge, justice and fellowship in connection with professionals involved with the defense of civil litigation. Robyn Darbyshire ’79 has been promoted with the U.S. Forest Service to forest silviculturist on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in Baker City, Ore. John Hengesh ’79 has been appointed to serve as interim director of the Whitworth University Graduate Studies in Business Program. Ronald Fisher Turco ’79, ’80 is a professor of agronomy and director of the Purdue Environmental Sciences and Engineering Institute at Purdue University.
1980s Nik Rahimah Nik Yacob ’80 has been appointed vice chancellor of Masterskill University College of Health Sciences. She is the first female vice chancellor in the private higher education sector.
31 Alumni class notes 31
Alumni Class Notes
Monte Bruhn ’81 and his wife have invited three “Wounded Warriors” to come to Idaho this fall on two separate “pack in” deer and elk hunts. The three guests are all veterans and were combat injured. They are members of Link-Up.org, a nonprofit organization that connects veterans with donors who are willing to share their outdoor activities (www.thelinkup.org). More than $4,500 was raised to cover airfare, gear and hunting licenses and tags. Jeffrey L. Buhr ’81 has been promoted to senior vice president and chief credit officer for First Source Bank in South Bend, Ind. Albert Clough ’81 has been appointed to the Alaska Redistricting Board. Clough is a lifelong Alaskan and a commercial pilot for Wings of Alaska in Juneau. Denise J. Blevins ’83, resource family development specialist for Latah County Youth Services, has been recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of family development services. She also was recognized as “Line Worker of the Year” by the Idaho Juvenile Justice Association in September 2009. She was named “Professional of the Year” by Cambridge Publishing for 2009-10 and was inducted into the registry as a VIP member in 2008. Thomas Holm ’83 has been promoted to full professor at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. He directs the A cappella Choir and Heritage Singers chamber choir while teaching courses in music history, conducting, exploring music and vocal diction.
32 idaho fall 2010
Kwang Seop Jung ’83 has been appointed president, chief executive officer and a director of Power Air Corporation. Thomas Mancuso ’83 has been appointed vice president of project development for Teras Resources Inc. He currently is the director, vice president of corporate development with Consolidated Goldfields Corporation. Patty Miller ’83 is the 2010 recipient of the Idaho Humanities Council Outstanding Achievement in the Humanities Award for her role as the executive director of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center in Boise where she has worked since 1993. Harold Rosen ’83 lives near Vancouver, B.C., Canada, and serves as a community interfaith educator – designing and teaching courses. He also has written a book titled “Founders of Faith: The Parallel Lives of God’s Messengers” that examines the backgrounds, missions, teachings and legacies of Moses, Zoroaster, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and Baha’u’llah and finds the patterns that link these founders of world religions. Chris Anton ’84 has joined ClearRock Capital, LLC in their new Boise office. He will serve as portfolio manager. His duties include growing the firm’s client base in Boise as well as attracting advisers to the new office. Fred Dohse ’84 has been appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in Aiken, S.C.
Terry K. Eller ’84 has joined Granite Construction Incorporated as deputy general counsel. In her role, Eller is responsible for the general management of Granite’s legal department and will participate in securities, corporate and board governance matters.
at Montana Tech in the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
Fred Lang ’84 was elected to the grade of Fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). The attainment of Fellow recognizes his exceptional engineering achievements.
Afshin Mofid ’89 has opened Mofid Clinic of Chiropractic in Boise. As a former star of the New York City Ballet, he has used his knowledge of dance to develop a wellness program for Ballet Idaho dancers. He provides massages and consultations, attends to the dancers during performances and gives lectures on nutrition and injury prevention.
Mike Meehan ’86, ’88, owner of Moscow-based Biketronics Inc., plans to create a nonprofit, known as the Idaho Fab Lab, which he hopes will spark a do-ityourself wave of activity in north central Idaho and contribute to the creation of a new generation of small, dynamic manufacturing companies in the state. The lab will offer safety training; classes from local entrepreneurs, inventors and professors; and lots of space and time for testing and experimentation. Tim Sandford ’86, ’04, band and orchestra teacher at Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene, was named High School Educator of the Year. Throughout his career in Coeur d’Alene, he has led the high school band and orchestra programs to earn numerous honors and awards. Corby G. Anderson ’88 has received the Milton E. Wadsworth Extractive Metallurgy Award “in recognition of his notable contributions in hydrometallurgical research and in his role as director of the Center for Advanced Mineral and Metallurgical Processing (CAMP).” Anderson is a full research professor
John Kennedy ’89 has been named deputy director for internal operations for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Grant Spencer ’89, ’91 has been appointed vice president of product creation, a new position that will oversee engineering, product and project management for Oncology Information Systems.
1990s Monica Langfeldt ’91 has joined Ogden Murphy Wallace, PLLC, a multi-specialty law firm with offices in Seattle and Wenatchee, as a member of the firm’s business practice group. Teri Hamilton ’92, physical education teacher at Skyway Elementary in Coeur d’Alene, was named Elementary Educator of the Year and was honored again as the Coeur d’Alene School District’s Educator of the Year. Hamilton will represent the district in the state of Idaho’s Teacher of the Year competition. Chris William Rullman ’92 has accepted the position of vice president of employee
To be profiled, mail information, including graduation year, to Annis Shea, Alumni Office, P.O. Box 443232, Moscow, ID 83844-3232 or e-mail information to alumni@uidaho.edu. Photos can be e-mailed in a .jpg format.
engagement for the West Division of Comcast. Chris will be responsible for developing positive workplace practices and leveraging employee capability to improve the customer experience for 20,000 employees. Chris most recently served as the vice president of human resources for the Oregon and southwestern Washington region. In addition to his degree from the University of Idaho, Chris holds an MBA from George Fox University. Dwayne Bershaw ’93 has been appointed associate director of the Southern Oregon Wine Institute and enology instructor for Umpqua Community College. Bershaw received his master’s degree in viticulture and enology from the University of California Davis in June 2010. Elena Robisch ’93 has been named the southeast regional geospatial support program manager for the National Park Service in Atlanta, Ga. Since leaving the University of Idaho, Elena worked at Death Valley National Monument (now park) as a wildlife technician, and eventually moved into the geographic information systems career path. She also worked at Joshua Tree National Park and was the GIS coordinator at Zion National Park, which included managing GIS data for Pipe Spring and Cedar Breaks National Monuments. She also has worked for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Bureau of Land Management, the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Brent Stucker ’93, professor and Clark Chair of computer-aided engineering in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Ky., has received the
2010 Robert J. Painter Award from ASTM International and the Standards Engineering Society. The award is presented annually to individuals who contribute the most outstanding service to standards development in a given year. Stucker was recognized for his exceptional work in advancing standardization efforts in the field of additive manufacturing. Doug Nussmeier ’94 was named to the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame. Mary “Molly” O’Leary ’94 is a new member of the Idaho State Bar Board of Commissioners. She is a managing member of the law office Richardson & O’Leary PLLC, where she focuses on counseling small-business owners and telecommunications clients. Kristin Armstrong ’95 was named to the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame. Matt Bona ’95 is the new principal for Sharpstein Elementary in Walla Walla, Wash. Christopher Patano ’95 has opened Patano + Hafermann Architects office in Coeur d’Alene. Laura Koontz Buno ’97 has completed her administrative credentials and is an assistant principal at Image and Sunset Schools in the Evergreen School District at Vancouver, Wash. Wendi Wisdom Drake ’97 is the new regional vice president for Robert Half International in Seattle, Wash. Danika Severe ’97 has joined Critical Care Systems Home Infusion as the clinical nurse manager.
2010-11 Alumni Association
Awards and Recognition Alumni Hall of Fame
Alumni who have achieved national or international distinction by their accomplishments and leadership. Richard N. Loeppky ’59, ’63 Mukilteo, Wash. Wayne Solomon ’56 Champaign, Ill. Gary Stubblefield ’69 Missoula, Mont. 2011 Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are May 13-14 in Moscow.
Silver and Gold Award
A distinguished record of achievement and/or service in their specialized area of endeavor, thus bringing honor and recognition to the University. James Asaph ’58 Portland, Ore.
Flip Kleffner ’55 Moscow
Earl Bennett ’73 Genesee
Jody Olson ’69 Boise
Charley Jones ’74 Boise
Jim Lyle Award
Long-term dedication and service to the University and/or Alumni Association through volunteerism. Melanie Call ’83 Westlake Village, Calif. Debbie Hetherington ’74 Twin Falls Jon Kimberling ’78 Moscow Konni Leichner ’73 Hayden August 1 is the deadline for submission of 2011-12 alumni award nomination materials to the Alumni Office. For information or to nominate someone for an Alumni Association Award, contact the University of Idaho Alumni Office at (208) 885-6154 or alumni@idahovandals.com.
Alumni class notes 33
Alumni Class Notes
Jeremy L. Anderson ’98, ’00 is the planning wildlife biologist at the Supervisor’s Office of the Kootenai National Forest in Libby, Mont.
professor of art and graphic design at the University of South Carolina Upstate, traveled to Switzerland to install the exhibit and lecture at the opening.
Jerry (Jey) Dean Buno III ’98 has been promoted to assistant director of special services in the Evergreen School District at Vancouver, Wash.
James Bowen ’00, ’08 heard a woman screaming for help as flood waters surrounded and started to submerge her car during the floods in Ames, Iowa in August. James then dove into the water, and using both his arms and legs to push on the car, he was able to open the door and save the woman inside. A short time later, just the top of the car’s roof and trunk were visible above the water. James is a graduate student in physics at Iowa State University.
Tim French ‘99 works as a public defender for Bonneville County. French is part of a staff of six full-time lawyers and four support staff members. On average, the office handles about 60 felony cases and 150 misdemeanor cases each month. Michael Matheny ’99 has been named director of Columbia CollegeGuantanamo Bay. Matheny will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the campus, including class scheduling and student and faculty recruitment and retention. Michelle Williams ’99, science teacher at Canfield Middle School in Coeur d’Alene, was named Middle School Educator of the Year. Earlier this year, she received the North Idaho Discovery Association robotics grant to start Canfield’s first Lego League team.
2000s Lisa Anderson ’00 had her work, “Occurrences: an examination of phenomena in nature,” selected for exhibition at Le Jardin Botanique on the campus of the University of Fribourg at Fribourd, Switzerland. Anderson, who is an associate
34 idaho fall 2010
Alli Nieman ’00 was named to the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame. Fred Balcom ’01 has been appointed director of the Special Education Division for the California Department of Education. Kendra Koontz Bizeau ’01 completed her master’s degree in elementary education with reading specialist certification. Luke Bizeau ’01 is an electrical engineer with Bonneville Power.
Andy Koontz ’01 and his wife, Jody Podrabsky Koontz ’01, will be accepting an assignment with the Army at the Battle Command Training Program in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Koontz has received two bronze stars, two meritorious service medals, the combat action badge and is a
member of the Order of St. George (Armor) and the Order of St. Maurice (Infantry). Jody Koontz has received the Shield of Sparta (heroine of the Infantry) and the Order of St. Joan (Armor) for her efforts as the family readiness coordinator during Andy’s second tour in Iraq. Andy and Jody have three sons. Mahmood Sheikh ’01, ’07 has been selected as the new deputy executive director of the Idaho State Bar. Kimberly Hahn ’02 works as a public defender for Bonneville County. Hahn is part of a staff of six full-time lawyers and four support staff members. On average, the office handles about 60 felony cases and 150 misdemeanor cases each month. Leif Elgethun ’04 is a board member of the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley in Boise and a board member of the Idaho Chapter of the U.S. Breen Building Chapter. He also started a new business, E-Newables, LLC, a renewable energy and energy efficiency consulting business. Sara Sakis VanTassel ’04 is a program manager for Janicki Industries of SedroWoolley, Wash. Janicki Industries is a contractor to the aerospace, military, energy and transportation industries that specializes in composite structures. Sheri Wardwell ’04 received a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in June. Kyle Cox ’05 has been chosen interim director of the Mid-Columbia Libraries, a 12-branch library system. Aaron Gfeller ’05, ’07 is a project manager for Janicki
Industries of Sedro-Woolley, Wash. Janicki Industries is a contractor to the aerospace, military, energy and transportation industries that specializes in composite structures. Stephen Johnson ’05 received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of Toledo (Ohio) College of Medicine. His residency in internal medicine will take place at Virginia Mason Medical Center and in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Washington School of Medicine, both in Seattle. Matt Robson ’05, ’07 is a project manager for Janicki Industries of Sedro-Woolley, Wash. Janicki Industries is a contractor to the aerospace, military, energy and transportation industries that specializes in composite structures. Mandy Rockwell ’05 is the district wildlife biologist at the Three Rivers Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest in Troy, Mont. Hilerie Scott ’05 relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she is a development specialist at the University of Utah College of Fine Arts. Jessica Sprute ’05 works for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture as a program specialist for warehouse control. Chad Cruickshank ’06 has received his master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa. Ty Popplewell ’06 has been hired as the operations accountant for Clear Springs Foods, Inc. in Buhl.
To be profiled, mail information, including graduation year, to Annis Shea, Alumni Office, P.O. Box 443232, Moscow, ID 83844-3232 or e-mail information to alumni@uidaho.edu. Photos can be e-mailed in a .jpg format.
Tye Reid ’06, ’07 is a project manager for Janicki Industries of Sedro-Woolley, Wash. Janicki Industries is a contractor to the aerospace, military, energy and transportation industries that specializes in composite structures. David Aiken ’07 has been hired as superintendent of the Lapwai School District. Evan Kooda ’07, Garrett Manfull ’07, Nick Mendenhall ’07 and Matt Soden ’07 are process engineers for Janicki Industries of Sedro-Woolley, Wash. Janicki Industries is a contractor to the aerospace, military, energy and transportation industries that specializes in composite structures.
Bridget Pitman ’07 and Evan Pitman ’04 climbed Mt. Rainier and submitted this photo showing their Vandal Pride at the top. Darren Wilson ’07 is the hazmat/environmental compliance officer for Janicki Industries of Sedro-Woolley, Wash. Eric Q. Billings ’08 has relocated to Moscow to become program manager of the Call-A-Coug Telephone Outreach Program at Washington State University. He was previously program manager at the Fresno State Telephone Outreach Program. Elizabeth Braun ’08 has published a book titled “Tampico’s Gold” that delivers a literary tale in the form of a poetic diary.
Michelle Jeitler ’08 is an instructor at Marietta College in the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. Erika Danae Kinzer ’08 is a member of the Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine class of 2012. Nicole Bulcher ’09 was named to the 2010-11 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team. Matt Racine ’09 is a graduate student at the University of Colorado at Boulder. In addition to his studies, he will conduct research in integrative physiology. Zachary Benson ’10 has been hired as a staff accountant with Moss Adams LLP in the Bellingham, Wash. office. Mitchell A. Bliss ’10 has been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He will be assigned to the 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division serving in South Korea.
Join us in Boise. You are cordially invited to attend a University of Idaho Alumni Association Silver and Gold Award Reception to recognize
Charley Jones ’74 Boise
Jody Olson ’69 Boise
Silver and Gold Award recipients. They will be recognized “for a distinguished record of achievement and service.” Thursday, January 27, 2011 6-8 p.m. Boise location to be announced RSVP by January 21 www.uidaho.edu/alumni Phone: (208) 364-4030
Moms’ Weekend 2011
April 15-17, 2011 An exciting and fun weekend…Information online in early 2011 www.uidaho.edu/ momsweekend
Alumni class notes 35
Alumni Class Notes
Evelina Arevalos ’05 to Jesse Martinez ’04, ’10 Ashlee Blancarte ’10 to Cody Hill ’10 Mandy Boyd ’05 to Dan Winans ’02 Nancy Campos ’07 to Saul Manrique ’07 Erin Marie Darnell ’08 to Anthony James Wallner ’07
Future Vandals
Marriages
Marie Fabricius ’09 to Shane Nelson Duncan ’07
Allen
Badraun
Bizeau
Brotnov
Buno
Cann
Feller
Gilmour
Harris
Heyer
Jayo
Law
Martell
Kristine Hagen ’01 to Dennis Sarles Crystal Hernandez ’09 to Travis Zmak ’08 Julie King ’99, ’10 to Robert J. Jaeger
Caudillo
Elizabeth Leona Ledington ’06 to Kirk William Currey Jr. Courtney Morgan ’04 to Jonathan Rush ’08 Kristin Pecka ’04 to Timothy Reichstein ’06 Phyllis Rivera to Mark Eberhard ’02
Hults
Heather Danelle Shown ’09, ’10 to Bryan Richard Porter ’10 Jessica Silva ’08 to Hank Petersen ’07 K’Lynn Sloan to Zachary Harris ’07
Papineau
Reyes
Rounds
Simpson
Voss
Wing
Wolf
Woodard
Kalin Tande ’09 to Nicholas Anderson ’09 Wendi Wisdom ’97 to John Drake ’96
36 idaho fall 2010
To be profiled, mail information, including graduation year, to Annis Shea, Alumni Office, P.O. Box 443232, Moscow, ID 83844-3232 or e-mail information to alumni@uidaho.edu. Photos can be e-mailed in a .jpg format.
Delaney and big brother, Mason, children of William ’04 and Molly Wassard ’04 Allen
Carson Robert and Weston Rex, twin sons of Billy ’04 and Alyson Bookey ’04 Heyer
Reece Katherine and Grayson Mae, daughters of Justin ’94 and Tracy Ballard ’94 Badraun
Bentlee Patricia, daughter of Rob ’01 and Riley Jones ’00 Holtz
Harper Jean, Sydney Louise (twin girls) and Levi Elwood, children of Luke ’01 and Kendra Koontz ’01 Bizeau
Rylie LaRae, Brynna Alexis and Kyndal Nicole, daughters of David ’99 and Nicole Hults
Jayden Thomas, son of Andrew ’07 and Markita Williams ’09 Brammer Amara, Jalen, Johnson and Jonah, children of Jons and Amber Stonecipher ’95 Brotnov, grandchildren of Dwight ’74 and Penny Stonecipher, and niece and nephews of Lindsay Benedict ’05 and Mike Dawson ’05 Breann, Emma and Jerry Dean (Jeydan), children of Jerry ’98 and Laura Koontz ’97 Buno Addison Marie, daughter of Eli ’08 and Jessica Henrichs ’07 Cann, niece of Randy ’00 and Amanda Henrichs ’00 Werth, granddaughter of Leon ’74 and Judy Acock ’74 Henrichs, great-granddaughter of Robert Acock ’50 Owen David, son of Ryan ’02 and Holly Jericoff ’05 Caudillo, grandson of Professor Emeritus Jess Caudillo Lucas Brian, son of Brian ’07, ’08 and Tiana Hurst ’07, ’08 Feller Elliot Delaney, daughter of Nick ’04 and Tiffiny Mackey ’03 Fisher Wyatt, son of Jon and Nicole Ramey ’06 Gilmour, grandson of Fred ’71, ’74 and Jennifer ’71, ’77 Ramey and great-grandson of William T. Wood ’34 Ryan Aloys, son of Daniel and Mari Robinson ’06 Harris
In Memory 1920s Rose Friedman Schotzko ’22, Lewiston, Dec. 2, 2009
1930s
Phyllis Coon Daw ’48, Portland, Ore., May 28, 2010 Paul I. Epperson ’47, Stockton, Calif., June 6, 2010 Frank Evans ’41, Sandpoint, June 22, 2010 Wayne A. Fuller ’49, Sacramento, Calif., April 24, 2010
Elizabeth Hummer Allen ’32, Peterborough, N.H., Aug. 4, 2009
Glenn F. Galbraith ’42, Wellpinit, Wash., May 10, 2010
Donald D. Benedict ’38, Lewiston, May 18, 2010
LaMar E. Garrard ’49, Provo, Utah, July 16, 2010
AJ Conrad, Blaze Henry (twin boys) and Oakley, sons of Andy ’01 and Jody Podrabsky ’01 Koontz
Maurina Aldecoa Bowles ’35, Boise, June 12, 2010
Willis D. Garrard ’42, Salt Lake City, Utah, Oct. 5, 2009
Lela Coffin Braun ’39, Boise, Aug. 12, 2010
Lola Jackson Gentry ’45, Seattle, Wash., July 1, 2010
Kaitlyn Rae, daughter of Marshall ’97 and Amanda Law
Chester Dissmore ’38, Pullman, Wash., Aug. 9, 2010
Luis Gorrono ’49, Emmett, July 27, 2010
Hadliegh Jean and Svenn, children of Chad ’09 and Natasha Martell
Nina J. Fink ’36, Somers, N.Y., Dec. 17, 2009
Dushan Grkovic ’47, Richmond, Va., July 2, 2010
Dwight N. Jeffers ’39, Tacoma, Wash., April 28, 2010
Goldie Manning Groseclose ’40, Moscow, June 17, 2010
Robert L. Strawn ’37, Boise, May 25, 2010
Max L. Hudson ’42, Vancouver, Wash., May 13, 2010
John G. Thomas ’36, Idaho Falls, March 24, 2010
Gerald R. Hyde ’43, Centennial, Colo., Jan. 23, 2010
Madelynn Kate, daughter of Nathan ’07 and Sari ’07 Jayo, niece of Caselle Wood ’08
Jack Raynor, son of Adam ’06 and Katelyn Peterson ’07 Papineau Kenna-Rose Ku’uipou’iokalanihiwa, daughter of Cisco ’08 and Kaui Torres Reyes Austin and Carter, sons of Tyler ’05, ’07 and Becky Himmelberger ’05 Rounds
Carl C. Wilson ’39, Oakland, Calif., Aug. 21, 2009
1940s
Erling J. Johannesen ’45, Mesa, Ariz., June 5, 2010 Kathleen Ash Jones ’43, Mountain View, Calif., April 19, 2010
C. Richard Adelmann Jr. ’49, Los Altos, Calif., June 1, 2010
Thomas A. Keegan ’45, Bowie, Md., April 17, 2010
Emma Etzenhouser Agee ’40, Independence, Mo., May 23, 2010
Mary Jane Hawley Kennedy ’46, Rexburg, May 3, 2010
Guy R. Anderson ’41, ’47, Lewiston, May 14, 2009
Richard L. Koch ’47, New Oxford, Pa., April 19, 2010
Albert Bonin ’44, Irvin, Calif., April 29, 2010
Orvelle V. Konen ’46, Lewiston, April 26, 2010
Hazel Elizabeth, daughter of Bradley ’06 and Brett Wing
Margaret Campbell Boyle ’42, Spokane, Wash., April 19, 2010
Irving Lantor ’49, Kent, Wash., April 28, 2010
Blanche Virginia and Zachary Bryan, children of John and Roberta Crill ’96 Wolf
Marilyn Reed Brookhart ’49, Oceanside, Calif., Aug. 4, 2010
Margaret Vanengelen May ’46, Jefferson City, Mo., June 27, 2010
Alice-Ann Martin Brunzell ’41, Gaithersburg, Md., July 7, 2010
Betsy Mehan ’44, Pleasanton, Calif., March 23, 2010
James P. Christensen ’47, Coeur d’Alene, July 3, 2010
Raymond C. Miles ’49, Springville, Utah, April 7, 2010
Avery Kathleen and Reagan Blair, daughters of Aaron ’99 and Katie Hess ’00 Simpson Neil, son of Shitij and Annette Henke ’03 Tejpal Sawyer RaeAnne, daughter of Nicolas ’04 and Rachel Brown ’06 Voss
Payne Joseph, son of Aaron ’04 and Maria Valente ’03 Woodard
Alumni class notes 37
Alumni Class Notes
James H. Mizuki ’47, Seattle, Wash., May 4, 2010
1950s
Tony Galdos ’53, Boise, April 24, 2010
George W. Rose ’53, Burley, April 28, 2010
Ardella Nelson Hagen ’57, Talkeetna, Alaska, Aug. 11, 2010
James E. Roupe ’58, Fox Island, Wash., July 26, 2010
Marilyn Anderson Harden ’52, Moscow, May 1, 2010
Robert M. Rowett Sr. ’59, Mountain Home, April 26, 2010
Eunice Dieter Nichols ’43, Bellevue, Wash., June 7, 2010
Leslie W. Abbott ’51, Hines, Ore., June 9, 2010
Kenneth L. Niebauer ’48, Bellevue, Wash., July 7, 2010
Cecil Aldrich ’59, Orofino, June 12, 2010
Robert L. Phillips ’43, San Diego, Calif., Aug. 3, 2010
Robert Baldwin ’55, Port Angeles, Wash., May 14, 2010
James H. Hochstrasser ’58, Marysville, Calif., May 10, 2010
Robert B. Tederman ’51, Spokane, Wash., April 18, 2010
Robert E. Ralstin ’43, King City, Ore., April 23, 2010
Jack A. Barnes ’50, Richmond, Va., April 14, 2010
Arland Hofstrand ’52, Moscow, July 29, 2010
George E. Vajda ’51, La Jolla, Calif., Jan. 4, 2010
Dorothy Wiley Robbins ’45, Watsonville, Calif., June 27, 2010
Charles “Chuck” Battles ’58, Lewiston, April 25, 2010
Alvin P. Johnson ’59, Newhall, Calif., May 4, 2010
Beverly Powers Wait ’51, Ramona, Calif., June 22, 2010
Emmaline Berry Roberts ’47, Frederick, Md., June 7, 2010
Patricia Morgan Baughman ’58, Las Vegas, Nev., May 19, 2010
Warren W. Keating ’55, Dalton Gardens, May 9, 2010
Marion Hanna Weinmann ’58, Bakersfield, Calif., Nov. 16, 2009
Violet Steneck Smith ’45, Portland, Ore., Dec. 19, 2009
Burton Bergman ’51, Thousand Oaks, Calif., June 28, 2010
Willis A. Knox ’53, Longview, Wash., July 1, 2010
Frederick Williams ’55, Houston, Texas, May 29, 2010
Stephen Koza ’52, Denver, Colo., Feb. 24, 2010
Lawrence Wilson ’51, Juliaetta, July 23, 2010
H. Aleck Lafferty ’51, Seattle, Wash., May 10, 2010
James E. Wommack ’59, Clarkston, Wash., July 19, 2010
John D. Loseth ’53, Orofino, June 25, 2010
Shirley Davis Youell ’52, Seattle, Wash., Aug. 17, 2010
Joseph K. Lothrop ’56, Boise, July 18, 2010
Glen B. Youngblood ’50, Boise, July 4, 2010
Marshall E. Spencer ’43, Hamilton, Mont., May 29, 2010 James A. Spooner ’48, Naches, Wash., June 29, 2010 Roy A. Stalsberg ’42, Cave Creek, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2010 Phyllis Heiner Stanfield ’41, Weiser, July 1, 2010 Charles B. Strom ’42, Whitefish, Mont., July 12, 2010
Peter A. Breysse ’52, Seattle, Wash., May 10, 2010 Jack P. Buerkle ’51, Boise, July 12, 2010 Thomas Cook ’59, Aberdeen, Wash., July 26, 2010 Clarke C. Coover ’59, Great Falls, Mont., May 29, 2010 Marvin Cox ’56, Buhl, May 22, 2010
Arthur B. Swan ’40, Anaconda, Mont., May 27, 2010
Nadine Tisdall Miller ’52, Boise, March 25, 2009
Paul Daily ’52, Boise, July 23, 2010
William R. Taylor ’49, Vancouver, Wash., May 28, 2010
Ray A. Miller ’55, Boise, Aug. 6, 2010
Shirley Woodard Anders ’64, Grayland, Wash., May 22, 2010
Vaughn E. Denning ’51, Rancho Mirage, Calif., May 13, 2010
Raymond Leo Miller ’51, Albuquerque, N.M., June 3, 2009
James W. Bates ’69, Idaho Falls, May 7, 2010
Edward W. Dorcheus ’58, Pelham, N.Y., May 1, 2010
Helen Herrington Missildine ’50, Lewiston, May 18, 2010
Sara Galloway Bradshaw ’64, Indian Wells, Calif., June 28, 2010
Lois Messerly Drips ’52, Boise, July 5, 2010
Alvon L. Mochel ’50, Spokane, Wash., April 19, 2010
Michael L. Brown ’65, Houston, Texas, July 10, 2010
James A. Washburn ’41, Richland, Wash., Aug. 22, 2009
Isaac Echeverria ’51, Boise, May 25, 2010
Russell Moffett Sr. ’50, Athens, Tenn., Aug. 15, 2010
Scott Brubaker ’60, Eagle, Aug. 24, 2010
George W. Whitmore ’43, Boise, June 6, 2010
Doris Jerome Elavsky ’58, Chelan, Wash., April 15, 2010
William E. Ostrander ’57, Chula Vista, Calif., June 2, 2010
Robert G. Cross ’63, ’65, Longview, Wash., July 5, 2010
Ruth Bucher Wicks ’41, Kalispell, Mont., Aug. 24, 2010
Robert A. Faber ’51, Santa Rosa, Calif., May 26, 2010
E. Dan Pederson ’50, Spokane, Wash., May 12, 2010
William E. Daniels ’66, Olympia, Wash., May 15, 2010
Richard Wilcomb ’49, Boise, June 23, 2010
Robert Farmin ’56, Sandpoint, July 24, 2010
Robert E. Perry ’53, Irrigon, Ore., April 22, 2010
Gary DeHaas ’67, Grangeville, June 17, 2010
Robert S. Williams ’43, ’59, Moscow, Nov. 19, 2009
Gail Wolverton Foltz ’57, Grangeville, Aug. 17, 2010
Robert T. Pittard ’50, Orem, Utah, May 5, 2010
Peter M. Farris ’69, Anchorage, Alaska, April 27, 2010
Norma Dieter Zenier ’42, Vancouver, Wash., June 20, 2010
William J. Friede ’57, Vancouver, Wash., May 15, 2010
Ira E. Putman ’53, Yuma, Ariz., March 13, 2010
Clinton J. Gardner ’60, Tustin, Calif., April 21, 2010
Margaret Burnside Thomas ’45, Sequim, Wash., June 14, 2010 Charlotte Saad Wallingford ’44, Spokane Valley, Wash., April 17, 2010
38 idaho fall 2010
1960s
To be profiled, mail information, including graduation year, to Annis Shea, Alumni Office, P.O. Box 443232, Moscow, ID 83844-3232 or e-mail information to alumni@uidaho.edu. Photos can be e-mailed in a .jpg format.
Raymond George ’61, Wasilla, Alaska, June 11, 2010
Helen Bryant Warden ’67, Missoula, Mont., June 25, 2010
Jay Gregory ’69, Longview, Wash., July 15, 2010
Irma Wilson White ’68, Alpine, Texas, July 5, 2010
Robert R. Henderson ’61, Portland, Conn., Aug. 18, 2010
1970s
Bruce A. Hicks ’60, Mountain Home, Aug. 14, 2010
Terry Abbott ’70, Mukilteo, Wash., July 28, 2010
Ervin W. Hill ’64, Lewiston, July 16, 2010
Scott P. Ager ’77, Seattle, Wash., March 23, 2010
Glen Johansson ’65, Spokane, Wash., June 15, 2010
Gary Backus ’72, Smith Valley, Nev., July 9, 2010
Wayne R. Jones ’61, Meridian, June 2, 2010
Gerald D. Baltazor ’73, Jerome, May 16, 2010
Everett J. Jordan ’62, Boise, June 2, 2010
Kathleen Nelson Bellem ’74, Suisun City, Calif., June 19, 2010
Carl E. Kinney ’66, Gooding, June 6, 2010 Dorothy Baldridge Lindsey ’63, Pasadena, Calif., July 2, 2010 Randall Litton ’61, Rockford, Mich., Aug. 24, 2010 Donald Mansor ’61, Bremerton, Wash., June 6, 2010 William A. Maule ’63, Roseburg, Ore., May 20, 2010 Lavonna Eyrich Morrison ’60, Manhattan, Kan., April 17, 2010 Karen Pyrah ’67, Arlington, Va., May 10, 2010 Elizabeth Stocking Seale ’60, Moscow, Aug. 14, 2010 Lee Shellman ’61, Hayden, Dec. 10, 2009 LaMont Smith ’68, Ogden, Utah, Aug. 7, 2010 Terry P. Smith ’63, Boise, Aug. 21, 2010 William Smith ’66, Athens, Ohio, June 22, 2010 Mary Stone Tanner ’69, Bremerton, Wash., June 28, 2010 John R. Thornock ’60, Centreville, Va., April 19, 2010 Lorraine Vie ’69, Kennewick, Wash., June 4, 2010 Siegfried Vogt ’66, Potlatch, June 5, 2010
Charles C. Bergman ’73, Twin Falls, May 22, 2010 Donald E. Blackburn ’70, Spokane, Wash., June 3, 2010 David A. Engels ’70, ’73, Aurora, Ore., May 30, 2010 John Lacey Foster ’72, Boise, May 22, 2010 Harriette Tulloch Hasbrouck ’75, Fallon, Nev., July 31, 2010 Donna Grubham Marchioro ’74, Spokane, Wash., July 30, 2010 Lewis McCord ’72, Surprise, Ariz., Dec. 15, 2009 Glen R. Muirbrook ’78, Aberdeen, July 13, 2010 Ralph T. Nelsen ’72, Portland, Ore., July 22, 2010 Kim Toomer O’Neil ’76, Clearwater, July 6, 2010 Glenn B. Owen ’74, Moscow, April 26, 2010 Leonard Powers ’74, Weippe, May 11, 2010 Darwin J. Rytting ’70, San Diego, Calif., May 20, 2010 William “Bill” Schnider ’72, Troy, Aug. 8, 2010 Roy L. Snyder ’73, Nezperce, June 7, 2010
1980s Timothy Jozsef Bacso ’85, Portland, Ore., March 5, 2010 Greetis Steinke Berry ’80, Las Cruces, N.M., Jan. 17, 2010 William Brauner ’80, Boise, June 23, 2010 Mary Kathryn Delay Burdick ’81, Seattle, Wash., April 20, 2010 John D. Carlson ’88, Moscow, Aug. 8, 2010 Laurie E. Crossman ’82, Onondaga Hill, N.Y., May 29, 2010 William J. Dimock ’82, Newport News, Va., Aug. 13, 2010 Robert J. Mansfield ’84, Monroeville, Pa., July 1, 2010 Catherine Graham Moore ’80, McCall, July 20, 2009 Jay C. Mortensen ’80, Wapello, May 26, 2010 William T. Rodman ’88, Boulder Creek, Calif., April 12, 2010 Gerald B. Swensen ’80, Moscow, May 24, 2010 Karen Knox Thomas ’89, Deary, July 1, 2010 Debra Courtemanche Uhlenkott ’89, Clarkston, Wash., June 25, 2010 Kim Sohn Young ’88, Idaho Falls, May 1, 2010
1990s
Timothy J. Laux ’98, Ashton, May 24, 2010 Christopher J. Pike ’95, Weiser, Aug. 8, 2010 Dani Schiff ’99, ’04, Lewiston, Aug. 31, 2010 Edward Schmidt ’95, Lewiston, June 24, 2010 Todd D. Smith ’91, Twin Falls, June 28, 2010
2000s Telly S. Evans ’09, Challis, June 16, 2010 Robert John Harder ’08, Seattle, Wash., May 6, 2010 Gayle Young Lee ’01, Tongatapu, Tonga, April 22, 2010 Victoria A. Lee ’03, Sandpoint, Dec. 26, 2009 Damian M. Riddoch ’02, Tulsa, Okla., July 10, 2010 Paul B. Smith Jr. ’02, Tucson, Ariz., April 14, 2010 Kevin Triphahn ’02, Coeur d’Alene, Feb. 1, 2010
Golden Reunion Weekend
Larry Barrett ’95, Lewiston, Aug. 31, 2010 Michael Blenden ’90, Lewiston, Aug. 10, 2010 Kelleen Amell Chapman ’99, Wendell, June 1, 2010 Wayne Emory ’92, Boise, July 19, 2010 Regginal Engebretson ’96, Moscow, May 26, 2010 Gregory R. Henderson ’91, Boise, July 9, 2010
Coming Fall 2011.
Stay tuned for additional details.
The Golden I Reunion is a gathering for all alumni from the classes of 1961 and prior. Visit www.uidaho.edu/alumni for alumni calendar information.
Alumni class notes 39
Sports
Vaulters Pole Idaho Story and Photography by Spencer Farrin
40
Take Insanity and Ingenuity to Another Level
Sports
Sitting in the southwest corner of the Kibbie Dome is a 14-foot-tall, eight-footwide, 600-pound steel beast of a training apparatus – a one-of-a-kind monument to Vandal ingenuity. This intimidating framework of bars, pulleys, rings, levers, ladders and pegs is a key element in the diverse training regimen of the University of Idaho’s standout pole-vault program. After just one year of working out on the unique piece of equipment, Vandal vaulters shattered records, broke barriers and accelerated their national rise in the event. The pole vault is a different kind of adventure that appeals to a different kind of individual – the kind who enjoys catapulting himself or herself 18 feet up in the air, upside-down, and supported only by a flexible fiberglass pole. “Like a sprinter, speed is important to a vaulter,” says Idaho assistant coach Jason Graham ’92. “Power and upperbody strength are incredibly important; then obviously, body awareness and body control – and then maybe a little bit of insanity.” A typical week of pole-vault practice at Idaho includes just one or two days of actual vaulting. The rest of the week is a mixture of sprints, tempo work, gymnastics, water treadmill work in Idaho’s HydroWorx pool, and – seriously – underwater vaulting.
At left: Idaho pole-vaulters, left to right, Jeremy Klas, Morgan Dunning and Lucas Pope demonstrate training options on “The Cage.” 41
Sports Building an Idea As a way to ease his athletes into the most nerve-wracking portion of the vault, Graham began planning a simple frame that could allow them to practice swinging and inversion without being hindered by a bar. Graham investigated the costs of building such a piece, but decided it would be too expensive to put into motion. Over the following 18 months, his mental blueprint grew to include an A-frame and a system of rings, pulleys and ropes to allow even more drills. “I kind of re-designed everything, thought about what I was doing, then asked myself how I was going to be able to afford this new, huge thing,” Graham said. “The process had been going on in my head for about four years and it just dawned on me one day after the Popes told me about this new, huge shop they’d just built.” The Popes are Vandal senior Lucas Pope, a four-time Western Athletic Conference pole-vault champion, his brother, Trever, a former Idaho vaulter, and their father, Kent, who lives in Coeur d’Alene. Graham mentioned his idea to Lucas, then drew his design on a sheet of paper. Pope replied in the true fashion of an aspiring mechanical engineer – “Let’s build it!” With Kent Pope’s assistance, Graham purchased the steel and the Popes began the construction of the behemoth framework. The entire project, from start to finish, took only a few days and at the end of the weekend, Lucas hauled “The Cage” to Moscow in a flatbed pickup. “It wouldn’t catch me off-guard to have any parent help me out with our program,” Graham said. “I wouldn’t have asked the Popes to help if I thought it would be too much, but 42
what I didn’t think was that it would be as easy for them as me giving them a drawing of it and having them build it over just a weekend.”
A New Kind of Training Graham’s first elite vaulter, Melinda Owen ’08, didn’t have the luxury of a tiered training plan early in the season. After going through early conditioning and technique work, the only next step would be to go up in the air, upside-down, with no real “air sense.” Timing, body control and awareness all developed on the fly – literally. The biggest benefit of The Cage is the ability of a vaulter to experience and understand the upside-down feeling without having to worry about dropping 12-18 feet afterward. That ability is crucial early on in the training process. “A lot of pole-vaulters have a gymnastics background, but I don’t, so it’s an advantage to finally be able to have that aspect of training,” said Idaho junior Morgan Dunning, who improved by nearly a full foot in 2010. “You’re swinging upside-down and getting the body awareness that makes you a good vaulter.” Another key benefit of The Cage is that it provides a very low-impact training option. K.C. Dahlgren ’10 dealt with lower back pain and hamstring issues during her career, Graham said, but The Cage made it possible for her to work on her technique at the top of her jump without putting extra pressure on her back or legs. The result? Back-to-back WAC titles, an indoor NCAA provisional qualifying mark and a trip to the NCAA Preliminary Qualifying Round during her senior season. “We can come into the early part of our season and our fall conditioning
and start to feel our timing, especially using the swing-up and invert device,” Graham said. “We can feel how to initiate the swing and feel the stretch in the shoulders before we ever even touch a pole. “If we ever get to the point where our legs are tired or fatigued, we can still work these technical aspects of the vault without affecting the legs at all.” Standard training on The Cage is a circuit from one part of the machine to the next. The team can do an entire group workout on the frame in just one 45-minute session, which is a far cry from the previous method of running from corner to corner in the Kibbie Dome. “It wouldn’t be effective if we had to run that circuit all the way around the Dome because people would always be waiting on everyone else to finish up and run over to the specific areas,” Graham said. “It would almost turn out to be a cardio workout instead of a technical one.”
Immediate Results A huge benefit of Cage work, every vaulter said, was how it helped them establish a comfort level and have solid technique on day one. In the first meet of the 2010 season, three Idaho vaulters broke the 25-year-old men’s school record on consecutive jumps at the WSU Open. First Pope, then Mike Carpenter, then Jeremy Klas, cleared 16-8.75 to share the Idaho record. One week later, Pope became the first Vandal to clear the 17-foot barrier with a meet-record vault of 17-3.5 at the Cougar Indoor. The following week, Klas joined the 17-foot club and Pope bumped his record to 17-5.5 at the Washington Invitational. When the team returned home for the Runners
Sports
Soul Open on Feb. 6, Pope cleared 17-6.5 to break the school record for a fourth-consecutive weekend. “It might be coincidental, but right after we built this and started using it, we all suddenly got a lot better,” Pope said. Meanwhile on the women’s side, Dahlgren went 13-4.25 to rank as high as 24th in the NCAA and defended her indoor WAC title, while Dunning added 10 inches to her indoor best in the vault to 11-7.75 and scored for the first time at the WAC Championships. Klas out-dueled Pope for the men’s WAC title, while Carpenter used his strong vaulting to earn a second-place finish in the men’s indoor heptathlon at the meet. The following weekend, Klas broke through with a schoolrecord 17-7.75 vault and made history as the first Idaho man to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the event. Klas went on to tie for ninth and become the third Idaho vaulter to earn All-America honors under Graham’s tutelage. While Pope and Carpenter redshirted outdoors, Klas set a series of program standards – another NCAA bid, WAC title and school record for the young vaulter from Moscow.
Vaulters Pole Idaho
What Does the Future Hold? Graham already is excited about 2011. For the first time in his coaching career, he’ll return two athletes, Klas and Pope, who are both legitimate
national contenders in the men’s vault. Graham said that other top vaulting programs have inquired about The Cage and talked to him about building their own versions. When Graham speaks to prospective student-athletes, it’s easy to show Idaho’s dedication to the event when they see the training equipment, plus the team’s brand-new mats, standards and poles. As far as The Cage goes, it’s still largely a frame – and Graham’s mind is already buzzing with ideas for new drills, implements and structures to add on to the open portions. “I’d like to get a second set of stall bars on the back of it. We have a second swing-up and invert device that I’d like to mount a little lower for my female athletes, and I’ve got a couple ideas of how I want to develop a pulley system for athletes to be able to completely let go at the top without falling down,” Graham said. “I’ve got crazy ideas.” No kidding. But in the event designed for the biggest daredevils on the track, “crazy” seems to work pretty well.
43
EventsUpcoming
December
March
10 Alumni Awards for Excellence Banquet
3 – April 2
10
Lionel Hampton School of Music Holiday Concert
11
December commencement
January 22 Vandal Night with the Spokane Chiefs 27 Ada County Alumni Silver and Gold celebration, Boise
President’s Sustainability Symposium, keynote address by author Bill McKibben
April 4-6
Borah Symposium, keynote address by former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias
7
Moscow Silver and Gold Student Alumni Celebration
9
Spokane Vandalfest, Davenport Hotel
15-17
Moms’ Weekend, Moscow
February
28 Academy of Engineers
23 – 26
29 Engineering Design EXPO Idaho TECH Mars Rover Challenge
Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
29 – May 1 Delta Gamma Centennial, Moscow 44
Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Bolingbrook, IL Permit No. 374
Moscow, ID 83844-3232 Electronic Service Requested
F E B R U A RY 2 3 - 2 6 , 2 0 1 1
Explorations of the
Heart
Listen Up –
Wednesday 2/23
All Star Quartet including Josh Nelson (piano), Kevin Kanner (drums), Graham Dechter (guitar), Sean Conley (bass) - Charenee Wade - Terell Stafford and the Lionel Hampton School of Music Jazz Band I
Close Encounters –
Thursday 2/24
Nikki Yanofsky and the All Star Quartet - Bill Charlap / Renee Rosnes - Atsuko Hashimoto Trio with Jeff Hamilton and Graham Dechter
Sing the Song –
Friday 2/25
Victor Wooten Band - Manhattan Transfer
Feel the Rhythm – TICKETS: Phone: Toll-free 1-88-88-UIDAHO or local (208) 885-7212 Web: www.uitickets.com INFORMATION: Phone: (208) 885-6765 Web: www.uidaho.edu/jazzfest
Saturday 2/26
Lionel Hampton Big Band – Ed Shaughnessy, Pete Christlieb, Carmen Bradford, Percussion Blow-out – David Zerbe/Alma College All musicians and programs are subject to change without notice.