Idaho Community Foundation Enables Idahoans to Support UI Students and Programs The Idaho Community Foundation (ICF) has long supported the University of Idaho, with cumulative giving of more than $1.1 million to countless programs statewide. Over the past year the foundation has generously provided more than $54,000 in scholarship funds, including to students facing emergencies that risked interrupting their education. “We’re honored to be able to offer scholarships to so many deserving students to attend the University of Idaho, and to be able to support the University’s important programs,” said Karen Bilowith, ICF president and CEO. “Our focus is on collective giving and the difference Idahoans can make when we pool our philanthropic resources.” ICF has also generously supported programs such as the North Idaho Technology Outreach, the Auditorium Chamber Music Series Youth Outreach, and the North Idaho Non-profit Resource Center, helping to further the impact of UI’s engagement with students and communities. For more information about partnering with the University of Idaho, contact Casey Hanson, director of corporate and foundation relations, at 208-885-7053 or caseyh@uidaho.edu. | | | Jazz Fest Ticket Sales and Participation Increase The University of Idaho has seen a surge in interest for the 50th anniversary of the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, with student participation increasing more than 13 percent. The festival, which runs Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23-25, will bring approximately 4,200 students from 133 schools throughout Idaho, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, Canada to campus. That’s about 500 more students than in 2016, Jazz Fest Manager Aaron Mayhugh said. “We are so glad that jazz educators, students and fans are excited about this year’s festival,” Mayhugh said. “With a fantastic lineup of free workshops, as well as three nights of amazing jazz performances, this year’s festival is one that you won’t want to miss.” Ticket sales have more than doubled for both Thursday and Saturday nights and sales for Friday night are up by more than 300 seats. Tickets are available through the University of Idaho Ticket Office located in the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, by phone at 1-888-8-UIDAHO or online at www.uidaho.edu/ticketoffice. Prices range from $15-$45 per night, and special UI employee, student and youth ticket prices are available. For more information on the 2017 festival, visit www.uidaho.edu/jazzfest, follow the festival’s Facebook page or call 208-885-5900. | | | State Board of Education Approves First-Year Law Program in Boise The Idaho State Board of Education approved the opening of a first-year law program in Boise for the University of Idaho College of Law. Pending final American Bar Association approval, a first-year law program will be available in both the Moscow and Boise locations beginning this fall semester. “A first-year program in Boise rounds out the University of Idaho’s options for a dynamic legal education that leads to great opportunities for graduates,” said President Chuck Staben. “We will be able to continue to build on our success at the Idaho Law and Justice Learning Center in Boise and on our long tradition of excellence in legal education.” Previously, all students completed their first-year in Moscow and then could transition to Boise, if desired, for their second and third year. The addition of first-year classes in Boise will make a Juris Doctor degree fully available at either location. | | | Idaho Arena Moving to Design Phase The Idaho State Board of Education gave the University of Idaho approval to move into the planning and design phase of the proposed Idaho Arena, a 4,700-seat facility that will house Vandal court sports and university events. The SBOE approved the next phase of the project at its meeting Wednesday in Boise. “We are thrilled to move forward with this much-anticipated investment at UI,” President Chuck Staben said. “It is proof of our commitment to providing a great experience for our student-athletes, our students and our fans.” The $30 million project is over halfway to its fundraising goal, which includes funding support from students, alumni, friends and corporations. As fundraising continues, UI will move forward securing the architects and builders needed for a signature wood-engineered facility using mass timber construction. Recognizing the importance of the arena, UI students voted to raise the student facilities fee to help support the project. | | | | | |