For Vandal students, the start of spring semester means continued progress toward a degree that will shape their personal and professional futures. In higher education, we refer to that progress toward an educational goal as “persistence,” and that term’s associations with hard work and determination are entirely appropriate. At U of I, we are working hard to complement those laudable values with the right combination of pragmatic approaches and novel solutions to help more Vandals cross the finish line. This spring we’re rolling out a comprehensive data management tool called VandalStar to help students, advisors and faculty members stay connected in support of a student’s progress. Academics, student life, financial aid and other aspects of the college experience are monitored and analyzed by VandalStar to identify risk factors and prompt timely interventions. We’re also centralizing our advising, recognizing that central advising can serve our students and position our staff to efficiently and effectively deliver the best possible support. Affordability is a key consideration throughout a college experience. At U of I, our institutional scholarships are renewable for four years, meaning the affordability you experienced as a freshman remains a great deal for you as a senior. While at U of I, the Better Education About Money for Students (BEAMS) financial literacy program, available for every Vandal, helps students navigate their options and plan for their future. All students are urged to take advantage of our forward-looking Career Services center, connecting students with internships, post-graduation employment, graduate studies, and other opportunities that will prepare them for life after U of I. Many student services are being consolidated into a central location on our Moscow campus, the Vandal Success Center, and are also available to students at other locations. Having sent three children of our own through college, Mary Beth and I know that parents want students to have a place to explore and grow on their own, and have all the support they need. At U of I, we are “big enough to matter, and small enough to care.” The best possible academic experiences and classroom learning opportunities are supplemented by mentoring from faculty and supportive staff. U of I is a caring community, and also a place where we understand the investment being made and the need for that to pay off with a degree. Values of persistence, compassion and excellence drive how I think about higher education, and I know they motivate our faculty and staff. Last fall our first-to-second-year retention rates, already the highest among Idaho public institutions, rose from 77 percent to 82 percent. Changing and adapting student services means we’ll continue to get even better. Ultimately, we hope to reward the brave and bold persistence of all students who enter U of I with degrees at Commencement, adding real meaning to the phrases we use in that ceremony when we award, “the degree, earned, with all the rights and privileges thereunto.” | | Go Vandals! Chuck Staben President | | | Albers’ Support the CLASS Excellence Fund William Albers’ ’66 life was transformed by his experience at the University of Idaho. He met Patricia, the love of his life and wife of 56 years. He earned a degree in political science that led to a successful 51-year career in agribusiness. Their daughter ’91 followed her father’s example and became a Vandal alumna. Now, William and Patricia Albers show their Vandal pride in numerous ways, including their support of the CLASS Excellence Fund. The Albers know that this fund allows the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) the flexibility to invest in the most immediate and strategic needs of the college. “It’s a pleasure and honor to give back to the institution that has meant so much to me and my extended family,” said William. “I feel blessed to be able to contribute financially so that the college can assist others.” For more information on giving to CLASS, contact Shyanne Knighten at 208-885-4561 or sknighten@uidaho.edu. | | Vandals Recognized As 2018 Women of the Year Twelve University of Idaho alumnae are among the Idaho Business Review’s 50 honorees as 2018 Women of the Year. The honorees include: Ariel Agenbroad, associate professor, University of Idaho; Emma Atchley, director, Bank of Idaho, Ashton, and Idaho State Board of Education member; Renee Bade, program manager, Serve Idaho, Boise; Linda Clark, president, Idaho State Board of Education; Anna Eberlin, partner, Holland and Hart LLC, Boise; Shiloh Holmes, senior director, marketing and business development, Slichter Ugrin Architecture, Boise; Amy Little president and CEO, Idaho Nonprofit Center, Boise; Tara Malek, assistant United States attorney, United States Attorney’s Office District of Idaho, Boise; Elizabeth Montgomery, executive director, Inland Northwest SIDS Foundation, Coeur d’Alene; Christine Nicholas, partner, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley LLP, Boise; MaryAnna Peavey, director, Flat Top Sheep Co Ranch, Hailey; Crystal Wilson, vice president, health and wellness, Dairy West, Meridian. Vandal alumnae have earned recognition as Idaho Business Review Woman of the Year in consecutive years: Three-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong was honored in 2017, and Norah Carpenter, president and CEO of United Way Treasure Valley, was similarly honored in 2016. This year’s awards and the selection of the 2018 Woman of the Year will occur March 8, and all women will be profiled in a March 9 magazine published by Idaho Business Review. | | Distinguished Speakers Headline Upcoming Events The University of Idaho welcomes two distinguished visitors to campus as part of its annual Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month events. Organizer, educator, attorney and community activist Nikkita Oliver will deliver the keynote address for U of I’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Thursday, Jan. 18. Then on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead will give a talk on his book, “The Underground Railroad.” Oliver’s speech will begin at 5 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Bruce M. Pitman Center Vandal Ballroom. Her talk will address the importance of community organizing and grassroots efforts, and how white supremacist structures impact everyday life. The lecture is sponsored by U of I’s Office of Equity and Diversity and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. U of I will continue celebrating the legacy of King throughout January and into the February as part of Black History Month. Whitehead’s talk is at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in the Pitman Center International Ballroom. His lecture is co-sponsored by the Idaho Humanities Council. A book signing will follow the presentation. | | | | |