This week I joined other Idaho higher education presidents in making annual presentations to the Legislature. I was proud to share U of I's success. I stressed to our elected representatives a central message about U of I: Our comprehensive, national research university combines affordability with unmatched outcomes for students, research and communities across the state and beyond. U of I is an extraordinary value, worth every bit of the state’s investment. One important piece of our efforts over several years has been to change Idaho’s college-going culture. To increase “go on” rates we’ve supported innovative and practical programs such as Direct Admissions, which offers automatic admission to qualified Idaho high school students, and the new Apply Idaho common application. We’re also highly supportive of the Fast Forward initiative to expand the pipeline to higher education through dual-credit and similar courses. The University of Idaho has seen consecutive years of enrollment growth, and we are in position to build on those gains. Student success through graduation is also a primary focus. U of I leads our state in first-to-second year retention rate, meaning more students remain on track for degrees, progressing in their coursework as they explore their future, and graduating with low debt or none at all. We’re building on that position with enhancements to our advising capabilities and centralization of services. Once students “go on” they need to “stay on” – that’s a brave and bold path we can ensure more Vandals blaze for themselves. We want to ensure more students graduate into good careers and personally satisfying lives. We know that higher education – a Vandal education in particular – is essential in an economy that is adding jobs almost exclusively for those with college experience and degrees. With the highest graduation rate among public colleges in Idaho, and with unmatched career success for graduates, including the best early- and mid-career salaries among public institutions in the state, we have a track record. Leaders across industries and organizations can attest to the value Vandal graduates add. We’re going to continue improving on that success. Lastly, U of I is an outstanding research institution, the largest in the state by far. In many cases, research and education are intertwined. The IKEEP project is an interesting example of U of I research applied to the front lines of K-12 education, as we meet the demand for culturally responsive pedagogy. This research is an investment in our human potential as a state. Across all corners of Idaho, U of I is growing and thriving. I know many of our representatives see that impact in their home communities. It is an honor and a privilege to reinforce those messages this week in the state capital, and to fly the Vandal flag proudly on behalf of their state’s – our state’s – land-grant leader. | | Go Vandals! Chuck Staben President | | | Czarniecki Endowment: A Family Investment in Vandal Education Sorority rush. Fraternity rush. Homecomings. Moms’ weekends. Dads’ weekends. Graduations. As University of Idaho alumni, Walt and Jill (Zaccardi) Czarniecki, ’71, realized the power of a U of I education. As parents of Vandals (’96, ’98, ’04, ’07), they encouraged their children to take advantage of the many resources and opportunities on campus. Although each of the Czarniecki’s four children pursued different degrees, all were actively engaged in social, philanthropic and academic opportunities. Their academic and extracurricular pursuits provided solid foundations for successful careers, and they continue to serve the family through a strong and extensive network of alumni. “Every member of our family who attended the U of I had great experiences,” Walt said. In 2017, this proud Vandal family-parents, children, spouses- established the Czarniecki Family Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship “supports the tradition of outstanding education, the enormous value of the University of Idaho and invests in future generations of Vandals.” To learn more about making a family investment in education, contact Sharon Morgan, Office of Estate, Trust and Gift Planning, at 866-671-7041 or morgans@uidaho.edu. | | Former Ambassador to Speak at U of I Former United States Ambassador Maura Connelly, an expert on the Middle East and foreign affairs, will give a free, public address titled “American Diplomacy in the Middle East” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the University of Idaho Administration Building Auditorium. Connelly is a career diplomat with over 30 years of service and posts on four continents. Most recently, she served as the senior advisor for United Nations management and reform with the U.S. Mission to the UN in New York. From 2010 to 2013, Connelly served as the U.S. ambassador in Lebanon, and in 2014, she directed the interagency working group supporting the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. This address is part of a weeklong visit from the former ambassador, who will be at the U of I from Feb. 5-9, 2018, as this year’s Distinguished Practitioner of International Affairs through the Martin Institute within U of I’s College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. | | WSU, U of I Announce Joint Women’s Leadership Conference Washington State University and the University of Idaho are launching a collaborative annual Women’s Leadership Conference, building on the popular and successful conference previously held biennially by U of I. Recognizing the need for an annual leadership opportunity for faculty, staff and students at both institutions, the two universities developed this new partnership. Each university will alternate as the primary host for the event, with WSU leading this year. Next spring, hosting duties will return to U of I. Planning for the conference will be carried out by a collaborative team of staff, faculty and students from both universities. The event is sponsored by the Office of the President of WSU and the Office of the President of U of I. The Women’s Leadership Conference will offer essential professional development opportunities designed to empower and encourage women to achieve their career goals. This year’s conference is on Monday, April 23, with the theme “Lifting as We Climb.” | | | | |