The calendar has turned to May, the leaves are greening up across our state, and many Vandals are ready to don their cap and gowns for graduation. In fact, statewide, nearly 1,500 graduates will cross the stage on their way to a great future. As a comprehensive university with more than 12,000 students, we have no shortage of creative, confident Vandals. A few stories exemplify the excellence you’ll find at our great public research university. The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship is a highly competitive award for students moving on to advanced studies. This year, senior J. Tyrell Styhl is one of only 2,000 students nationwide to land one of these prestigious fellowships. Tyrell is from Idaho Falls and is receiving his Bachelor of Arts this spring in ecology and conservation biology with minors in wildlife resources and in statistics. With the chance to continue his education at any graduate school, he plans to study sage grouse right here in Idaho, under the mentorship of U of I professors. The David L. Boren Scholarship and Fellowships, sponsored as part of a federal initiative, offers the opportunity to build language and international skills in countries critical to national security and stability. Ian Hahn, a senior journalism major from Portland, has earned a Boren Scholarship to study Swahili in Arush, Tanzania. Ian is a confident and well-prepared young man who will represent U of I well abroad and in this program. The University of Idaho is also proud to congratulate four recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, a competitive award supporting international experience. This spring Jamie Waters, a junior marketing major from Caldwell, studied in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Terrun Zolman, a senior political science major from Riggins, headed to Australia. Storm Jansson, a senior studying sociology and Spanish, also received a scholarship. And Alexandria Campbell, a junior civil engineering major from Pocatello, has earned a scholarship that will send her to Spain this summer. I look forward to all our overseas students returning to U of I to contribute their enhanced perspectives and global understandings. Attracting great students to U of I and ensuring their success is made possible with the help of private giving – so often the critical margin of excellence at U of I. I want to thank all last week’s Vandal Giving Day donors. Together we raised $483,207 from 1,359 gifts for programs that make a difference for students. From raising scholarship funds for student-athletes, to enhancing a summer program for students in McCall, to building the next generation of engineering excellence, we came together to meet challenges and matches. I was thrilled to be a part of it among so many generous Vandals. Students from all walks of life find chances to learn and thrive at U of I, and I’m proud of how they seize those opportunities and pay it forward to others. Great individual efforts are nurtured by a community and become part of a Vandal family success story. Congratulations again to all our hard-working members of the Tribe from the North. | | Go Vandals! Chuck Staben President | | | Alumna’s Lifetime of Giving Back Joyce Munson '42, one of Margaret Ritchie’s first students, has dedicated her life to keeping people healthy. Beginning her career as a military dietician, Joyce worked in VA hospitals across the nation for over 30 years, and after retirement, involving herself in programs like Meals on Wheels. Joyce has been a generous and loyal U of I donor for over 43 years, and since 2010 has donated over $200,000 to support the renovation and enhancement of the Carmelita Spencer Foods and Nutrition Lab. This teaching lab, in the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, provides students and instructors with access to updated technology and kitchen equipment. “I enjoyed my time at the University of Idaho and received a fine education, so I choose to give back to support future students pursuing the same career,” said Munson. “Updated labs allow our students to work with top of the line equipment, enhancing their educational experience,” said Michael Parrella, CALS dean. “We are so grateful for donors like Joyce who commit to a lifetime of giving back.” For more information on supporting CALS programming, contact Jen Root at 208-885-4087 or jroot@uidaho.edu. | | Celebrating 1,478 U of I Graduates A total of 1,478 University of Idaho students statewide are eligible for graduation this spring, earning a combined 1,564 degrees. U of I students have applied for 1,155 bachelor’s degrees, 93 law degrees, 35 doctoral degrees, nine specialist degrees and 274 master’s degrees. Some students will have earned multiple degrees. This year's commencement brings the university's all-time total to 117,335 graduates and 125,567 degrees. In Moscow, 1,306 students are eligible for 1,357 degrees. Moscow graduates have applied for 1,090 bachelor’s degrees, 50 law degrees, 31 doctoral degrees, two specialist degrees and 184 master’s degrees. Program details for attendees can be found here; guests unable to visit Moscow may watch the ceremony online at www.uidaho.edu/news/ui-live. | | Statewide Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients This year’s Moscow Commencement keynote speaker is Tom Mueller, propulsion chief technology officer at SpaceX. Mueller received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from U of I in 1985. As one of SpaceX’s founding members, he is responsible for building and managing the company’s propulsion development group, which develops propulsion systems and engines for the Falcon launch vehicles and the Dragon spacecraft. During the ceremony, Mueller will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Engineering from the university. Other honorees at this year’s ceremony include: Shawn Swanby, president and CEO of Ednetics, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Education; and Peter Griffiths, U of I professor emeritus in chemistry, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science. The U of I Boise commencement speaker is Boise Mayor David Bieter, a 1987 U of I College of Law graduate serving his fourth term as Boise mayor. U of I Coeur d’Alene’s commencement speaker is Norm Gissel, a retired Coeur d’Alene-area attorney, U of I graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran recognized for fighting for justice and civil rights. The U of I Idaho Falls commencement speaker is Roger Ball, a U of I alumnus, entrepreneur and innovator. Complete information about all University of Idaho commencement ceremonies, including information for visitors, is available at www.uidaho.edu/commencement. | | | | |