LIA BRIEFS

Sympathy is extended to Chris McIntosh, Class 31, in the recent passing of his father. Chris’s dad lived in Lewiston, and was also uncle to Doug McIntosh, Class 19 and Art McIntosh, Class 31. Also to Dan Goicoechea, Class 16, in the recent passing of his brother, Kenneth, age 50, who had fought a long battle with cancer.  And to Travis Jones, Class 28, in the passing of his mother-in-law in Vermont, who also passed away after a fight with cancer.

Congratulations to Justin Patten, Class 21, who recently was presented a U of I College of Ag and Live Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. Justin received his Master’s degree from the U of I, taught high school agriculture in Snake River and is currently employed by the Idaho Farm Bureau in Pocatello.

Rick Phillips, Class 1, LIA’s first Executive Director while employed at ISDA in the mid 1980’s, will become Idaho’s District Governor for Rotary in June. Congratulations to Rick for this leadership role. Rick is currently employed with Simplot and lives in Pocatello.

Retirement has been announced by Dr. Bill Bohl, Class 14, on May 30. Bill has been a faithful presenter in the Pocatello session on Potatoes, Potatoes, Potatoes.  He plans to ride his bicycle more, golf more and hit the ski slopes in the winter. Dr. Bohl has worked for the U of I since 1990 and has most recently been conducting horticulture education in Bingham and Bannock counties.

Big news from the Kali Sherrill, Class 27, family:  Her son, Izaak, has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to spend 9 weeks this summer in China at the University of Science and Technology.  This university is one of the top in the world for Science and Tech. He is also the only Idahoan to ever receive the award.  Kali states, “I am a pretty proud mom right now!”

Summer internships are always a great learning experience. Kaycee Royer, daughter of Kim Royer, Class 24, will be serving an internship at the Idaho Water Users Association in Boise. Kaycee is a law student at the U of I. Lauren Clark, daughter of Leah Clark, Class 26, will be serving an internship at the Idaho Cattle Association. Lauren is a student at Oklahoma State University.

It’s official!!!  The LIA Alumni Gala Dinner and Auction will be moved to Thursday night during the Boise Session. This is to allow for those traveling from out of the Treasure Valley to come to Boise, participate in the auction and remain for graduation on Friday. This decision was made by the Board of Trustees on Monday of last week. The official date for the Gala is Thursday, February 19, at The Riverside Hotel.

The Board of Trustees renewed contracts with Rick Waitley as Executive Director and Kendra Waitley as Fund Development Director for the coming year. On May 25, Kendra will change her name to Kendra Waitley Dustin.  Her contact information will remain the same.

The Trustees also voted to not increase LIA alumni dues for yearly or lifetime members. Dues notices will be sent July 1, 2014, along with information for updating the LIA Directory.