LIA Briefs

The second LIA State Exchange Trip is scheduled for November 12-17th to Louisiana. The tour will primarily be based out of New Orleans. We still have 10-12 spots remaining on the tour and are looking for a few more alumni and friends to join us. Please email Kendra Dustin [email protected] for the application information. Applications will be accepted through July 1 and applicants will be notified by July 8. Total cost for the trip is $1,950.

Currently, the following LIA Alumni and friends have indicated they are planning to attend:

• Rick & Morgan Brune
• Drew and Bruce Cruickshank
• Neil & Melissa Durrant
• Drew Eggers
• Nate & Launa Fowler
• Ron & Carol Jones
• Kenyon & Julie Miller
• Ryan & Malia Miller
• Abbie Quesnell
• Will & Angie Ricks
• Marc Theil
• Nic & Grace Wittman

​Bold indicate non LIA alumni attending 

Congratulations to Wayne Hammon, Class 14, who recently received the Idaho Business Review CEO of Influence Award. Wayne is the CEO of Idaho Associated General Contractors. Wayne has spent most of his career in the public and government affairs arena working both for federal and state government. 
 
Carly Weaver, Class 42, has recently been named as the Interim Director of the Idaho FFA Foundation. Carly, prior to joining the Foundation, was employed by Valley Wide Cooperative. Carly was an active FFA member in the Meridian FFA Chapter.

Jen Root, Class 35, has recently been named Interim Associate Vice President of Development at the U of I. For the past few months Jen has been serving both the University and the College of Agriculture in development positions. Jen has been very engaged in several initiatives that the College of Agriculture has undertaken in recent years. 

Sympathy is extended to the family of Sid Cellan, Class 32, who passed away in May. Sid leaves four adult daughters and their families. Sid farmed in the Soda Springs area and was an active leader in Idaho’s grain industry for several years.

Thoughts and prayers are with Rosana Rieth, Class 36, in the recent passing of her Grandmother, Mary White who lived to be 96. Rosana serves as a District Conservationist with NRCS and is based in Salmon.

Congratulations to Travis Thompson, husband of Mandi Thompson, Class 19, who recently received the Jim Lyle Award. This is only the second time the award has been presented. Travis is an attorney with Marten Law LLP in Twin Falls and specializes in water-related issues. The Jim Lyle Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of any living individual or couple who has shown long-term dedication and service to the University of Idaho and/or the Alumni Association through volunteerism.

Over the past few weeks Facebook has been hopping with news of LIA Alumni who have children and grandchildren graduating from high schools, colleges, universities and trade schools around Idaho and throughout the US. Congratulations to all graduates of Class 2023 who are embarking on a new chapter of life.

Grandpa Doug McIntosh, Class 19, is celebrating with his wife Brenda the arrival of a new granddaughter Margot Susan born on May 24th. Margot joins her 2 year old brother Remington Douglas and parents David & Liz McIntosh who live in Boise.

Jessica Anderson, Class 41, was recently hired as the Director of Strategic Communications at Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry in Boise. Jessica was formerly the Public Affairs Manager for Amalgamated Sugar Company. Jessica is a graduate of BSU with a degree in Arts in Communication and is currently earning her Executive MBA through BSU.