LIA BRIEFS

Congratulations to Greg Möller, Class 7, who is the first University of Idaho professor since 1996 to be awarded the National USDA Excellence in Teaching Award. Möller is an Environmental Chemist and received the award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, one of two awards given this year. Greg has been a faculty member at U of I for the past 24 years. A side note: Greg and his family are credited with coming up with the theme - “Thank Idaho Agriculture – Three Times a Day” - which has been used on countless promotional items for LIA and Idaho agriculture.

Jeff Sayre, Class 26, recently joined the staff of CHS Primeland based in Lewiston and will be working as the South Palouse Grain Origination and Marketing Director. When Jeff participated in LIA, he was serving as Regional Director for the Lewiston office of Senator Larry Craig. Jeff will join a host of other LIA graduates employed by CHS Primeland.

Bob Hays, Class 28, had throat cancer surgery this past week in Boise. Bob will now start a round of chemo and radiation treatments (20) to fight back the cancer. The prognosis from the doctor following the surgery was very positive. Our prayers and thoughts are with Bob and Becky Hays during the weeks ahead.

Several LIA alumni have sent articles and notification about the activities of Craig Lindquist, Class 31, and Robin Wylie Lindquist, Class 21, who recently purchased 100 acres of farm land adjacent to their current operation to preserve the area for agriculture. Congratulations to the Lindquists on this purchase!

In a recent conversation with Sara Schmidt, Class 9, she reported that she has completed all of her chemotherapy treatments and is receiving positive reports from the doctor on her progress since being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in the year.

A number of LIA graduates will be serving in the 2015 Idaho Legislature as a result of the November general election. Congratulations to Senators Jim Patrick, Class 15, and Dan Johnson, Class 14, and also to Representatives Clark Kauffman, Class 13; Marcus Gibbs, Class 4; Gayle Batt, Class 18; Steve Miller, Class 29; and Caroline Nilsson Troy, Class 15.

Class 35 has been given their pro/con topic for the four sessions:
Pro: GMO Labeling should be Mandatory
Con: GMO Labeling should be Voluntary

The group will present a panel debate on Friday of the Boise Session, February 20. The debate will be open to all LIA alumni.

The first committee meeting for the 2015 Auction has been held and plans are underway for the event on Thursday, February 19, in Boise at The Riverside Hotel. If you would like to serve on the LIA auction committee, let us know and we will notify you of future meetings.

Something New:
Kendra Dustin, Class 32, Fund Development Director for LIA, has been busy raising support dollars for the LIA program. Most recently Kendra created a new sponsorship entitled “Session Presenting Sponsors”. The following have already stepped up to be Session Presenting Sponsors for Class 35:

Moscow Session:
Northwest Farm Credit Services

Pocatello Session:
Dow AgroSciences

Twin Falls Session:
Amalgamated Sugar

Boise Session:
Moffat–Thomas Law Firm