LIA BRIEFS

A word of thanks . . .

It would be impossible to name everyone involved in the success of the 2015 LIA Alumni Auction. The results of the auction demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout the ranks of LIA, right down to the current graduating class. The funds generated will provide scholarships and support for the growth of programs and activities sponsored by LIA. While raising money was an important result of the auction, an even greater accomplishment was the electricity in the air throughout the evening as friends and classmates reunited. Thanks, everyone, for a great time in Boise on February 19. We hope more can join us each year as we come together and celebrate the achievements of this program.

Rick Waitley, Executive Director

Our sympathy is extended to Kip Dennis, Class 19, in the passing of his wife, Gwen, this past week. Kip serves as a Trustee for the LIA Foundation and is currently employed at D.L. Evans Bank.

Congratulations to Laurette Gaylord, Class 31, who became a grandmother over the weekend. Coming 6 weeks early (due on April 17), grandbaby Hadley weighed in at 4.9 pounds and was 18” long. Parents are Laurette’s daughter, Lacey, and son-in-law, Randy.

Congratulations to Marc Fonnesbeck, Class 29, who was recently named as CEO of Idaho AgCredit in Blackfoot.

Congratulations to the Hartman Family Farming operation outside of Parma. The Hartman’s have been identified by the prestigious Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.  LIA graduates involved in the Hartman operation include: Bill Hartman, Class 5; John Hartman, Class 10; Josh Rubel, Class 32; and Jeff Hartman, Class 34. The farm will be featured at a special kiosk at the Smithsonian this summer to help visitors learn more about American agriculture. 

At the 2015 Alumni Auction, the 10th Founder’s Club Award was presented to Jeff Williams, Class 10, who recently retired from Glanbia Foods, Inc.  Many members of Jeff’s family were able to attend with him and share in the presentation of this award honoring his investment in LIA.

Congratulations to Will Ricks, Class 27, who was elected President of the Idaho Hay and Forage Association at their recent conference.  Congratulations also to Ben McIntyre, Class 29, who was elected Vice President.

Moving into a new position in the world of Idaho Fish and Game is Tieg Ulschmid, Class 32, who was recently promoted to work on habitat-related restoration projects for anadromous fish in the Clearwater Region. Tieg is now working under the Fisheries Bureau.

This year’s Washington, D.C., Experience is April 12-17 and will include visits to federal agencies and national groups.  Our group for this year includes the following:

Kristie Dorsey (Class 35)
Kendra Dustin (Class 32), LIA Fund Development Director
Nate (Class 33) and Launa (Class 32) Fowler
Aric (Class 35) and Michelle Frostenson, and two teens
Kyra Gibson (Class 35)
Annie Inks (Class 35)
Ann Jacops (Class 31)
Benjamin Kelly (Class 29)
Alex (Class 35) and Leah Reed, and baby
Steve (Class 35) and Lindsey Smith
Rick (Class 8) and Dorita Waitley, Tour Coordinators