LIA BRIEFS

Congratulations to Shane Robins, Class 35, and his wife, Jaime, on the birth of their son, Hesston Alex, on April 30. Hesston weighed in at 6 lbs., 9 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Congratulations also to Grandpa Richard Durrant, Class 9.

Congratulations to Launa Fowler, Class 32, who participated in the Idaho Youth Ranch “Wine, Women and Shoes” event and was voted “Most Classy Shoe”.  Launa said husband Nate Fowler, Class 33, played a role in picking out the winning shoes for her to wear. Nate is an LIA trustee, so we may have to consider him as a speaker for the Dress for Success seminar!

Congratulations to Rich Garber, Class 2, Director of External Affairs and Governmental Relations for the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, who recently received the Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Merit for Outstanding Service to Agriculture in Idaho. Gamma Sigma Delta was founded in 1905 as a professional agricultural fraternity. The group honors individuals who have effectively advanced agricultural efforts and technology worldwide through their professional lives.

Sympathy is extended to Randy Brooks, Class 16, who lost his father, age 75, on May 6.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Sara Schmidt, Class 9, who had additional surgery on May 4, related to her earlier bout with cancer.  According to Sara, “It’s all about risk reduction.”  

Congratulations to Tereasa Waterman, Class 18, and husband, Lin, on the adoption of Lauren Danielle Waterman, born March 26.  Mom is on “baby” leave from Idaho Wheat Commission until June.

Congratulations to Mark Pratt, Class 11, and Wendy Pratt, Class 35, whose son Seth was named Outstanding Senior at the University of Idaho College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Seth served as National FFA Western Regional vice president 2011-2012. His degree is in agricultural and extension education.

Jane Waldher, Class 35, sent an email recently, announcing that she and her family would be relocating to Pendleton, Oregon, around Memorial Day. Her husband, Bob, has accepted a position as planner for Umatilla County. This also positions them about one hour from parents. The Waldher’s are expecting their third child in June.

Several LIA alumni participated in the Waitley seminar on Effective Meetings. Those attending included Julie Burkhardt, Class 22, Tiege Ulschmid, Class 32, Kristie Dorsey and Kyra Gibson, both from Class 35. Another seminar is planned for the fall. The group concluded their day’s activities by watching the new LIA recruitment video, and from that showing we received three applications!

Heathe Weston, Class 35, wrote the following “I just thought I would let you know that I have decided to return to the family ranch to work with my dad and brother. My last day at Idaho AgCredit was April 16th.” Heathe’s family ranch is in Woodruff, Utah. While Heathe will be missed at Idaho AgCredit, it is great to have him back in production agriculture.

Executive Director Rick Waitley, Class 8, has been working closely with a steering group out of Oregon which is interested in creating a leadership program in their state. We have supplied the steering committee with the names of LIA graduates from Idaho who now reside in Oregon. Rick has agreed to consult with the group in their efforts to start a program. Through the years, Idaho LIA has included a number of Oregonians in our program.