LIA Briefs

Dear LIA Alumni:
Thanks to many in various LIA classes and LIA Trustees who came together and supported the Knowles Family during the recent loss of Corbin, Class 43. Several attended the viewing, and the memorial service held in Burley. A total of $2880 was provided to Corbin’s wife Charlotte to assist with expenses she incurred during the funeral and cemetery expenses. Thanks for your generosity and kindness.​

Carly Schoepflin, Class 34, wrote the following recently related to her new position at the U of I. “While I hope some will always remember me as ‘Carly from Ag’, I’m excited to share that after 12 incredible years in the University of Idaho College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, I’ve accepted a new role as Vice President for Constituency Experiences at the University of Idaho Foundation. I’m tremendously thankful to have spent the last decade+ working alongside an industry I’m passionate about and with colleagues and stakeholders who continue to inspire and mentor me. I’m looking forward to a new chapter of challenge and growth but most importantly, I’m looking forward to continuing that at U of I. My sincere thanks to those of you I’ve had the privilege of working with in my role in CALS and, as always…Go Vandals!!”
Good reports are being received on Neil Durrant, Class 34, who recently had back surgery. Neil reported that he is now walking four miles each day and riding his bike around eight miles per day. Neil is part owner in the operation of Big D Ranches located south of Meridian. 
The participation for the Washington, DC Experience – May 3-9 has continued to grow and now those participating include the following:

Kendra Dustin, Class 32, Development Dir.  Rick Waitley, Class 8 Exec. Dir. & spouse
Shawn Boyle, Class 41 & guest                   Gabe Flick, Class 41 & spouse
Megan Snyder, Class 38                             Jaimi Stokes, Class 38
Nic Gibson, Class 37                                   Nic Wittman, Class 39, spouse & son

In addition, four alumni from REAL Oregon, as well as the state director, will be tagging along to learn how the program operates in hopes of creating a DC Experience for REAL Oregon.

Congratulations to Elli Brown, Class 32, who was recently elected President of the Idaho Legislative Advisors organization. ILA represents a specific group of lobbyists who chose to pay membership dues for the opportunity to use the lobby room in the Capitol during the legislative session. Rick Waitley, Class 8, serves as the executive director for the organization. Elli is employed in the Government Affairs area of INL and serves as the INL State and Policy Outreach Lead. 

The LIA Governance Committee has completed their work and will be submitting to the Board of Trustees on Friday, April 25 a list of officers and trustees for election by the alumni membership for the 2025-2026 year. Be watching your inbox for information related to the elections and the date to submit your ballot for the LIA leaders. 

Congratulations to Mike Thornton, Class 12, who retired officially on March 31 from his position with the U of I. Mike has been actively involved in many industry committees related to potatoes and onions during his career. Most recently Mike has been a Researcher at the Parma R and E Center. 

Michael Colle, Class 44, U of I CALS Associate Professor in Meat Science, has announced that he will be transitioning to a new career with Hub International. Michael will be based in Connell, WA and will be the Director of Operations for North Idaho and Eastern WA. Megan, Michael’s wife, has family living near Connell, WA. Exciting opportunity for a new adventure and close to family. 

Looking ahead:
Be sure you have circled the annual LIA Golf Tournament on your calendar for June 5 in Twin Falls. Registration is open. https://www.leadershipidahoag.org/golf