LIA Briefs

Dear LIA Alumni:

Congratulations to Dr. Joe Kuhl, Class 37 who has recently been named Interim Department Head for the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho. Dr. Kuhl has been an Associate Professor in the Department.

Mike Thornton, Class 12 was admitted into the Onion Hall of Fame at their recent convention held at the beginning of February in Ontario. Mike has been actively involved in a number of onion organizations as well as serving on other boards in Idaho and the PNW. Mike is planning to retire later this year from his leadership role in directing the Parma R and E Center where he is also a research scientist in the faculty for the U of I specializing in onions and potatoes.

Carly Schoepflin, Class 34 Communications Director for U of I CALS has recently announced she will be accepting a position in the Administration of the University of Idaho. 

Congratulations to Jarom Jemmett, Class 39 who was recently elected to another term on the Idaho Onion Growers’ Board of Director. Jarom is currently serving as the President of the organization.

We received word this past week that Hugh Royal, Class 29 passed away in 2023. This news was just now reaching our office through an informed alumni. Hugh was employed in Richfield at the Glanbia Cheese plant.

The Idaho Noxious Weed Control Association recently held their annual meeting in Nampa. At that time two LIA alumni were admitted into the Hall of Fame: Bryce Fowler, Class 32 who is the current Fremont County Weed Superintendent and has held that position for the past 16 years and Dave Wenk, Class 40 who serves as Weed Superintendent for Boundary County. Both have been active members in the INWCA and have or are serving on the INWCA board of directors.

Eric Hansen, Class 44 has started his own farm consulting business out of American Falls. Eric will be helping farmers with water and water management, soil sampling and fertilizer recommendations. Eric was a team member at Grant 4-D Ranch in Rupert.

Jessica Anderson, Class 41 is the current Board President for the Foundation for Idaho History. Jessica is employed by the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry and also serves as a lobbyist for that organization.

When you pick up this month's issue of Idaho Proud don’t be surprised to find several articles written or featuring LIA Alumni: Dustin Winston, Class 45, who works for StoneX; Doug Robison, Class 29, Idaho President for AgWest Farm Credit; Xiaoli Etienne, Class 43, U of I Ag Econ Department Faculty; Rick Naerebout, Class 23, Executive Director Idaho Dairymen’s Association; and Hank Hafliger, Class 12, owner of Cedar Ridge Dairy. Thanks Alumni for doing your part to educate farmers and ranchers in Idaho.

Brenna Smith (Christison), Class 37 has recently joined the National Park Service as a Grant Specialist. Brenna worked 12 years for the Idaho Wine Commission.

​We are searching for updated information for the following alumni who have had mail returned to our office in recent weeks. If you know of information about any of these folks, please send Sydney Knight a note at [email protected]. 

• Michael Becerra (Class 25)
• Scott Blake (Class 11)
• Michael Comeskey (Class 42)
• Randy Elsberry (Class 6)
• Kristen R Thompson (Class 10)