[Vision2020] UI Friday Letter (from UI President White)

[Tom Hansen]

The Friday Letter for January 14, 2005.

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University of Idaho
Office of the President
Moscow, Idaho 83844-3151
Phone: 208-885-6365
Fax: 208-885-6558

The Friday Letter
A Newsletter for University of Idaho Alumni and Friends January 14, 2005

Dear Friends,

Spring semester is off to a great start, and so is the 2005 session of the
Idaho Legislature. In his State of the State address Monday evening, Gov.
Kempthorne again demonstrated his commitment to higher education by
recommending a budget that contains a number of items that are significant
for the University of Idaho and our sister institutions. This is a very
positive budget recommendation for Idaho.

His recommendation for a 6.4 percent increase in state investment for the
four-year institutions is significant and very much needed. For the first
time in several years, we would receive an increase in funding to compensate
for increased enrollment. There also is a 1 percent increase in faculty and
staff compensation and funding for the increased costs of employee health
insurance.

Funds to cover the occupancy costs for the Idaho Water Center in Boise,
which would cover things such as utilities and custodial services, also are
recommended. And his recommendation to make permanent the temporary
cigarette tax increase and dedicate the revenues to the Permanent Building
Fund eventually will provide a much-needed source of additional money for
deferred facilities maintenance and other facilities costs.

I am deeply appreciative of the support Gov. Kempthorne has once again
demonstrated for higher education. Now we need to begin working closely with
the Regents and the Legislature to ensure that his recommendations are
adopted for FY 2006.

On another topic, to our knowledge no UI students or their families were
lost in the tsunami disaster. We are offering free counseling services to
any interested students distressed by the event, and now that the semester
is underway, ASUI and the International Programs office will collaborate on
fundraising and relief efforts. I encourage each of you to give as you can. 
Information about legitimate, tax-exempt charities involved in tsunami
relief can be found at www.usaid.gov or www.usafreedomcorps.gov. Donations
made by the end of January 2005 may be used as a tax deduction for 2004.

Tim White
President

Here's the latest news from the University of Idaho:
~ Milk might be the appropriate beverage as Idaho's agriculture industry
toasts a 15 percent projected increase in net farm income during 2004. Net
income rose to $1.7 billion, $461 million higher than in 2003, UI
agricultural economists projected based on available data through November. 
Idaho's agricultural economy showed strong growth again during 2004; UI
economists predict cash receipts will approach $4.5 billion for the year. 

~ UI's Residence Hall Association (RHA) has been recognized for several
outstanding programs by the regional Intermountain Affiliate of College and
University Residence Halls (IACURH). The Vandal Chapter of the National
Residence Hall Honorary was named the IACURH chapter of the Year. UI also
was recognized as having the best educational program of the region with its
Global Block Party that celebrated various regions of the world by
showcasing their food, music and décor. UI also was named the RHA Building
Block of the Year. Brett Phillips, a senior from Rexburg, was elected
regional IACURH director for 2005.