[Vision2020] The Friday Letter from UI President White (April 7, 2006)

[Tom Hansen]

Today's (April 7, 2006) Friday Letter from UI President White - 

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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 April 7, 2006

Dear Friends,

The University of Idaho's reputation for leadership in information
technology, and the use thereof for research and instruction, just got a
huge boost. We are now operating with a direct "multi-lane on-ramp" to the
world's information highway with a new high-speed, fiber-optic, 2.4
gigabits-per-second network connection, a 55.6-fold increase. We are
tremendously excited to have this powerful new capability. It opens a number
of doors of opportunity for the entire university community, and beyond. One
very significant benefit of the new connection is that faculty can share
instantly their own research - even that which is data intense such as
bioinformatics and imaging - with others around the globe. It facilitates
global collaboration on projects and use of supercomputers remotely for
specialized research.
       
I am pleased to share with you the news that the civil litigation
surrounding the University Place project in Boise has been settled. 
As widely reported in the media, the University of Idaho and the
Consolidated Investment Trust, managed by the University of Idaho
Foundation, will share in an $8.3 million dollar mediated settlement. 
This settlement resolves all of the University's claims in the litigation.
As recognized by all of the parties in a joint statement, "the settlement is
a reasonable resolution of an extremely complex matter, avoids substantial
future litigation costs, and is in the best interest of the University
community." The University plans to put its share of the settlement proceeds
to use immediately for the benefit of the University community.
       
Next Tuesday, April 11, the University will renew its tradition of Campus
Day. A rededication ceremony will take place at 8 a.m. in front of the UI
Administration Building, then students, faculty, staff along with community
members will join together to work on indoor and outdoor projects aimed at
maintaining overall campus vitality. As the University of Idaho moves
forward in this era of renaissance, Campus Day is the renewal of a great
tradition that brings us together as a campus community to share in our
pride and aspiration for this great institution. Campus Day was initially
proposed by Dean of Women Permeal French and first instituted on May 23,
1910. 

Tim White
President

Here's the latest news from the University of Idaho:

No horsing-around - the University of Idaho women's rodeo team is ranked
first in the nation by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. 
The eight-member team has two competitions left this season: in Ellensburg,
Wash., April 21-23 and in Pendleton, Ore., May 12-14, after which the
official title will be announced. Team members also are anticipating another
trip to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., June 11-17.

The University of Idaho soil judging team posted a fourth-place finish in
the group event at the National Soil Judging Competition held March 24, in
Southern California. Teams from 21 universities nationwide competed. Meagan
Rose placed 10th among 82 competitors, and Jennifer Latimer placed 23rd.

The Alumni Association celebrates its history today with Silver and Gold Day
on the Moscow campus. A tree dedication ceremony honoring chemistry
Professor Tom Bitterwolf is at 4 p.m.- rain or shine - on the west side of
the Teaching and Learning Center. The UI Jazz Choir will perform. A
reception will follow inside the TLC building.

Tom '59 and Teita Reveley have pledged $250,000 to help establish a
University of Idaho Remote Sensing and Spatial Ecology Complex, to be
located in the College of Natural Resources. The Reveleys' commitment will
help researchers and educators integrate a cutting-edge package of sensor
technologies and planning processes to serve a wide variety of scientific
disciplines, degree programs and professional training courses. "Our college
educations provided us with the tools for success - critical thinking,
problem solving and global citizenship," said the Reveleys. "What excites us
about the complex is that it will have many useful applications and
integrate multiple disciplines to help students and practicing professionals
understand and address global issues." 
The couple has made other generous and meaningful gifts to University of
Idaho student scholarships and athletics.

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Take care, Moscow (you, too, Vandals).

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
UI '96

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails." 
- Unknown