[Vision2020] The Friday Letter From UI President White for December 22, 2006

[Tom Hansen]

Copied and pasted below is the Friday Letter for December 22, 2006 from UI
President Tim 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 Dec. 22, 2006

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, we introduced Robb Akey as our new football coach. Robb has
close ties to the Palouse; he served on the football staff at Washington
State University since 1999, most recently as the defensive coordinator.
This is Robb's first head coaching assignment, and we welcome the energy and
commitment he brings to the Vandal football program. I want to thank
Director of Athletics Rob Spear and the search committee for their thorough
and deliberate work in assessing candidates from around the country who
expressed interest in the University of Idaho football program.

Also this week, we announced Steven C. Johnson '71 as the new executive
director of Alumni Relations. Steve currently is executive director of the
Idaho Grain Producers Association of Boise. He previously owned and operated
his family's farm, and earlier in his career, he was a teacher and coach.
Steve will manage and direct the Alumni Association volunteer board of
directors, manage the Alumni Office, as well as lead a comprehensive alumni
program that includes events, reunions and achievement/recognition programs.
I'm sure many of you will have an opportunity to interact with Steve as he
works to maintain strong relationships with alumni and business leaders
statewide and throughout the region. He assumes his new role Feb. 1.

This is the last Friday Letter of 2006. I've truly enjoyed, and felt much
pride, as I've shared with you a year's worth of accomplishments of the
students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Idaho. Karen joins
me in wishing you the very best wishes of the season.

Tim White
President

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

Martin Luther King III will present "My Father's Dream, My Mission" Feb. 5
at the University of Idaho. The ASUI Vandal Entertainment event will take
place at 7 p.m. in the Kibbie-ASUI Activity Center. As the eldest son of
Martin Luther King Jr., he will highlight the importance and journey of
civil rights and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference co-founded by
his father in 1957. Tickets cost $2 and are available starting Jan. 2 at the
Idaho Ticket Office or by calling (208) 885-7212. Remaining tickets will be
available at the door. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Martin
Luther King Jr. National Memorial, and to the establishment of a diversity
scholarship offered by ASUI.

In Idaho this year, the lack of competitive financial aid led approximately
84 of the state's top 100 high school students to leave the state to pursue
higher education. "We are committed to keeping Idaho's best and brightest
and providing new students with a program that makes them competitive for
top jobs and graduate schools nationally and internationally," said Dan
Davenport, the University's director of admissions. "Students continue to
see the University of Idaho as a top academic choice." The University is
taking a leadership role in keeping the state's exceptionally bright and
talented high school students from attending out-of-state institutions by
bolstering scholarships for academic achievers and leaders. The University
has increased scholarship funds for National Merit Scholars and Presidential
Scholars. This year, a record 42 National Merit Scholars enrolled at the
University of Idaho. To continue attracting these top scholars, the
university now guarantees a $24,000 scholarship for National Merit Scholars
who enroll. Many of these students also receive additional scholarships from
the state of Idaho and University endowments.

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Take care, Vandals.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
UI '96


Came a tribe from the north brave and bold . . .

"Here We Have Idaho"
http://www.tomandrodna.com/HWHI.mp3

"I-D-A-H-O Idaho Idaho Go Go Go"
http://www.tomandrodna.com/Vandals.mp3