[Vision2020] Vandals and Moscow Collide

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the September 26, 2014 edition of the UI Argonaut at:

http://www.uiargonaut.com/2014/09/25/vandals-and-moscow-collide-ui-students-should-explore-moscow-community/

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Vandals and Moscow collide

UI students should explore Moscow community

Moscow and the University of Idaho are nearly synonymous with one another. Unlike across the boarder, UI doesn’t overwhelm Moscow, and allows the city to take on a culture of its own.

Moscow’s culture extends past Main Street, though Main Street is always a good place to start. From the people to the countless events, local businesses and restaurants, there’s always someone new to meet or something different to try.

UI students often have the opportunity to become part of the Moscow community and be more than just a Vandal during their short time here. Unfortunately, it’s an opportunity many students willingly ignore, and historically the university and city have done little to remedy this.

With the exception of UI Homecoming, the city and school rarely cosponsor events. From cultural presentations to community guests, these occasions tend to be a “community event” or a “university function,” but never one-in-the-same. Fortunately, it seems new leadership in the city and at UI are working to change this.

Moscow Mayor Bill Lambert and UI President Chuck Staben have said they intend to help enhance community involvement in the university even further. An effort made to increase involvement — specifically by Lambert — is the Vandal Town Block Party tonight as part of Dads’ Weekend.

The event is intended to welcome students back to Moscow, and is a perfect opportunity for students to get in touch with the parts of Moscow they don’t normally see.

But even if students can’t make the block party, there are plenty of events throughout the academic year that UI students can, and should try to attend as much as possible.

The fact that the community of Moscow and the university are so closely intertwined is a reason the famous Vandal spirit shines so brightly, even after students graduate. Alumni have pinpointed the rich Moscow community as one of their favorite parts about UI, yet the interaction between current students and the community remains minimal.

The size and the relationship the town has with the university creates a personal connection students can carry with them long after they physically leave the area. There is no reason students can’t be a part of this community, when nearly every part of it is within walkable distance.The culture and community inside of Moscow is rich, and there is much more to the town beyond the university campus.

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And then there was . . . 

The Vandal Town Block Party
http://www.MoscowCares.com/VandalTownBlockParty
 
Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

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