Listening Tour

Ending the tour in Moscow and Lewiston

July 15th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 10 Comments »

On Friday we had one of our last alumni lunches in Moscow, this was also impressive and very fun. I might be biased because I am from Northern Idaho, but I really loved the optimism shown here at the events we went to. The Vandal passion in the room was incredible; the people there truly bled black and gold. I think we were all very glad to be back in Moscow, so there were smiles all around and the University Inn had a great meal ready for us.

The alumni mentioned just how much they enjoy being involved with the University and how they would not mind if they could be even more involved. Like I said, it was a group of people full of Vandal Pride.

Today, we had our last event in Lewiston, an alumni lunch at the Red Lion. Not only was it a good lunch, but it was so nice for our little tour group to get back together and see each other.

Although Dr. Nellis has had a remarkable past two weeks, he only became the University of Idaho president 15 days ago, as he spoke to the alumni in Lewiston he still had passion in his voice about the Vandals. He told them about his excitement, his goals, his plans, and while telling about all this, sounded as confident as ever.

Athletics was brought up once again. Besides the fact that everyone always talks about how Vandal football needs to be improved, the President talked about just how great the Kibbie Dome is in general. I completely agree with him, there is nothing like the Kibbie Dome on a Saturday afternoon the day of a home game. I will never forget home football games while looking around and only seeing black and gold, everyone is standing and yelling no matter if we are winning or losing, Pizza Perfection being handed out by the Vandal Spirit Squad, and having the feeling that you know everyone around you, even if you don’t.

The alumni’s comments and questions were nothing but sincere to Dr. Nellis and the University of Idaho. And of course to end the lunch we all stood and chanted the Vandal Fight Song together.

Overall we had 35 events we attended in five and a half days; we traveled 1500 miles, and met close to 1500 people. That is crazy to me, for every mile we traveled we met someone.

This tour certainly was an adventure, I went into the tour intimidated and scared out of my mind about the people I would be traveling with and about my writing/blogging, but now that it is over I am confidant and comfortable with the great staff I traveled with and with my writing/blogging (even though I still tell myself that no one is reading this.)

The Listening Tour Crew

The North!

July 11th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 8 Comments »

We flew into Spokane on Thursday and had an alumni lunch at Luigi’s. We met some great Vandal alumni with graduating classes ranging from 1937 to 2008. My family was able to make it to lunch to meet President Nellis and the group that I have been traveling with for the last five days. I was so happy to see my family and for them to meet this great group of people I have spent so much time telling you about.

In Coeur d’ Alene we then had another Alumni reception at the beautiful Coeur d’ Alene Resort. Dr. and Mrs. Nellis both showed up wearing fun black and gold Vandal gear. The room was decorated nicely and everyone was in high spirits, even though we all should have been completely exhausted, it wasn’t possible in such a great atmosphere.

Athletics was a big topic discussed, along with Dr. Nellis being asked what the three most troublesome issues were at the University. After thinking long and hard Dr. Nellis answered, “resources, resources, and resources.”

Breakfast in Boise

July 9th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 8 Comments »

It was an early morning once again, I was wondering if it was going to happen along the trip and it did, I was running late, I know… I’m horrible. But of course the sincere University of Idaho staff were polite about it and didn’t give me too tough of a time.

Breakfast started at seven this morning at the Boise Centre with business and political leaders from around the area. Despite the very early meal, there was a great turn out with great comments brought up and questions asked.

One comment was made this morning about the plans for enrollment growth at the University of Idaho. Everyone agrees that increasing enrollment is a great idea. From an “adult” point of view I bet it does seem like a great idea.

I think that it is great idea, higher enrollment should be the aim of the University, but at the same time if enrollment goes up then so many other things need to go up in number too. Just a few things off the top of my head would be parking, classes, professors, parking, campus living space, oh and parking. But I haven’t thought about it much.

Another comment brought up this morning was one I haven’t heard yet. Somebody complimented the University of Idaho music program and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. They mentioned just how great it is and how it is like none other. I enjoyed hearing this comment not only because it really is a great event, but also because it’s nice to hear it mentioned outside of Moscow.

A Very Eventful Day in Southern Idaho

July 8th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 18 Comments »

Wow. Today was much different than the first two days on the tour. I have had quite a morning and afternoon.

We got on the road this morning at seven, yes in the morning. We then drove to Hagerman to visit the Aquaculture Center. It was absolutely amazing, I had never even heard of it before this morning. But instead of just sitting down and listening to people speak, this time we got to walk around the center and see what kind of “projects” they had going on.

First, we started off just looking at all of these tremendously expensive pieces of equipment, but when I say equipment I don’t mean giant machines, no these were all fairly small, but did immense things. But after the small yet expensive stuff, came the exciting stuff. We saw so many different sizes, types, and colors of fish this afternoon. As we walked around this “fish farm” I was able to take a lot of pictures of the different fish and I think showing you the pictures will be better than trying to explain them to you.

A $30,000 fish....wow

A very mean fish

The future of "Vandal Caviar"

After seeing all of the beautiful fish we drove to Parma where we got a tour around the Parma Research and Extension Center. There we got to see onions, mint, wine grapes, table grapes, tree fruits, and many more crops. But after this quick tour we were suddenly no longer surrounded by plants but by thousands of cows.

Our lunch company

It was about time for lunch so we headed out to meet some political leaders and to grab a bite to eat. The last two days we had lunch in nice facilities, which smelled good, and were air conditioned. Not today though, we ate our lunch in the middle of the M & M feedlot in Parma. Cattle literally surrounded us as we ate our lunch. But I was surprised that the air was not filled with an overwhelming odor of cattle, it actually smelt strongly of mint because the feedlot was located right next to a field of mint.

Today it was not just a few political leaders like the days past either, two tour buses full of legislators arrived shortly after us and before we pulled in Governor Butch Otter arrived.

President Nellis shaking Governor Butch Otters hand

After we left the “farm” we stopped by Caldwell for a quick tour of the Food Technology Center. There we were able to hear some of the thoughts of the staff and then even got to see some gluten free cheese being bagged….exciting I know!

And as if all that wasn’t enough to call it a day, we then drove to Boise for an Alumni Reception at the Doubletree Riverside. Much like the other Alumni Receptions, there was a lot of mingling, snacking, President Nellis listening to comments and answering questions, and having a good time. One thing that was different this time was we didn’t just chant some of the fight song; no everyone clapped and sang the entire Vandal fight song.

It was a long day for all of us

Day Two, Twin Falls and Kimberly

July 7th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 3 Comments »

This is my first time visiting many of the locations the tour is taking us to, so it is my first time in Twin Falls and since I slept on the drive here yesterday I didn’t get to see much of the scenery. So today when we had the Alumni and Friends Luncheon at Canyon Crest Event Center I was in awe by the gorgeous view we had of the Snake River Canyon.

The Snake River Canyon

Several alumni and political leaders showed up for both the delicious lunch and to meet Dr. Nellis.

A topic brought up quickly after the President took the floor, mentioned by one of the alumni guests, was just how important the athletic program is to a University.

Dr. Nellis agreed with him completely and said that athletics are the front porch to a University. The University of Idaho Athletics is definitely going somewhere and with U-Idaho’s Athletic Director Rob Spear athletics will continue to get better and better.

Dr. Nellis made sure to remind the alumni that although our football team is having challenges they are becoming more competitive every year. He also made sure to remind them that in this past year the University of Idaho Men’s Basketball team beat Boise State University not only once, but twice.

A law School curriculum in Boise, the Parma Research Center, and budget in many different areas were also discussed about during the lunch.

President Nellis making a phone call outside the Canyon Crest Event Center

Dr. Nellis also met with a few political leaders after the lunch. After sitting in on the lunch I realized that there is definitely a theme to the conversations taking place from each meeting to the next, energy, budget, agriculture, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

The Kimberly Research and Extension Center was on the next stop for the tour group. There the President was able to hear the thoughts and concerns that the staff had about the University. But it was also more than just a meeting. Dr. Nellis also got a book titled “Weeds of the West”, an Idaho potato pin, a look at some of their own potatoes, and a look at the bean farm.

Maria Chavez, employee at the Kimberly R & E Center, showing some of their Idaho Potatoes

On our way back to Twin Falls we were able to make a quick stop by the Shoshone Falls. The water is very high right now and the sight was absolutely beautiful. Not only did we get to enjoy the view, but of course ran into a future Vandal who will be moving to Moscow in the fall.

Ruthie Nellis, the future Vandal, and his family, at the Shoshone Falls

Tomorrow we have a very early start; I was just informed that we are leaving the hotel at seven in the morning to head to Hagerman.

I am very excited for all of our destinations tomorrow, but it is a lot of traveling and quite a few people to meet.

Two days down, three to go.

The beautiful Shoshone Falls

Alumni Reception in Idaho Falls

July 7th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 2 Comments »

Yesterday afternoon a group of U-Idaho alumni met at the Shiloh Inn to meet President Nellis and wife, Ruthie Nellis. Honestly it was without a doubt my favorite meeting of the day.

The turnout was great, we were all able to meet and visit with many Idaho alumni. We got to hear about their time at the University of Idaho and the wide range of years that they graduated. I heard one man say “graduating class of ’52″ and another woman say ’84. There was the 1997-98 student body president and even some people who have never set foot in Moscow, but graduated from the University of Idaho in Idaho Falls…..real “home grown” Vandals!

The alumni were so supportive, all day President Nellis was telling groups of people that he wanted to hear their thoughts, yet he still always had questions asked. But the alumni not only had a lot of comments, but their remarks were nothing but sincere and complimenting to the University and Dr. Nellis.

They mentioned things like, how much the University of Idaho means to their community, and how great it is for them to be able to continue their education without leaving their homes or quitting their jobs. Many times alumni raised their hands to tell Dr. Nellis just how excited they are to have him as the U-Idaho president and how they hope that Dr. and Mrs. Nellis will visit again.

The reception ended with President Nellis, U-Idaho staff, and the Alumni waving their fists in unison and chanting…. I-D-A-H-O, Idaho, Idaho, go, go, go!!

We traveled to Twin Falls last night and are now getting ready for the day, looks like another long, but exciting day.

Steve Johnson, Director Alumni Relations, washing the car window before the trip to Twin Falls.

Idaho Falls

July 6th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 2 Comments »

This morning President Nellis, Steve Johnson, Chris Murray, Vice President of Advancement, and I had a breakfast with some agricultural leaders at the Shiloh Inn in Idaho Falls. The breakfast was delicious and the group of leaders was very sincere. That may have been because I was not only the youngest in the room, but also the only female or maybe even because they felt bad for me after I knocked a glass of water over onto the breakfast table. But whatever the reason, the seven guests were very polite.

Soon after we sat down Steve Johnson, the Director Alumni Relations, introduced the U-Idaho staff and me to the guests, then he gave the floor to President Nellis. Dr. Nellis then described some of his background and explained to them what the agriculture of Idaho means to him and the University. Then he reminded the guests that this tour is not only meant for him to talk, but more for him to hear what the stakeholders around the state and supporters of the University of Idaho have to say, from there he opened the floor up for the others to speak.

Many questions and comments about the University of Idaho were brought up by the agricultural leaders, topics ranging from agricultural education to the athletic department. While agriculture in Idaho was a big topic of discussion for most of the breakfast, I did notice that many of the topics returned to financial discussions, such as budget for athletics, budget for agriculture, and funding of professors.

Before lunch, President Nellis met with some local political leaders. The conversation focused a lot on the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (I finally learned what CAES stands for!), with one legislator saying it was the best example of a broad-based collaboration between universities, the Idaho National Laboratory, the governor and the Department of Energy. In fact, the DOE just gave a grant of more than $6 million to CAES for nuclear-related research.

President M. Duane Nellis at CAES in Idaho Falls

The conversation turned to money and the forecast for coming years. One legislator said the 2011 budget will be more stringent than 2010, but Idaho remains much better off than most states.

Overall, the feedback from this small group was very positive. They said the university is a resource to help legislators do their jobs. In eastern Idaho, the university has the Idaho Falls center, as well as local extension centers that contribute to economic development and the quality of the state.

So after just one afternoon I have already learned many things not only about Dr. Nellis, but about the University itself. This last semester I heard so many rumors about the budget cuts, and heard complaints from fellow students about funding toward the athletic program. But I can now not only understand the reasoning behind the decisions being made by U-Idaho, but I can even say that I agree with the reasoning. Even though my fees are also going up, I can now see that the University of Idaho is not only a school, but it is a business. And just like any good business, you have to change with times and do what is going to be best for your business. Dr. Nellis did a great job explaining this today when the questions were brought up.

Lunch at the University of Idaho in Idaho Falls

Traveling to Idaho Falls

July 5th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 14 Comments »

After a day of traveling we have made it to Idaho Falls, the first stop of the Statewide Listening Tour with University of Idaho President Duane Nellis.

I have never been a fan of traveling, so finally arriving to our destination was such a relief for me. We all met at the Lewiston Airport for our flight at noon; from there we flew to Salt Lake City, had a two hour layover, and then flew to Idaho Falls.

After checking into to the Hotel and getting some food in us, we were all able to sit and talk about what we will be doing tomorrow. We start very early in the morning, but I am excited about the events we will be going to and the people we will be meeting. Between meeting Ag leaders, Legislators, County Commissioners, and Alumni, it will be a very fun filled and informative day. But I will tell you more about all of that tomorrow.

Tomorrow night we are off to Twin Falls to stay for a couple of nights.

Getting Started

June 25th, 2009 by Nichole Corn | 6 Comments »

The University of Idaho has always been a place of opportunities for me I have been involved in many events, clubs, organizations, and other things that look great on a resume and really give me experience in areas that I need and enjoy. But when Glenn Mosley, my advisor, asked me if I would be interested in touring around the state of Idaho with our new President and UI staff, I then realized that the other opportunities I thought were so great had just become very minute.

My name is Nichole Corn; I am a senior Broadcast Journalism major, and a Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Idaho. In a little over a week I am going to be traveling all over Idaho with the University of Idaho President, M. Duane Nellis and some of the great Idaho staff.

I will be going to just about each event that is scheduled in the cities that we visit. While I am there I will be observing the events that take place and then go back to the hotel, to write and tell you all about the conversations that happen and subjects that are discussed.

Overall I am very eager for the tour, a little nervous, but I think that it will be an exciting journey. I am going to visit many of cities that I have never been to and meet numerous people that support the University of Idaho in different ways. We leave on Sunday, July 5th and we will be off to Idaho Falls.

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