Recently, College of Idaho students were treated to tickets to new Idaho Governor Brad Little's Inaugural Ball by a generous donation from Ron and Kenda Johnson. About a dozen C of I students attended and were warmly greeted by State Representative Cherie Buckner-Webb (who also spoke at the College after a candlelight walk from downtown Caldwell to campus on the eve of MLK Day) and had some photos taken at the statehouse.
Here is an excerpt of Buckner-Webb's newsletter where she writes of her engagement with our students:
"Eleven students from the College of Idaho had the opportunity to attend the Governor's Inaugural Ball on Saturday, January 5th thanks to the generosity of a thoughtful citizen. I had the absolute pleasure of getting to meet and spend time with them and the Director of International recruitment, Greg Franz. The students represented four countries: Iraq, Malawi, Swaziland, and the United States. They were invited to attend based on their interest in government and Political Science. It was refreshing to interact and hear from various perspectives about their excitement and observations of our system. One of the students, Joshua Andersen, said, "I very much enjoyed the openness and public accessibility of the event. It is encouraging to me as a young civic-minded individual to have the opportunity to interact with state officials in a social context like the Inaugural Ball." The group even had the chance to meet and be photographed with Judge Lodge, a former alumni of The College of Idaho.
Talking with these students from around the world and participating in the inauguration called to my attention the wonderful privilege it is to be a member of this body and to participate in a public, democratic government. I was able to witness people of all backgrounds and walks of life unite at the Capitol following a change in leadership. I will hold the vision and the feeling of pride and honor to serve in my heart as I embark on another year of service in the Legislature. I am looking forward to all this session has in store and furthering progress for Idaho."
The College of Idaho has a 128-year-old legacy of excellence. The C of I is known for its outstanding academic programs, winning athletics tradition and history of producing successful graduates, including seven Rhodes Scholars, three governors, and countless business leaders and innovators. Its distinctive PEAK Curriculum challenges students to attain competency in the four knowledge peaks of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and a professional field—empowering them to earn a major and three minors in four years. The College’s close-knit, residential campus is located in Caldwell, where its proximity both to Boise and to the world-class outdoor activities of southwest Idaho’s mountains and rivers offers unique opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For more information, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.