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College Announces Distinguished Alumni Award Winners

October 7, 2022

One of the many activities of Homecoming week at The College of Idaho is the annual Alumni Awards Celebration, which took place on Thursday night at the Langroise Center for the Performing & Fine Arts.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD: Kathryn House Almberg ‘85

After working for many years in California’s commercial real estate market, Almberg and her family moved to Eagle, Idaho, and immediately went to work to help lower-income families attain housing. She worked with the Idaho Housing and Finance Association and has served as the vice president of The Housing Company, a group that helps to create life-changing solutions for the most-needy families in our community.

G.O.L.D. ALUMNI AWARD: Reinaldo Gil Zambrano ‘13

Zambrano, an assistant professor at Spokane’s Gonzaga University, has established himself as one of the premier contributors to the Inland Empire art scene. His collaboration efforts helped to create Spokane Print Fest, a venue that celebrates printmaking in an effort to make it more accessible to the entire community. He’s been a highly sought-after artist and has won multiple international awards for his work.

G.O.L.D. ALUMNI AWARD: Emily Hawgood ‘17

Hawgood was a three-sport athlete at the College (cross country, swimming, track and field) and is now a rising star in the world of ultra-running, which is any footrace longer than the conventional 26-mile marathon. This year, she placed fifth female at Western States and sixth at UTMB, both prestigious 100-mile trail races. Her ascension in the ultra-running world came as she pursued a Master’s degree at Western Colorado University.

ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD: Jim Grigsby ‘82

Grigsby has been a lifelong supporter and philanthropist of the College, including multiple terms as the chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. Grigsby recently retired after a long and successful career in the banking industry, including time spent as the Division President in the western United States for U.S. Bank. While attending The College of Idaho, Grigsby was a member of the school’s basketball team and he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the College in 2010.

ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD: Betty Simpson ‘72

Simpson became the District Governor for her Lions Club district, 39W, in July as she continues to be a highly active member of the club. Her dedication to service extends back to the College as well where she was an important part of the preparations for this year’s 50-year reunion along with serving as an Alumni Ambassador, a phone-a-thon volunteer and a board member of the Parents Association. She also established the Iseri Family Scholarship at the College.

FAMILY HERITAGE AWARD: The Price Family

The legacy created by the Price family at the College is lengthy, beginning with Don ’54 and Rosie ’50-’52 Price. It extends to Kevin ’76, Dan ’84, Jana ’80-’82, Martha ’87, Alan ’10, and Tom ’19. The family has a history of success in community banking, expertise in water desalination, strength in technology, and many more. The family’s connection with the College is as strong and firm as ever.

Click here for a gallery of images from the Alumni Awards Celebration.

The College of Idaho has a 131-year-old legacy of excellence. The College 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.