CLASS Student Success 2016

COLLEGE OF

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

|

2016

STUDENT SUCCESS

LETTERS, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

CLASS English General Studies History International Studies Journalism and Mass Media Modern Languages and Cultures Music Naval Sciences Politics and Philosophy Psychology and Communication Studies Sociology and Anthropology Theatre Arts

A message from the Dean ...

This year has been full of growth and positive change in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. Our accomplishments include the largest, first-year, incoming class for the college in 5 years. There have been national recognitions and awards and we have had great success in faculty research.

The goals we have set for this year are inspiring. We’ll be launching new online programs that increase the options for our current and incoming students. We’ll engage in strategic planning to continue to grow enrollment, expand our research, enhance connections with community, and cultivate an even more vibrant campus culture. And we are planning the 50th anniversary of the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. For 50 years, the festival has been bringing the best in jazz education and performance to our community. We look forward to celebrating that with you in this very special year.

I hope you enjoy reading about some of the best students in the college and learning more how their University of Idaho experience has set them on a new trajectory to an exciting future Thank you for being a vital part of all these accomplishments and investing in our student’s success.

Go Vandals!

ANDREW E. KERSTEN | Dean 1

CLASS

student success SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

“

As a child, I used to dream about other cultures. I was always

buying books about people in other parts of the world – wanting to know the differences between myself and them and why they believed what they did. I knew then that I wanted to follow my passion to study anthropology.

I’ve had quite a few obstacles to overcome, but I attribute my success to the University of Idaho. Without scholarships and the guidance of the UI’s Disability Support Services, showing me I could succeed regardless of my learning disabilities, I would have given up a long time ago.

I know that I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for help like yours. I feel the responsibility that comes with that money, so I work hard every day to succeed in my classes. That support has made me get the most out of my education because I never take a day in the classroom for granted.

”

KANDI LEIGH STARNES | Anthropology Class of 2016 Winchester, Tenessee

ENGLISH

“

I had been writing magazine articles for a few years when I

discovered the essay, “Garden in Winter,” by Jeanne Marie Laskas.

Reading her work transformed my life and reignited my passion for writing. I was so inspired that I decided to return to graduate school to study literary nonfiction and earn my Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing.

It has been a tremendous privilege to work with the community of writers at the University of Idaho. I have been mentored by accomplished and generous faculty and have had the chance to give and receive constructive feedback in writing workshops.

As a returning student, I learned to juggle teaching, my own classwork and all the while still raising my two kids—it’s been a busy three years! Support of our English programs and scholarships made a huge difference in my life. Thank you!

”

MELANIE L. THONGS | English Class of 2016 Moscow, Idaho 3

HISTORY

“

I’ve always loved studying world history. I find it fascinating how

past events have formed our modern world—only deepening our understanding of the present.

Besides pursuing my passion for history, I am also an active duty member of the university’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Being selected for a very competitive military commissioning program prior to enrollment, I’m now honored to pursue both passions here at the University of Idaho. I am also grateful for our passionate and dedicated teachers at here at UI. One of my history professors who specializes in Russian History, is exceedingly professional, impactful, and well-informed.

More than anything, I would like to thank you for your past gifts to the university. Gifts like yours let me focus on my passion for history and my desire to serve our country as an officer in the Marine Corps. You truly inspire excellence.

AMISH SMITH | History and Philosophy Oceanside, California Class of 2016

”

JOURNALISM AND MASS MEDIA

“

I discovered my passion for digital media through an intensive

video production class offered during high school. I love the fast paced environment of media production and the diversity of people and opinions that I get to work with every day.

I am grateful for our passionate and dedicated staff at the University of Idaho. They have broadened my education by providing me with a multitude of opportunities to get real world, hands-on experience.

Outside of the classroom, I am a founding member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity at the University of Idaho. I have also done many shows and put in many hours as a volunteer DJ at UI’s radio station KUOI 89.3 FM. None of this would be possible without the support of scholarships.

60% of UI students, including me, rely on this support. Thank you for the opportunity to make my life better.

JACOB R. EDLUND | Broadcasting and Digital Media Post Falls, Idaho Class of 2016 4

”

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

“

My goal is simple: to never be a spectator of unfairness or

ignorance. I hope that this goal leads me to a career path with a governmental or non-governmental organization that employs and empowers, in order to contribute to, and hopefully influence, parts of the international system.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of my field of study is the evolution of the international system over the past century and the impact that evolution has had on the United States. We are living in an incredibly unique and interesting point of history – something I’m reminded of everyday in my classes. I owe a lot to the Martin Institute and to the professors who make it great.

The tradition of giving to the university’s scholarships and programs makes it possible for students like me to pursue our passion.

”

ZACHARY LIEN | International Studies, Political Science, and Spanish Class of 2018 Eagle, Idaho

MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

“

Learning a second language opens up a gateway of possibilities

to engage in different cultures and build a global network of colleagues. It also facilitates opportunities to share my own story, enabling me to use what I have learned to teach and inspire others.

I am a first-generation college student, and also a Hispanic and Native American student. So I’ve had to overcome learning obstacles, along with some financial issues, that have been speed bumps on my road to pursuing higher education.

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, the Native American Student Center, and TRiO Student Support Services have all been key players in my success as a student. Without the advice, encouragement, scholarships, and opportunities like studying abroad, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The generosity of donors like you has blessed me and I am thankful with all that I am and all that I have.

”

BENAIAH C. CHEEVERS | Spanish and Latin American Studies Class of 2016 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 5

MUSIC

“

I found my passion for music at age 15 when I attended the Lionel

Hampton Jazz Festival. I saw many of my jazz heroes playing on the big stage in the Kibbie Dome and thought, “I want to do that.”

The opportunities that the university has provided me are irreplaceable. They have helped me realize the kind of musician I want to be and also the kind of person I want to be. To be a good, working musician, you have to be a good person. That is a big thing I have learned at the University of Idaho, how to be a good person.

Put very simply without help, I would not have been able to work hard enough to finance my college education at UI. The scholarship opportunities donors like you give to students like me makes all the difference in the world. Thank you!

”

NATHAN TOP | Music Performance: Trumpet Albany, Oregon Class of 2016

POLITICS AND PHILOSOPHY

“

When I was a child, I read Voltaire’s “Candide and Lettres

Philosophique”. I loved them so much that I began to pick up other philosophy books, usually taking them from my grandparent’s house. No one ever encouraged me to study philosophy, but I somehow gravitated towards the subject. I find it fascinating.

The opportunities that the university has provided me are irreplaceable. All of the faculty members in the Philosophy Department are wonderful. I find them encouraging and some aren’t afraid to push me a bit outside my little comfort zone to help me grow into a better student and philosopher.

I am a non-traditional student, and helped put my husband through his undergraduate and graduate degrees first. As a young married couple, paying for school was an issue, but gifts like yours have made a difference in our lives - making it possible for me to focus CRYSTAL HERNANDEZ | Philosophy Moscow, Idaho Class of 2016 6

on my passion for philosophy.

”

POLITICS AND PHILOSOPHY

“

The University of Idaho has opened many doors for me and gave

me the tools that I needed in order to succeed. After graduating with my dual degrees in Political Science and Spanish, I plan to work for a while and then pursue my graduate degree in Public Administration.

During my time at the University of Idaho I gained the confidence that I needed to take on any challenge. For example, I was given the opportunity to study abroad and it changed my life forever. The Vandal Multicultural Program opened the door for me and dozens of other first generation multicultural students to be successful during our time here at the UI. None of this would be possible without people like you. I’m grateful to be the recipient of a scholarship that helps first generation students from farm working backgrounds attain a college education.

I wouldn’t be here without it.

”

FREDERICK OLMOS CEJA | Political Science and Spanish Class of 2016 Rupert, Idaho

PSYCHOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

“

I have always wanted to build a career that involved helping others.

After taking a course in high school, I decided that psychology was the best way to help me complete my goals.

Whether one is learning the intricacies of brain function, understanding mental illnesses or applying that knowledge to reallife situations, my passion for studying the human condition has only spurred me further to help others improve their lives. The opportunities that the university has provided me are irreplaceable.

None of this would be possible without you. At times, I’ve worked two or three part time jobs to help ends meet including working as a dance instructor at the UI, but I am blessed to have received scholarships that have supported me throughout college. Gifts like yours have allowed me to work less and focus more on my studies.

Thank you!

”

KELSEY SYMONS | Psychology and Sociology: Criminology Emphasis Class of 2016 Hailey, Idaho 7

SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

“

As a first generation college student, attending a university was a

new experience for my family and me, but UI gave us the resources and tools needed to navigate the college experience and allowed me to ultimately become a successful student.

I’ve met and learned from many talented professors here. More than just a professor, Dr. Sarathchandra has been an excellent mentor. I was honored to have the opportunity to work side-by-side with her conducting sociological research. We spent the semester analyzing how science functions in a social context and how various social factors influence how science and technology are performed. We even co-presented our research at a major conference last fall.

Through gifts like yours to support the Sociology programs and scholarships, you helped inspire me to succeed by providing the opportunities and support that helped me reach my fullest NICOLE LICHTENBERG | Sociology and Anthropology Hailey, Idaho Class of 2016

potential.

”

THEATRE ARTS

“

During my senior year of high school, one of my best friends

dared me to audition for the spring musical. I took the dare and was cast in a lead role. Then, the fear set in. I have to do this now.

The theatre bug fully bit me, and I now enjoy engaging that fear as often as possible.

After enjoying success as an actor in Chicago for almost 20 years, it was tough to walk away from what seemed like a pretty comfortable place. However, I decided to get uncomfortable again in order to dig deeper as an aspiring artist.

Whatever reservations I might have had are long gone and the new family I have found here at the University of Idaho is a great gift. Like many of the students in theatre arts, I would not be here without your support. You are making dreams come true. You are making the world a better place.

MATTHEW BRUMLOW | M.F.A. Directing Chicago, Illinois Class of 2017 8

”

College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

ASHLEY KUNZIA IS THE 2016 LINDLEY AWARD RECIPIENT

T

he Lindley Award is presented each year to the

participation in art workshops with local art instructors and

top graduating senior in the College of Letters,

student volunteers.

Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) who is deemed the most outstanding in scholarship and character.

This is the highest award a student in CLASS can receive.

Established in 1962 by distinguished alumnus Ernest K. Lindley, the award was created as a memorial to his parents Ernest Hiram and Elizabeth Kidder Lindley.

Ashley Kuznia, a psychology major with a 4.0 GPA, was nominated by the Department of Psychology and Communication Studies. Kuznia is from Meridian, Idaho, and transferred to UI from the College of Idaho in spring 2014.

“The artAbility program is an exemplary expression of the university’s core values of community engagement, inclusion and actively changing lives,” Locke said.

Kuznia has also pursued research projects with Gwen Mitchell, clinical faculty member, in the Center on Disabilities and Human Development exploring faculty and staff knowledge about the autism spectrum. She also worked with psychology professor and CLASS Associate Dean Traci Craig on a research project addressing gender bias in STEM fields. She also has served as a peer mentor as part of the

Faculty members note that Kuznia stands out as a remarkable

CLASS IDEA Peer Mentoring program. She has participated

student through her research, engagement and coursework.

in a wide range of student organizations, including the

“When Ashley was a student in my courses, what was even more striking and memorable than her grades was the intensity of her attentiveness and engagement,” said Ken Locke, a psychology faculty member.

Since arriving at the University of Idaho, Kuznia worked as an intern at the Center on Disabilities and Human Development

Feminist Leadership Activist Movement to Empower where she has used her artistic endeavors on themes of masculinity, femininity and power.

“Ashley Kuznia is intelligent, creative, resilient, resourceful and compassionate,” said Ben Barton, a faculty member in the department.

where she wrote a proposal for the Student Arts-fee grant

Following her UI graduation, Kuznia will be attending the

establishing the artAbility project. She is now in the second

University of Kansas, where she will be working on her

year of directing the artAbility project, which encourages

master’s in counseling psychology.

adults with disabilities to express themselves through

THANK YOU. Every year brings a new opportunity to share those incredibly important words with you.

We hope you enjoy learning about the accomplishments and passions of some our outstanding students in the CLASS. As the largest and most academically diverse college on campus, we have the privilege to witness the personal growth and transformation of students from all backgrounds and walks of life.

None of this would be possible without your gifts of support for CLASS programs, faculty and students. Together, we are changing the world and making it a bit better, one student at a time. None of these stories would be possible without the kindness and support of friends like you. Your investment, when combined with the generosity of others like you, is an incredible force for good. As the stewards of your philanthropy, we can assure that you are having a real and lasting impact on the lives of students from throughout Idaho, our nation, and the world.

Private giving is truly the margin of excellence that helps us change lives and society for the better. I look forward to helping you build your philanthropy at the University of Idaho. Thank you for making a difference!

Go Vandals!

875 Perimeter Drive MS 3154 Moscow, Idaho 83844-3154 Ph: 208-885-5013 Cell: 208-890-4698 Fax: 208-885-8964 Email: peterm@uidaho.edu

www.uidaho.edu/class www.facebook.com/uidahoclass www.instagram.com/uidahoclass

English General Studies History International Studies Journalism and Mass Media Modern Languages and Cultures

CLASS

Music Naval Sciences Politics and Philosophy Psychology and Communication Studies Sociology and Anthropology Theatre Arts