INSPIRING LOYALTY
T
he Johnson family bloodline runs deep with silver and gold. Joel ’80 and Lori Johnson ’84, have fond memories of their time attending the University of Idaho, and now their children — Erin Johnson Hitchcock ’07 and Kyle Johnson ’11 — are also Vandal alumni, leaving no question about this Lewiston family’s loyalty to the University of Idaho. “I remember fall weekends tailgating with friends and family at the football games,” Joel said. “We would fix meals for the football equipment staff on Game Day during Kyle’s tenure as equipment manager for the football team. I also remember the Vandals winning the 2009 Humanitarian Bowl.” Their support as Vandals also includes financial contributions to the university for 23 years, including to a fund close to their hearts — the Vandal Scholarship Fund (VSF). “We give to the Vandal Scholarship Fund because
Learn more about the University of Idaho’s Loyal Donor Program by visiting uidaho.edu/loyaldonor 36 IDAHO | FALL 2016
The members of the Johnson and Hitchcock family from left to right: Kyle Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Joel Johnson, Lori Johnson with Brantley Hitchcock in front, Erin Hitchcock with Orion Hitchcock and Richie Hitchcock.
we believe strongly in UI Athletics’ ability to bring the students and alumni together,” Joel said. “We also feel this is a good recruitment tool for UI as a whole.” The VSF helps Athletics’ provide scholarship and program support for all 16 intercollegiate athletic programs. The fund’s goal is to provide students with a world-class academic and athletic experience by building an environment that will produce tomorrow’s leaders. “We also give to the VSF to assist student-athletes who commit 100 percent of their time and energy to their education and their sport,” Joel said. “We believe strongly in the education system that UI provides these students and the advantages it gives to help them succeed in life.” The Johnsons encourage all Vandals — individuals and families — to help build strong teams by attending games and giving back to the university.
Loyal Donor