ALUMNI NEWS

New Members Are Welcomed to the Alumni Council
The newest members of the Alumni Council are Ron ’78 and Nita Klingler ’00 of Rexburg; James ’73 and Belinda Willis ’91 from Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Louise Benson ’73 also from Rexburg.

Ron and Nita serve as representatives of the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering. James and Belinda represent the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Louise serves as the Alumni Council secretary. With these new additions, the council now has representatives from all seven of the university’s academic colleges.

Distinguished Emeritus Service Award
In October 2003, Distinguished Emeritus Service Awards were presented to Terrell ’53 and Margaret Arnold ’48, and Wes ’52 and Lila Lawrence ’50.

Terrell and Margaret Arnold are the owners and operators of Arnold Press, a family business they originally started in their home in 1966. Terrell and Margaret have been civic minded over the years. Terrell helped bring the historic Porter Park Carousel from Utah and has engaged in the preservation of landmarks, such as the rock pump house on South Second East in Rexburg. He is serving as curator of the Teton Flood Museum. Margaret is the president of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, serves as the chairman of the Upper Valley Arts Council, and has served as secretary of the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce.

Wes Lawrence was on the Ricks College basketball team from 1948-1952, when Ricks was a four-year school. Playing basketball for Ricks was a very memorable and rewarding experience for Wes. He is a charter member and former president of the Rexburg Kiwanis Club. Wes is also an active member of the Sons of Utah Pioneers.  Lila Lawrence grew up in the red brick house just east of the Kirkham Auditorium. She has fond childhood memories of Ricks College and says that Ricks has always been an important part of her life. Lila served on the Alumni Council of Ricks College from 1949-1950 and 1981-1984. She worked in the billing department at the Rexburg Medical Center and at the Ricks College Student Health Center as cashier and insurance clerk. She retired in 1997.

Alumni Relay Team Shines at the Spirit Week All-School Relay
A new tradition is flourishing at BYU–Idaho with the all-school relay held semiannually as part of Spirit Week. During Summer Spirit Week 2003 the first annual alumni team was organized with 22 alumni runners. The next two all-school relays will be held as part of Summer Spirit Week on July 16 and Fall Spirit Week in October. The Alumni Association will also field a softball team to compete with students this summer on July 15. If you are interested in participating in the all-school relay or on the softball team, please contact Val Carpenter, the Alumni Relations officer and coach (carpenterv@byui.edu).

New Alumni Chapters Are Created
The Alumni Association is pleased to announce the new chapters listed below. All alumni chapters are seeking volunteers to serve on their local councils. Please see the complete listing of chapters and contact information at www.byui.edu/alumni.

Colorado, Colorado Springs Chapter
Kevin ’96 and Lori Bugg Spotts ’96

Colorado, Denver Chapter
Todd ’80 and Trina Redford Chambers ’78

Idaho, Nampa/Caldwell Chapter
Corey ’98 and J.J. Schlerf Woolstenhulme ’95

Texas, Houston Chapter
Mario Jane ’80

Washington, D.C., Chapter
Seth Saunders ’96

Announcing the New Young Alumni Association
All BYU–Idaho/Ricks College alumni under the age of 40 are encouraged to participate in the newly created Young Alumni Association. Formed in December of 2003, the association is led by Allen ’93 and Trina Landon ’94 of Idaho Falls, Idaho. They are in the process of forming a Young Alumni Association Council, which will include representatives from each Regional Alumni Chapter.

There are currently over 80,000 young alumni, nearly 60 percent of the total Ricks College/BYU–Idaho alumni population. The Young Alumni Association assists in the mentoring program, job placement, online community, reunions, and other activities. They also are involved in collecting nominations and recognizing the annual Outstanding Young Alumni awardees. If you are interested in helping the Young Alumni Association, please contact Allan and Trina at trilandon@aol.com.

Third Annual Alumni Lagoon Day
Last summer’s Alumni Day at Lagoon was a great success with over 400 alumni gathering for food, fun, and door prizes. The Alumni Association invites you to join them to celebrate Pioneer Day on July 24 at Lagoon and Lagoon-A-Beach. Look for the BYU–Idaho/Ricks College Alumni booth at the front gates to get discount coupons ($10 savings per family member). Then enjoy free hot dogs, drinks, brownies, and door prizes at the Lake Park Terrace at 3 p.m. Pioneer Day celebrations at the park will include an evening fireworks show.

Performance Tours Share the “Spirit of Ricks”
BYU–Idaho entertainment is on the road again this summer. Whether it’s inspiring classical music with Chamber Players, smooth harmonies by Collegiate Singers and Vocal Union, or the toe-tapping delights of Dance Alliance, there is something for everyone.

Top performers from the Ballroom Dancers, Contemporary Dance Theatre, and Folk Dance USA tour Central America as Dance Alliance. Enthusiastic, wholesome performances will enhance mutual understanding.

Performances are excellent hosting opportunities for alumni as well. Two BYU–Idaho performance groups will be touring stateside this summer. Check for a location near you, invite friends and family, then come enjoy a unique “Spirit of Ricks” experience. Tours are made with the approval of the Area Presidencies and in coordination with other institutions in the Church Educational System.

Tour schedules are subject to change. Details and updates are available at www.byui.edu/performancetours.

Chamber Players
Apr. 27             Montpelier, Idaho, Tabernacle
Apr. 28             Roosevelt, Utah, Union High School
Apr. 29             Vernal, Utah, Vernal Middle School
Apr. 30             Littleton, Colo., Marriott South Ballroom
May 2               Colorado Springs, Colo., Stake Center
May 4               Albuquerque, N.M., Albuquerque West
                         Stake Center
May 5               Las Cruces, N.M., Onate High School  
May 7               Durango, Colo., TBA
May 8               Delta, Colo., Delta Middle School
May 11             Salt Lake City, Utah, Conference Center  

Collegiate Singers and Vocal Union
Apr. 27             Salt Lake City, Utah, Conference Center
Apr. 28             St. George, Utah, TBA
Apr. 29             Mesquite, Nev., Virgin Valley High School
Apr. 30             Kingman, Ariz., Kingman High School
May 1               Mesa, Ariz., Red Mountain Institute
May 4               Tucson, Ariz., Tucson E. Stake Center
May 6               Phoenix, Ariz., TBA
May 7               Peoria, Ariz., Peoria High School
May 8               Las Vegas, Nev., TBA

Dance Alliance
Apr. 28-May 22 El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
                          Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama

Relive the “Spirit of Ricks” by Attending
a Symphonic Band Reunion
Ricks College Symphonic Band Members (class years 1987-88 and 1988-89) are planning a reunion for June 17 and 18, 2004, on the campus of BYU–Idaho. Bring your instruments—even if you haven’t picked them up in years! It doesn’t matter! If you don’t have one, Kendell Nielsen will have instruments available for you to borrow. For more information, contact Tammy Smith Howell at (208) 529-5985, davetammy@mstar2.net, or visit www.geocities.com/ricksbandreunion/. Tickets are on sale now at the BYU–Idaho Ticket Office (800) 717-4257.
 

Together Again Goes Rock n’ Roll
Back by popular demand—it’s the Together Again dinner and dance on Friday, July 16, 2004. This year the Together Again Reunion will go Rock n’ Roll. Join in the good times with a delicious buffet dinner, dancing, and the 1964 (Beatles impressionists) concert. Together Again tickets are available at the BYU–Idaho Ticket Office, www.byui.edu/tickets or by calling (800) 717-4257.

Alumni Nurses Reunite
A special reunion for all graduates from the nursing program will be held Oct. 8-9 during Fall Spirit Week. Plans are just underway. A special invitation with details will be mailed soon. Please check the Web at www.byui.edu/alumni for updates.

1954 Class Reunion is Scheduled for October
The Class of 1954 Reunion will be held Oct. 8-9 during Fall Spirit Week. Each year those who gather for their 50-year reunion are welcomed as the newest members of the Emeritus Club. The semiannual Emeritus Club Breakfast and the recognition of the Distinguished Emeritus Service Award highlight the weekend activities. Details will be mailed to all class members.

Dear Alumni:

It seems like there is always an occasion to look forward to gathering with family and friends. Whatever the reason, it is good to be among those who love us and share our common ideals. My experience with the BYU–Idaho/ Ricks College Alumni Association has provided wonderful occasions to gather with fellow alumni and enjoy the “Spirit of Ricks.” There are many exciting activities to look forward to, and I invite you to enjoy as many as your schedule permits.

This summer the Together Again Reunion goes Rock n’ Roll. What began as a reunion for couples who met and fell in love at Ricks College has grown into a gathering place for former roommates, ward members, classes, and even student body officers. This is a reunion you won’t want to miss! This year following the dinner/dance, join us in the special alumni section for the Beatles impressionists concert, 1964—The Tribute, at the BYU–Idaho Stadium. It is sure to be a delightful night as memories, friends, and music mingle together again.

There are many ways to be part of the marvelous things happening at BYU–Idaho. I hope you are able to take the opportunity to share in the “Spirit of Ricks” as you reconnect through reunions and events, support your local alumni chapters, or visit our new online community at www.byui.edu/alumni. Your participation in the Alumni Association is what makes it great!

Sincerely,

Neil Kunz ’61

Alumni Council President