ALUMNI NEWS

Introducing Alumni Ambassadors
The Alumni Association is pleased to announce the new Alumni Ambassador program. Alumni Ambassadors help “connect alumni, friends, students, and parents so all may continue to enjoy the ‘Spirit of Ricks’.” This program replaces alumni chapters which have served Ricks College and BYU–Idaho for many years.

Alumni Ambassadors have and will be called throughout the United States and Canada in areas where there are significant numbers of alumni. Primarily these volunteers serve as advocates for the school and are local representatives of the university. Ambassadors encourage prospective students to attend BYU–Idaho, help alumni to be actively involved in the Alumni Association, and serve as local contacts for BYU–Idaho entities such as Admissions, Scholarships, Internships, and the LDS Foundation. For a list of Alumni Ambassadors and more information about the program, visit www.byui.edu/alumni.

Alumni Council and Alumni Ambassadors Training
Over 60 Alumni Ambassadors and members of the various alumni councils (see article above) participated in the first annual training conference held during Summer Spirit Week 2004. Alumni volunteers traveled from Magrath, Alberta, Canada; Kent, Wash.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Utah and Idaho. Some of the conference highlights were a full day at Badger Creek tackling the ropes courses and hearing from President David A. Bednar and Advancement Vice President Garth Hall. All who attended experienced first hand the changing face of campus and to mingle with current students during the many Spirit Week activities. David Sotutu, a new Alumni Ambassador from Kent, Wash., said, “The conference helped me catch a glimpse of the vision of BYU–Idaho, particularly in the way the school is helping more students get involved and gain leadership experience.”

Alumni Lagoon Day Becomes a Tradition
Alumni Relations sponsored the third annual Lagoon Day on July 24. Nearly 500 alumni, friends, and family members joined in the fun, including a free picnic lunch and an evening fireworks show. Mark your calendars for July 23, 2005, as plans are already being made to host the event next year. Lagoon Day will once again coincide with Pioneer Day celebrations at the park.

Ballroom Alumni Hold Reunion
Over 100 former members of the BYU–Idaho and Ricks College ballroom dance teams returned to campus in April for an alumni reunion. Hosted by Doug Smith and Shawn Fisher (former and current ballroom dance coaches), the group members enjoyed a reunion banquet, ballroom dance concert, and dancing at the Big Band Cabaret. Plans are underway for a second reunion to be held in April 2006. Details will be posted in the future on the Alumni Web site at www.byui.edu/alumni.

An Invitation to 2005 Alumni Reunions
Mark your calendars for October 14-15, 2005. There will be a reunion for all class years plus special gatherings for performance groups and individuals involved with the Theatre Department at Ricks College and BYU–Idaho. The biannual Emeritus Breakfast will honor the class of 1955. These reunions will be held in conjunction with the Fall Spirit Week. Reunion invitations will be mailed out several weeks prior to the event with further details. The fourth annual Together Again Like the First Time alumni dinner dance will be July 15. Information will be available soon on the Alumni Web site at www.byui.edu/alumni.

Alumni Visit Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Hawaii
The Alumni and Friends Travel Club sponsored two tours this year. The first group spent over two weeks touring South and Central America learning about the Aztec, Inca, and Mayan cultures. Hosts for the tours were Roy Huff, the associate academic vice president, and Randy Hayes, a faculty member in the Department of Religious Education. The group visited historical sites and ruins in Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. The tour concluded with an excursion to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

The second excursion took place in beautiful Hawaii starting with a luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center, a two-night stay at the Turtle Bay Resort, and a seven-day cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha. The group enjoyed the sights, sounds, and history of Hawaii. For information on future alumni tours, please visit www.byui.edu/alumni.

Marsden Named Alumni Association President-Elect
Joseph Marsden ’75 has accepted the nomination to serve the Alumni Association as the new president-elect. He will assume the responsibilities as the Alumni Association president in April of 2005. Previously Joe has served on the Alumni Council and as regional alumni director in the Boise, Idaho, area.

Regional Alumni Scholarships Awarded
Thanks to the generous donations of alumni, 52 new students were awarded regional alumni scholarships for summer and fall semesters this year. The average scholarship award was $375 with a total of $19,350 awarded to the appreciative students.

Regional alumni scholarships benefit freshmen who are children of alumni. The Alumni Office is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2005-2006 academic year. For more information and a printable application, please visit www.byui.edu/alumni.

Dear Alumni,

We have had an exciting and eventful summer on the campus of BYU–Idaho. I have enjoyed participating in the various Spirit Week activities. There are many events to choose from, and there seems to be something for everyone. If you find yourself on campus during any of the three Spirit Weeks, I invite you to participate in or observe as many events as possible. You will feel that same wonderful “Spirit of Ricks” that we all remember so well.

There are exciting changes and improvements being made within the Alumni Association. Recently we implemented the Alumni Ambassador program to cover the growing needs of our alumni. What were formerly known as Alumni Chapters have been replaced with Alumni Ambassadors who serve throughout the United States and Canada as the “eyes and ears” for BYU–Idaho.

Have you had an opportunity to try Alumni Connections, the new BYU–Idaho/Ricks College alumni online community? We are constantly looking for ways to use technology to help our alumni stay connected. Alumni Connections is an excellent way to stay connected with former classmates, roommates, ward members, and the university. To set up your free account visit the Web site at www. byui.edu/alumni.

We hope this issue of Summit Magazine finds you and your family well and happy. Please continue to stay in touch with BYU–Idaho and your Alumni Association.

Sincerely,

Bruce Nyborg, President Alumni Association