February 3, 2014 - First Monday

In this Issue:

• Governor Otter Includes College of Law Second Year Curriculum Funding in Annual Budget
• Inaugural Denton Darrington Annual Lecture on Law and Government Set for February 3 in Boise
• 125th Celebrations Abound
• Dean Michael Satz Interacts With Local Students in Honor of MLK Jr.’s Birthday
• Tracing Her Roots: One Woman's Journey Back Home

Governor Otter Includes College of Law Second Year Curriculum Funding in Annual Budget

The Governor presented his annual “State of the State” address on January 6th to the Idaho Legislature and included a request for $400,000 from the General Fund to begin a second year law curriculum in Boise. This funding request will expand the current third-year curriculum in Boise and, “is expected to deepen the college’s business, regulatory, and other course offerings by virtue of its proximity to state government, federal agency field offices, a wide variety of local and special purpose governmental units, as well as trade and industry groups,” said Governor Otter. The Governor’s budget will head to JFAC (Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee) for hearing.

The Governor’s budget request follows the program approval this past August from the State Board of Education to offer a second year of study option in Boise. Expanding the College of Law operations in the Treasure Valley “enhances our ability to fulfill our state-wide mission as the only public law school in the state while at the same time giving our students vastly improved opportunities over the one-campus model of years past,” said Interim Dean Mike Satz. For more information, visit our College of Law in Boise website.

Inaugural Denton Darrington Annual Lecture on Law and Government Set for February 3 in Boise

The Denton Darrington Annual Lecture on Law and Government took place Monday, February 3, 2014, at the Idaho State Capitol. The event featured guest lecturer Judge J. Clifford Wallace, Senior Judge and Chief Judge Emeritus for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His lecture topic was “What Can We Learn From the Political Party That Lost the Adoption of the Constitution Election?”

This annual lecture series was created in 2012 by the University of Idaho College of Law, the Idaho Supreme Court, and Idaho State Bar and Law Foundation in honor of retiring Idaho State Senator Denton Darrington. Senator Darrington, the longest-serving senator in Idaho history, was the chairman of the Judiciary Committee for 23 years and left a lasting mark on justice in Idaho. He was instrumental in the creation of the Department of Juvenile Corrections, the State Appellate Public Defender’s office, and an independent Parole Commission. He is also credited with helping improve the relationship between the judiciary and the legislature.

The Denton Darrington Annual Lecture on Law and Government focuses on a wide range of topics related to the improved administration of the justice system and features well-respected national, state and regional speakers who address Idaho citizens, students, and officials from all three branches of government. Questions about the annual lecture or how to make a donation to support the program can be directed to Terri Muse, Director of Development, tmuse@uidaho.edu or (208) 364-4044.

125th Celebrations Abound

Thursday, January 30, 2014, was “University of Idaho 125th Anniversary Day.” Governor Butch Otter attended a celebratory gala in downtown Boise with a sold-out crowd that included University of Idaho College of Law alum Senator Jim Risch and UI alum Lieutenant Governor Brad Little.

The Governor signed the Anniversary Day proclamation before January 30 because the halls of the state capitol were filled with Vandal advocates during the University of Idaho’s annual legislative week. How fitting that the anniversary was commemorated in Moscow—the location specified in the state constitution for Idaho’s founding.

The 125th birthday bash was streamed lived from the Idaho Commons to UI centers in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and Boise. Participants at the centers enjoyed cake and décor. The event featured a 12-foot high cake, with special appearances by UI interim President (and former Dean of the College of Law) Don Burnett, as well as many other esteemed guests.

Perhaps the highlight of the celebrations included the news that our capital campaign “Inspiring Futures” reached $207 million in gifts and pledges at the end of December 2013. This means we have achieved 92% of our $225 million campaign goal. The last six months of 2013 were particularly promising; we set fiscal year-to-date records for donors and dollars in many giving categories. These gifts support student scholarships, faculty research, programmatic initiatives, and facility upgrades. The private support complements the public support sought in the halls, offices, and meeting rooms of the state capitol.

For more information about the 125th Anniversary or for information on how to make a gift to the campaign, contact Terri Muse, Director of Development at tmuse@uidaho.edu or (208) 364-4044.

Dean Michael Satz Interacts With Local Students in Honor of MLK Jr.’s Birthday

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Human Rights Day in Idaho, the Latah County Human Rights Task Force invited Interim Dean of the University of Idaho College of Law Michael Satz to speak at Moscow Middle School. Dean Satz spoke to a crowd of approximately 100 students. He shared personal stories of his own experiences with racism and discrimination. Dean Satz also talked about the inspirational messages and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. He discussed bullying and the different ways students could choose to make a difference in fighting against racism and discrimination. Dean Satz encouraged the students to ask questions. “It was a great way to end the week,” he said. “Talking to the students, listening to their struggles with these concepts, and hopefully giving them a different perspective about other people was great fun.”

Tracing Her Roots: One Woman's Journey Back Home

Melanie Ghaw interviewed 3L Ashley Ray in the December issue of Student Lawyer. Ashley Ray is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and a passionate advocate for Native American communities.
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