Our students, faculty and staff contribute every day in ways that elevate our institution to be the very best university it can be. That work is the reason our enrollment is stable, even increasing a bit in key areas. It’s why we’re achieving our fundraising goals – $51.8 million in the last fiscal year. Our budget situation is real, but we are tackling the problem head on and we are determined that it will not define who we are.

We can continue to make this the best university in the Pacific Northwest, even one of the best in the nation, by supporting our three strategic priorities – student success, research and telling our story.

One resource that can’t be found anywhere else in the state is the collective wisdom of our many advisory boards. These boards, representing our colleges, units and the U of I Foundation, meet today in Moscow to focus on the great education, research and scholarship we do throughout Idaho.

The daylong event is an important way our alumni contribute to the future of our institution. Alumni leaders provide advice and help us clarify our thinking on important matters. We are fortunate at U of I to have this resource. These advisory board members are respected decision makers in their communities, both in Idaho and places across the country.

As an alumnus of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors, College of Business and Economics Advisory Board and the Foundation Board, I’m familiar with the hard work they do to advance the University of Idaho. These boards serve as advisors and champions in our effort to spread the good word throughout Vandal Country. They are among our greatest ambassadors.

And to support them, our University Communications and Marketing team and the University Advancement team are launching a new brand ambassador program, complete with a toolkit that can be used to tell our Vandal story.

During our meetings today, we’re showcasing this program and toolkit to our alumni boards, empowering them to share their Vandal experience throughout their communities in an informed and enthusiastic way.

Telling our unique story with one voice will attract motivated students, inspire our alumni and nurture public support. We’ll be looking for their feedback on the toolkit, which will be used to shape and improve the program. The full brand ambassador initiative will be available for Vandals far and wide in early 2020.

Important, impactful work happens each and every day on our Moscow campus and at our centers, Extension and research sites across the state. We have much to be proud of. Let’s be excited about what we can accomplish together.