| Vandal Scholarship Fund Supporters Make a Difference The Vandal Scholarship Fund (VSF) is proud and grateful for the work of booster chapters across Idaho and the Inland Northwest. Each chapter is filled with passionate volunteers who are dedicated to ensuring the success of Idaho athletics. Over the past five years, Washington’s Puget Sound VSF chapter members have diligently worked to revitalize their organization and grow membership. Under the leadership of President Robie G. Russell ’78, and with a dedicated board of Vandals, the chapter has held watch parties, fundraising auctions and other special events to raise money for student-athlete scholarships. Their most recent event, the Legend’s Dinner and auction in Seattle prior to last fall's UI vs. Washington Husky football game, was a huge success, raising over $50,000 for the VSF. Booster chapter members provide invaluable support by giving of their time, treasure and talent. For more information about giving to or how to get involved with the Vandal Scholarship Fund, contact Shelly Robson at shellyr@udiaho.edu or 208-651-7992. | | | | Ada County Silver and Gold Honorees The University of Idaho Alumni Association honored alumni Doug Gross and Howard Foley for their achievements and service to the university at the Ada County Silver and Gold Celebration on Thursday. Doug Gross ‘75 received the Silver and Gold Award for his record of achievement and service in the agricultural industry. Gross is the CEO of Gross Farms Inc., recognized in the industry as an exceptional potato grower, and a past member of the Idaho Potato Commission. Most recently he established an endowment for the potato program in UI’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Howard Foley ’69, ‘71 received the Jim Lyle Award for his long-term dedication and service to the university and the Alumni Association. Foley is currently an attorney and shareholder at Foley Freeman, PLLC in Meridian. He has been an active member of the Vandal Scholarship Fund (VSF), serving for 15 years as a board member, one year as president at the national level. He has served as co-chair on the UI Law Class of 1971 Scholarship Contribution Committee and currently part of the steering committee to raise funds for the Idaho Arena. | | | | Special Hampton-Goodman Tribute at 50th Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival will celebrate its 50th year with a unique set honoring Lionel Hampton’s and Benny Goodman’s careers on Friday, Feb. 24. The Hampton-Goodman Tribute features Stefon Harris on vibraphone, Anat Cohen on clarinet, Joe Doubleday on vibraphone and Felix Peikli on clarinet. Up-and-coming stars Doubleday and Peikli will perform works in a style reminiscent of the Benny Goodman Quartet of the 1930s. Immediately after, Harris and Cohen will perform a contemporary rendition of the same work that reflects today’s most innovative trends in jazz. This juxtaposition embodies the heart of the festival’s theme – “Grounded in Tradition. Breaking New Ground.” Headlining the 2017 festival is four-time Grammy award-winner Esperanza Spalding, critically acclaimed vocal group New York Voices and returning artist and Grammy nominee René Marie and Experiment in Truth. Tickets are available through the University of Idaho Ticket Office located in the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, by phone at 1-888-8-UIDAHO or online at www.uidaho.edu/ticketoffice. Prices range from $15 to $45 per night, and special UI employee, student and youth ticket prices are available. For more information on the 2017 festival, visit www.uidaho.edu/jazzfest, follow the festival’s Facebook page or call 208-885-5900. | | | | | | |