Five Recipients Named for UI President’s Medallions
Wednesday, May 1 2002
April 26, 2002^ MOSCOW—University of Idaho President Bob Hoover has selected five individuals to receive President’s Medallions at UI commencement ceremonies around the state in May. ^ The President's Medallion, initiated by Hoover in 1998, is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the cultural, economic, scientific, or social advancement of Idaho and its people, and have provided exceptional service to the state or nation, influencing the well being of humankind. ^ Those honored are:^Wilbert D. “Bill” Hall, editorial page editor of the Lewiston Morning Tribune. A native of Nampa, Hall graduated from Boise High School. He attended Idaho State College, now Idaho State University, where he was the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper. He worked for seven years for Pocatello’s Idaho State Journal before moving Lewiston in 1965 to become the Tribune’s editorial page editor and political columnist. As an editorial writer, Hall is known for his support for public schools, higher education, openness in government, civil liberties, and protection of the environment.^Velma Morrison, president of the Harry W. Morrison Foundation. As a civic and philanthropic leader, Morrison is revered as a humanitarian and arts patron. With community support, she fulfilled the life dream of her late husband, Harry Morrison, co-founder of Morrison Knudsen, for a performing arts center in Boise. The Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts is noted as Idaho’s most prestigious performance complex, and it brings theater and dance from around the world to the state.^Joann Muneta, education and outreach coordinator for Festival Dance and Performing Arts, and chair of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force. Muneta was a founding member of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force, established in 1991. She also served on the Idaho State Centennial Ethnic Heritage Committee and on several local arts organizations, including the Moscow Arts Commission, Rendezvous in the Park board of directors and the Moscow Centennial Fine Arts Committee. Her support of the arts has been marked by an active promotion of diversity and accessibility, realized through many multicultural arts events for the community and area schools.^Ernesto Sánchez, executive director of Idaho Legal Aid Services. Not only is Sánchez the first person of Hispanic descent to graduate from the College of Law, but he also is the first to be licensed to practice law in the state of Idaho. As an advocate for Idaho’s low-income population, his commitment has brought about significant improvements in the areas of education, mental health, domestic violence, discrimination, and public entitlements for farm workers and senior citizens. ^Lynn J. “Doc” Skinner, director of the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Skinner is a third-generation Idahoan, born and raised on a cattle ranch in Nounan, near Montpelier in southern Idaho. As a teacher at Madison High School in Rexburg, he established the first jazz band in the state that was part of the musical curriculum. Skinner came to the University of Idaho in 1971 and became director of the UI’s jazz festival in 1977. Through his leadership, vision and guidance, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival has become an internationally recognized event that provides a unique educational experience for thousands of young musicians.^^Morrison and Sánchez will receive medallions at the UI Boise Commencement, Saturday, May 11 at 3 p.m. at the Boise Centre on the Grove. ^President’s Medallions will be presented to Hall, Muneta and Skinner at the UI Moscow Commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m. in the Kibbie-ASUI Activity Center.^^CONTACTS: President Bob Hoover, (208) 885-6365, hoover@uidaho.edu or Jeff Olson, University Communications, (208) 885-8934, jolson@uidaho.edu^Photographs also are available by calling 885-8934.^^-30-^jo—4/26/02^ADM^
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The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.