University of Idaho Retirees Assoc. to Honor Doug and Diana Pals
Monday, September 26 2011
MOSCOW, Idaho – The University of Idaho Retirees Association will present its Idaho Treasure Award to Douglas and Diana Pals at a public luncheon Nov. 3 at the University Inn-Best Western Moscow.
The Idaho Treasure Award honors University of Idaho faculty, staff and their family members for significant achievements in their retirement years.
“Doug and Diana are among the true gems in our University of Idaho family,” said Steve Johnson, director of Alumni Relations. “It is our pleasure to honor their countless contributions to the university and its many constituencies.”
Doug is a Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Education. An award-winning faculty member for 26 years, he still teaches U-Idaho classes when called upon. He previously has held nearly every office of the University of Idaho Retirees’ Association – including national president – and chaired UIRA’s 30th anniversary event in 2009.
In addition, he has served on the U-Idaho Alumni Association national board of directors.
These days, Doug is active in the Idaho State FFA and his church.
Diana ’79, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in private practice. During the course of her 32-year career, she has provided mental health counseling to military families, administered the State of Idaho Employee Assistance Program in North Idaho, and specialized in treating clients undergoing physical rehabilitation as well as those receiving treatment for alcohol and substance abuse.
Presently, she is the chair-elect of the Western Region-American Counseling Assoc. and belongs to the Regional Mental Health Board for Region II.
She presides over the Idaho Counseling Assoc., which recently honored her with its first Counselor Appreciation Award. Diana also volunteers with the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health program, for which she has counseled people affected by 9/11 and such natural disasters as hurricanes.
Over the years, the couple has volunteered with Latah County 4-H, hosted international faculty and students and young people attending the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
Their three adult children are U-Idaho alumni. When the time comes, the Pals say they’ll be recommending their five grandchildren join the Vandal family.
The public is invited to attend the University of Idaho Retiree Association Idaho Treasure Award luncheon on Nov. 3 at the University Inn-Best Western in Moscow.
Reservations required by noon Oct. 31. Phone the Alumni Relations Office at (208) 885-6154 or send email to uira@uidaho.edu. A no-host social begins at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is $15, payable at the door.
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About the University of Idaho
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 more than 70 additional 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, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Learn more: www.uidaho.edu.