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Traditions Not Dead at University of Idaho
Aug. 21, 2009
Who will be first Tradition Keeper?
Written by Katie Dahlinger
MOSCOW , Idaho – It is not hard to find a Vandal who knows the story of Hello Walk. But it is much harder to find one who knows words of "And Here We Have Idaho" – much less the history about the song that it is both the University of Idaho alma mater and the Idaho State song.
In an effort to excite student and alumni engagement and cultivate a memorable college experience, the University of Idaho Student Alumni Relations Board (SArb) gathered past and present traditions into a book, called "I Book", which includes the history of its alma mater, summaries of more than 50 traditions, photos and an incentive program.
Tradition Keepers is an interactive, way to preserve the rites of the university. Those on the quest to become a Tradition Keeper, student or alumni, must complete 35 traditions listed in the book.
"Our alumni will get a kick out of this book," said Steve Johnson, executive director for the Alumni Association. "The students are going to love it because we no longer print the Gem of the Mountains yearbook and it’s a way for them to remember their time here."
Tradition Keepers launches Sunday, Aug. 23. The first 750 new students at the 2009 Vandal Walk will receive a complimentary copy. Those participating in the incentive program who complete 15 traditions receive a lapel pin and those who complete 35 traditions receive a Tradition Keepers medallion. These will be awarded once a semester at Grad Finale.
To participate in the incentive program, those on the quest to become a tradition keeper need to purchase an "I Book" and note each complete tradition by initialing and dating in the box provided.
"Because traditions are important to life as a Vandal, we know these books will be a big hit," said Melinda Lewis, SArb president. "It’s going to be a race to see who will be our first Tradition Keeper."
The University of Idaho "I Book" will cost $12 at the University of Idaho Bookstore. Proceeds support the SArb and the Alumni Association.
The University of Idaho Alumni Association (UIAA), founded in 1898, is comprised of more than 90,000 alumni worldwide. Its mission is to develop and strengthen lifelong alumni relationships with their alma mater. Active leadership includes the UIAA national board of directors, club and chapter volunteers, and the Alumni Office staff. The UIAA provides awards and recognition programs, assists the university with information and communication efforts, assists with student recruitment and advocates for the University. Once a University of Idaho student completes 90 credits or receives a University of Idaho degree, he or she is considered a part of the alumni association. For more information, visit http://www.idahovandals.com, e-mail alumni@uidaho.edu or call (208) 885-6154.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Media Contact: Joni Kirk, University Communications, (208) 885-7725, joni@uidaho.edu
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