Posted: Wednesday, Apr 02, 2008 - 10:28:27 pm PDT
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Dr. Priscilla Bell

More than a great place

As I, like many North Idahoans, left a recent session of our amazing 32nd annual Popcorn Forum, I thought of the many ways North Idaho College contributes to our region.

Tony Stewart, NIC faculty member and Popcorn Forum founder, is just one example -- albeit a special one -- of what NIC does beyond the classroom. A couple of staff members were asked how NIC personnel repay the region that does so much for NIC. It didn't take long.

Take Sherry Wallis, our customized training director. She is the Chair of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce and is active with the Women's Leadership Conference of the Inland Northwest. Or her boss Robert Ketchum, executive director of workforce training, who has served the Jobs Plus board for several years.

Mikki Stevens, instructor in our Culinary Arts program, is perhaps better known as the founder of the Red Hot Mamas. Robert Singletary, who teaches in our Communications, Fine Arts and Humanities division, may be best known as a local historian of renown.

Paul Manzardo, who chairs Physical Education and Resort Recreation Management, is often seen on area basketball court officiating games. Alex Harris, recreational sports coordinator, officiates adult softball and high school boys and girls basketball. Eric Murray, vice president for student services, kept trim the last two years by officiating area high school soccer. Fellow Vice President Rolly Jurgens can usually be found on weekends serving at the Lake City Community Church soup kitchen.

Philosophy instructor Michelle Lippert is a veteran member of the Post Falls school board. Music instructor Terry Jones, when he isn't leading NIC music groups, keeps his own skills sharp in the Fort Sherman Band.

Athletics director Al Williams deserves a paragraph all his own, given his participation on the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, the Human Rights Education Institute, and the North Idaho Boys and Girls Club boards.

Virginia Tinsley Johnson, who chairs our Communication, Fine Arts and Humanities division and has served NIC nearly four decades, is active in the Coeur d'Alene Arts and Cultural Alliance, among others. Public information officer Stacy Hudson and NIC Trustee Judy Meyer serve on the Chamber Education Committee.

Gary Stark, physical plant supervisor, coaches an American Softball Association softball team in Coeur d'Alene. Sandra Jacquot, senior accountant, volunteers time to AARP to help senior citizens prepare their tax returns.

Erna Rhinehart, our communications and marketing director, is active in Sunrise Rotary and on the board for the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. Stewart is a founding member.

These examples are a fraction of the contributions our faculty and staff make to improve the quality of life in North Idaho. My apology to the scores of others who dedicate time and talent to service clubs and civic groups, churches and communities around the region.

Many faculty and staff work hard each year helping to raise funds for United Way. And if you have admired some of the publications promoting Sting soccer, the Coeur d'Alene Marathon and others, chances are they were done by NIC graphic design students.

I could, and at some point I might, continue on this theme with some samples of NIC personnel who are similarly involved at the state, regional and even national level. But for now, you get the picture. NIC is a wonderful place, but its people are its true strength.

Priscilla Bell is President of North Idaho College. She can be reached by writing her at North Idaho College, 1000 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID. 83814.