Higher ed loses a leader

Two Hammonds bowing out in one year? That's a blow to the state of Idaho.

No, Jim and Cyndie Hammond have not joined the ranks of the dearly departed, thank goodness. They're simply departing the lifestyle many of us have grown accustomed to: Serving the public through their respective positions of state legislator and Coeur d'Alene's top administrator for Lewis-Clark State College.

Both Hammonds have devoted countless hours not just to their jobs but to community service in general. Both have earned reputations as superb listeners, an attribute that has helped them render wise decisions legislatively and educationally. Both are the kind of people you'd be proud to have represent you and your community in Boise, Washington, D.C., or anywhere else.

Cyndie Hammond followed her husband's retreating footsteps by several months, surprising many in the community by announcing last week that she's calling it quits on her job with LCSC. After eight years there she's leaving a distinct legacy: Local enrollment grew by nearly 50 percent during her tenure. What's more impressive is that she was able to influence that growth in a highly competitive higher ed environment. She built bridges, not castle walls, and because of that everybody got better. In our view, Cyndie Hammond put an obscure little college based in Lewiston on the Kootenai County education map.

Whatever Jim and Cyndie have planned, we hope they continue to share their abundant talents locally. Our nonprofits need help like never before; many of the educational efforts both Hammonds have supported for years could use their inspiration and their energy. Perhaps the losses incurred by Boise and Lewiston will prove to be Coeur d'Alene's gain.