NIC honors Alumna of the Year
North Idaho College's Alumna of the Year Theresa Whitlock-Wild was recognized by the college for her service and leadership in the region. Co-founder of ALS non-profit Matt's Place Foundation, the NIC Alumni Association board felt she was deserving of the 2020 award. Photo courtesy North Idaho College.
Doug Anderson, who was selected as the North Idaho College's Honorary Alumnus of the Year, holds his award plaque in front of the Parker Technical Education Center. Photo courtesy North Idaho College.
The North Idaho College Alumni Association board of directors recently awarded Theresa Whitlock-Wild the Alumna of the Year and Doug Anderson the Honorary Alumnus of the Year awards.
A 2015 NIC graduate, Whitlock-Wild was selected as Alumna of the Year for her service record and leadership in the region, an NIC press release said. She later received her bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University.
Today, Theresa works for the Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience at Washington State University, which provides tools for families affected until other treatment and cures can be established.
After her husband, Matthew, was diagnosed with ALS, the Whitlock-Wilds co-founded the Matt’s Place Foundation, a nonprofit created to assist people with the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
The Whitlock-Wilds also created the Uncrushable Spirit Wall to encourage community support.
“Theresa believes there are many ways to provide hope and to inspire others to live life with purpose even when given a devastating diagnosis," the release said.
Honorary Alumnus of the Year Doug Anderson was also selected by the board for NIC work. Initially starting with the college’s Diesel Technology program in 1992, Anderson has served as Trades and Industry Division chair for over 15 years.
“Doug was instrumental in starting the NICE Road Shows as a way to visit regional schools and demonstrate to high school students the opportunities available at NIC,” the release said.
