NIC: Focus on priorities

I know the vast majority of caring citizens in Coeur d’Alene care deeply about North Idaho College. Whether or not they attended this fine school, each of us knows someone who has. And the contribution this college has made to our community over the years is profound. They have trained our workforce, enlightened and educated generations of young people, who in turn have given back to our lake city, and our country.

Back in the 1930s, in the midst of The Great Depression, Walter Rosenberry was persistently whispering in the ear of Mr. Winton, who ran Winton Lumber here. He wanted him to donate the land he owned on the Fort Grounds to the city, so a school could be located there.

You see, Mr. Rosenberry was a father of six, and worked at the mill too. The son of a Civil War veteran who grew up on a farm, his father couldn’t afford to send him to college. But, he wanted his children, and the children of this community, to have that gift of an education.

Please, remember what motivated Mr. Winton, and Mr. Rosenberry, to work together to make this happen. Like you, they loved this town, and wanted to give youth the chance to enrich and expand their lives and potential.

We must continue to honor that mission and this college and make them our priority.

SARA FERRIS

Coeur d’Alene