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Black background text says "Newsletter College of Arts and Letters April 2025" with a photo of a woman holding a microphone and speaking.

News

Community Colleges Matter: Lessons from Justin Vipperman's Life

From rural Idaho roots to the college classroom, Justin Vipperman’s journey from first-generation student to teaching college shows how the right support and community can change a life—and inspire others.

Headshot of Vipperman along with text that says Foster relationships with faculty members and immerse yourself in college life. It's not just about academics. History 2013 Current ISU Student
Vipperman
Graphic image of a black marbled square with an arange and white drawing of a microphone. Words say ISU Impact Engaging with the College of Arts and Letters.

The Power of a Degree and Continued Learning

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks with ISU alumnus Justin Vipperman about his educational and career journey with a history degree.

Listen Here
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Partnering to Promote Seasonal Work in Alaska

ISU public relations students are teaming up with alumna Taylor Kurz to promote exciting seasonal job opportunities in Alaska through Holland America and Princess Cruise Line—gaining real-world experience and opening doors for future adventures.

Partnership
Mary standing on a dock with boats and masts in the background at sunset.

A Life Remembered

In this heartfelt tribute, ISU alumnus Tom Neel remembers the vibrant life, enduring friendship, and lasting impact of Mary Beitia-Fox—a beloved classmate, writer, teacher, and inspiration to many in the Bengal community.

Read about Mary

 Lights, Sound, Action! Two Days of Drama, Direction, and Discovery at ISU’s One-Act Festival

ISU’s annual High School One-Act Competition and Theatre Workshops brought together over 250 students from 17 high schools across Idaho for two days of creativity, collaboration, and competition.

A group of students poses together backstage. They are in period makeup and costumes representing war characters. Some have stage makeup wounds.
See the winners here

ISU Students Guide Prestigious International Event

The 54th Frank Church Symposium 2025, Women Today: Politics, Perception and Power showcased the remarkable growth and dedication of its student members of Idaho State University’s International Affairs Council.

group photo of IAC members
2025 Symposium Highlights
headshots of Lily, Kendra, Keith, and April

2025 Professional Achievement Awards

Congratulations to our College of Arts and Letters alumni for being recognized with the Professional Achievement Award honor. Dr. Lily Gaia Ye (Fine Arts), Dr. April Fritch (Social Science), Keith Bybee (Graduate School, Master's), and Dr. Kendra Westerhaus (Graduate School, Doctoral) have each been honored for their remarkable professional contributions and continued impact in their fields.

PAA Recipients

Faculty Achievements

Tara Young Becomes First Theatre Faculty with Endowment

Idaho State University has established the Tara Young Faculty Legacy Theatre Fund to honor Tara Young’s 20+ years of mentorship and contributions, providing scholarships for theatre students in need.

Group photo of Kandi, Tara, and President Wagner
Young Endowment
headshot of Marie Stango

Dr. Marie Stango Earns Top Teaching Honor


Congratulations to Dr. Marie Stango, Assistant Professor of History, on receiving the 2025 Distinguished Teacher Award—an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime honor recognizing her outstanding dedication and impact in the classroom.

Distinguished and Outstanding Faculty
headshot of Glick

Kristi Glick Honored for Transformative Teaching


Kristi Glick, assistant lecturer and head of the metals and jewelry program in the Department of Art, has been recognized for impactful teaching as part of a university-wide faculty spotlight.

Impactful Teaching Faculty Highlight

Student Achievements

 International Student Voices

Sharon Premkumar Finds the Perfect Fit

 Sharon Premkumar, a Ph.D. student from Canada, found her ideal academic home at ISU, drawn by its unique English and Teaching of English program and supportive community.

Headshot of Sharon with quote that says ISU offers endless research opportunities internships and unique programs.
Read about Sharon

Black Rock and Sage Wins Benny Award

We’re thrilled to announce that the Black Rock and Sage Club has won the 2025 Benny Award for Outstanding Event of the Year for their unforgettable 2024 launch party! This award honors a group whose event planning, marketing, and execution stood out for its creativity, impact on the ISU community, and excellence in logistics. The Benny Awards celebrate students, staff, faculty, and organizations who go above and beyond to live out ISU’s core values—congratulations to all of this year’s outstanding recipients!

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Events

Explore Our Calendars

There’s more happening this month than we can list here—don’t miss out on exciting events and experiences!

ISU Event Calendar
Performing Arts Calendar
Eric Anderson Headshot

Annual ISU Piano Sale

May 14–17 | Click here for schedule details


ISU’s Annual Piano Sale returns May 14–17 with over 90 discounted pianos available to the public, supporting music education at ISU.

Donations to the College of Arts and Letters directly support student scholarships and experiential learning opportunities. Please visit our Giving page to make a difference today.

Contact us. We'd love to hear from you!

208-282-3204 | cal@isu.edu

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