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Black background text says "Newsletter August 2024" there is a photo of two girls in cornhole tee shirts smiling outside

ISU Alumna Kendra Westerhaus Honored with Prestigious American Psychological Association Award for Advocacy


“Dr. Westerhaus has been a prominent advocate for the field of psychology throughout her career, contributing significantly to legislative efforts at both the state and federal levels." --APA President Cynthia de las Fuentes

Westerhaus smiles with another person at a podium, holding a certificate of her award
APA Award

Welcoming ISU's New Director of Choral Activities


Jeffrey Francom, DMA, the new Director of Choral Activities at Idaho State, is excited to come back to his family roots. After many years in Utah, Argentina, Florida, and New York—and after traveling around the globe to provide life-changing experiences for his students—Jeff shares what he’s excited to bring to the community as he returns full circle to the region.

Jeffrey Francom stands in front of the bronze bengal tiger statue
Welcome Jeffrey Francom

ROAR Together:

INCLUDE Communities Grace and Soda Springs


We are excited to launch a series spotlighting our incredible community partners through the INCLUDE project. This initiative connects rural Idaho communities to expanded educational opportunities, health services, and critical resources. By highlighting these communities, we celebrate the dedicated efforts of those working to uplift, educate, and support Idaho's youth. Join us as we share a bit about the communities who are helping to ensure a brighter future for all Idahoans.

Superintendent Muir in front of the Soda Springs school
INCLUDE Partners Community Highlight: Grace and Soda Springs

Student Club Feature:

Interdisciplinary Research Group


Joining the Interdisciplinary Research Group (IRG) at ISU offers students a unique opportunity to collaborate across various fields, enhance their research skills, and connect with peers and faculty passionate about innovative research. It's an ideal space for anyone looking to broaden their academic experience, gain new insights, and actively contribute to research projects.

Levay and Wardell sit at a table outside with club materials spread over the table at the ISU Involvement Fair
Learn more about the IRG!

Vocal Competition and Utah Festival Opera


Congratulations to ISU Theatre and Dance grads, Allysia Peine and Nathan Templeton for tying for first place in the 2024 Michael Ballam Vocal Competition in Musical Theatre.


Additionally, hats off to Nathan, who was cast in the Utah Festival Opera Musical Theatre (UFOMT) productions of Cats, Little Shop of Horrors, and Guys and Dolls this summer and then went on as Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors with two hours notice and nailed it! 


Vanessa Ballam says, “In his second year as a performer at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theater, Nathan Templeton made quite a name for himself! Not only did he hold his own with the Broadway level dancers in Cats, Nathan also soared as Mr. Muchnick in Little Shop of Horrors. He definitely made ISU Proud.”

Headshot of Allysia Peine

Allysia Peine

Nathan Templeton in costume for Cats (he is painted as an orange and black cat with a vest and grey leggings and gloves. The Cats cast kneels and looks up at him on the stage.

Nathan Templeton in UFOMT production of Cats

Headshot of Nathan Templeton

Nathan Templeton

Interview with Nathan Templeton

Art, Ecology, and Resilience:

Ahola-Young Receives Visual Arts Fellowship


"I am captivated by the science of decay, soil, fallen trees, and the role of wind, seeing them all as indicators of climate change. Trees live and die in ways distinct from humans, and I find myself drawn to understanding these differences—exploring new ways of being through the vegetal world.” --Laura Ahola-Young

drawing "red poplar"

Redpine and Poplar

drawing of "arch"

Arch

drawing "koivisto"

Koivisto

drawing "white pine"

White Pine

Ahola-Young Fellowship Award
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Events

Announcing the 2024-2025 SOPA Season

The School of Performing Arts is delighted to announce its highly anticipated 2024-2025 season, featuring an exciting lineup of theatrical productions and musical events. Season Details Here! Tickets are available online or at the ISU Box Office.


All current ISU students can attend ISU Theatre Productions for free, thanks to funding from the Associated Students of Idaho State University.

Read about free tickets here.

MFA Thesis Exhibition



August 19 - September 13

John B. Davis Gallery, Fine Arts Building, Room 105

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 12 - 6 PM


Over 35 oil paintings and prints by Collete Stosich.

Beyond Boundaries Art Exhibition


August 19 - September 13

Compartment Gallery, Fine Arts Building, Room 408

Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday, 12 - 6 PM


Featuring works by local artists Ana Pena, Iris Gray, Julie Rowe, Susan Harris, Barb North, Helen O’Hara, and The Clementine Quilt Co.

an ink print with a checkered background and text stamped in dark blue says "Vote. more than a choice it's your voice"

Power of the Press Open House: Create a Print on the Pinyon Jay Press


Drop by to create your own hand-pulled letterpress poster that inspires our community to get registered and vote! This event is a wonderful opportunity to experience the art of letterpress printing and contribute to civic engagement.


September 27 | 3 - 6 PM

ISU's Liberal Arts Building, Experimental Lab (LA 139)

Engage with Experts

ISU's Executive in Residence Talks

Ronald Hatzenbuehler, PhD, “Why I Love the Movie, 1776

September 18 | 12-1 PM | Liberal Arts Room 323 | Free and open to everyone

headshot of ron

Ron, a respected professor of early US History, taught at ISU throughout his career, earning accolades such as Professor of the Semester and University Professor of the Year. He chaired the Department of History, served as an Associate Dean, and now holds Emeritus status.

Chris DeCou, PhD. "Exploring the Role of Clinical Psychologists in Building the Future of Workplace Mental Health"

September 20 | 3-4 PM | Plant Sciences 114 | Free and open to the ISU community

Dr. Chris DeCou is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, and leads the Amazon Global Behavioral Health Team. His team is focused on reinventing behavioral health on behalf of Amazonians, and ensuring that all employees and their families have access to high quality mental health resources. Chris is also President of Amazon’s Mental Health and Well-being Affinity Group.

Chris DeCou
Background is a photo of a student with a backpack walking under the "Bengal Theatre" neon sign. Graphics on the page include 5 poster images for the films playing.

Festival de Cinae Hispano

¡Venga a celebrar con nosotros el primer festival de cine hispano de la ISU durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana!


En octubre, se proyectarán cinco películas en español, lenguas indígenas y en catalán en el cine Bengal Theater.


Libre y abierto a la comunidad.

Hispanic Film Festival

Join us for ISU's Hispanic Film Festival during National Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring 5 thought-provoking films with English subtitles at the Bengal Theater in October.


Free and open to the community.

Graphic image in orange and black. Text says "ISU Ambush Obstacle Race" and is centered in an orange and black diamond with a white background


Join the ISU Ambush Obstacle Race! Whether solo or in a team of 4-7, tackle a two-mile course with challenges like a team wall, balance beam, and tire pull. No mud or water this year—just pure fun and excitement! Registration is $40 per person. Sign up now!