May 27, 2003

Boise State Inducts Inaugural Founders' 
Leadership Society Members

Amy Wimer Blake Lingle Catherine Mumm Cheryl Adcox China Veldhouse Degolia Johnson Faida Muzaliwa Franklyn Burke Hollie Baltazor Jana Barnes Jillana Slocum JoLynn Montgomery Joni Sui Kimberly Woods Matthew Vanderbaugh Melinda Richards Nicholas Leonardson Richard Lachtel Scott Bower Winnie Tong   for a full view click on the images above

The following graduates were recently inducted into the inaugural class of the Founders’ Leadership Society at Boise State University. Society members will be invited to meet annually for learning and networking opportunities. Criteria for the award include leadership skills, commitment to service, an appreciation for diversity and academic achievement. The Society was established to recognize graduating students for their outstanding leadership involvement, both on campus and in the community. Induction into the prestigious society will provide students with opportunities to mentor other students and to participate in meaningful activities to enhance their personal and professional leadership growth beyond graduation. Cheryl Adcox, bachelor of science nursing program. Adcox was active in the Student Nurses’ Association and in the most recent gubernatorial campaign. In addition, she was a leading member in service-learning projects, including assisting a local organization in the creation of a free health-care clinic for low-income and underinsured individuals and families, and in creating and implementing a health-needs assessment in a local community neighborhood. Hollie Baltazor, health promotion with an emphasis in marketing. Baltazor was on the College of Education’s dean’s list for three semesters. The daughter of Jerry and Juanita Baltazor, she is a 1999 graduate of Shoshone High School. Her activities included teaching swimming classes (she was nominated for an outstanding teaching award as a result of that effort); training staff on the essentials of CPR, first aid and use of the automated external defibrillators; planning, implementing and evaluating a pregnancy workshop for community members; and actively participating in the annual student-run health fair. She has held an internship with St. Luke’s Women’s Fitness Celebration worked and as an intern in the university’s Wellness Center. Jana Barnes, biology with a human biology emphasis. Barnes was actively involved in the Honors Student Association, Student Alumni Association and the University Ambassadors, where she was recognized as Ambassador of the Year. She participated in the leadership, education and development series, Leadership Quest, and was inducted last year into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Barnes was on the dean’s list several times, served as an intern at the Idaho Neurological Institute and participated in the study abroad program in Spain. Scott Bower, elementary education. A third-year resident assistant on campus, Bower was on the dean’s list in spite of his heavy personal, professional and academic schedules. Bower volunteered to coach softball, serves as a trustee on the board of his church and completed the LEADS leadership-training course. Brian Buch, double major in economics and finance. The son of Richard and Donna Buch of Caldwell, Buch earned his GED in 1995. He is a volunteer in the Boise public schools and at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center. Honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1999, he was named 2001 Airman of the Year by the Air National Guard. He is also a recipient of the Doug Sauer Next Generation Scholarship, awarded by the faculty to an economics major who is honest, caring and has the ability to laugh in the face of adversity; someone who enjoys life, has lifelong friends and who will make a difference in this world. Brian recently served his country as a member of the Air National Guard stationed in Kuwait. Franklyn Burke, master of science in electrical engineering. Burke received his master’s degree exactly two years after graduating from Boise State with his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. Originally from St. Catherine, Jamaica, he is a 1997 graduate of Boise High School. He is the son of Myrtella and Franklyn Burke Sr. of St. Catherine. He was a graduate teaching assistant in the College of Engineering, where he also served as a graduate research assistant, an undergraduate research assistant and an undergraduate teaching assistant. As an undergraduate, he was active as president of the Black Student Alliance and was a Boise State track and field team member, Student Athlete Advisory Committee member and a participant in the LEADS leadership-training program. He was a resident adviser in Chaffee Hall. Richard Hachtel, political science, with an emphasis on international relations. A member of the Honors College, Hachtel’s honors thesis on the impact of globalization on the quality of life in the Global South was indicative of his long-time concern about the welfare of people of the world. As a member of the Political Science Association, he organized visits to the Idaho Food Bank and the Boise Rescue Mission. He was also the ASBSU student lobbyist and was the recipient of numerous fellowships, scholarships and travel grants. Degolia Johnson, social work. Johnson began her college career after raising her family. She served as president of the Organization of Student Social Workers and as a volunteer with the Ada County Juvenile Court Services, LDS Family Services and the Boy Scouts of America. She is a member of Phi Alpha Honor Society and was on the dean’s list for three semesters. Nicholas Leonardson, distinguished honors in both business management and finance. Leonardson is a member of the Honors College, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma Business/Management Honor Society, and was the recipient of several academic and leadership scholarships. His most visible leadership at Boise State came through his roles as senator-at-large and senator pro tempore of ASBSU, and his active participation in Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Blake Lingle, economics. Lingle was a transfer student from Whitman College. He was on the dean’s list three out of five semesters at Boise State and served as president of the Golden Key International Honor Society. Lingle was a member of the university’s nationally ranked debate team and of the Pi Kappa Delta honor society. He was an intern in the office of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, and a tutor for two classes in principles of macroeconomics. He volunteers with Young Life, Boys and Girls Club of Ada County and the Boise State Children’s Center. JoLynn Montgomery, health science studies. Montgomery has been the recipient of numerous academic scholarships and was named to the dean’s list for six semesters. She is a member of the University Ambassadors, the Honors College, Honors Student Association and the Pre-Med Club, and has held several leadership positions in Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Montgomery played the clarinet for the Boise State Symphonic Winds. She has been an active volunteer in Boise and in her home state of Alaska and was named a Top Ten Scholar by the Boise State Alumni Association. Catherine Mumm, accounting. Mumm was actively involved in the formation and development of the Single Parents’ Club and served as vice president of activities for Beta Alpha Psi Accounting honorary and service organization. She received academic scholarships, and served in the United States Air Force, where she received two achievement medals for meritorious service. Faida Muzaliwa, accounting and finance. Muzaliwa has been a volunteer at the Idaho Black History Museum and is a board member of the Idaho Human Rights Education Center. On campus, she served as president and vice-president of the Black Student Alliance, secretary of the Financial Management Association, member of the ASBSU Financial Advisory Board and community outreach coordinator for the Volunteer Services Board. She was recognized by the Women’s Center as a 2002 Woman Making History and was the recipient of sponsored scholarships. Melinda Richards, theatre arts, with an emphases in design, performance and directing. Richards’ specialty in theatre is lighting design, and every major professional theatre in the region has noticed her abilities. She received several awards and commendations during her service in the United States Navy, and continued to receive awards for her academic accomplishments at Boise State. She was on the dean’s list, is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Golden Key International Honor Society and has volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader, a remedial reading tutor for elementary students and on the Ethnic Heritage Committee. Joni Siu, economics. Siu, the daughter of Lung and Mei Siu, is a graduate of Meridian High School. She earned a number of scholarships, was a University Ambassador and a member of the Honors College, participated in the LEADS leadership-training program, served as a math tutor and volunteered in a variety of service projects. Siu was on the College of Business dean’s list, was chosen as that college’s Student of the Month, and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. The Boise State Alumni Association recently named her a Top Ten Scholar. Jillana Slocum, interdisciplinary degree in history, psychology and health studies. Slocum has been actively involved in issues of social justice and community service, was on the dean’s list for several semesters, is a distinguished member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, served as commencement marshal for the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs and was the 2002 Larry Selland Humanitarian Award recipient and the 2002 Sagner Fellow to attend the Century Institute Summer Program. She served on the Boise State Women’s Center Advisory Board and was active in the Volunteer Services Board (including serving as the director for one year) and the service-learning program. Slocum has participated in the LEADS leadership-training program, the Student Union Board of Governors and the Idaho Progressive Student Alliance. A 1995 graduate of Capital High School, she is the daughter of Marilyn Thrall of Nampa and Glenn Slocum of Everett, Wash. Winnie Tong, psychology. Tong was named to the dean’s list, was showcased by the Boise State Women’s Center as a “Woman Making History” and has received academic scholarships. Her most active involvement was as an ASBSU senator-at-large for two years, where she was known for her dedication and determination to make a difference in the lives of students. Tong is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the Spy Chi Honor Society. She also served as both a research assistant and a teaching assistant in the psychology department, where the faculty recognized her outstanding scholarship and devoted service to the university. Matthew Vander Boegh, mass communication and music. As a member of the Blue Thunder marching and pep bands, Vander Boegh was recognized as both the Sophomore of the Year and Junior of the Year. He was president of his residence hall association and an ASBSU senator. He was the concerts coordinator for Student Programs Board and was assistant director and member of the Bronco Athletic Spirit Squad. He is a member of Golden Key National Honor Society and the Boise State University Men’s Chorus and has been on the dean’s list every semester. He was awarded the 2003 Leadership Quest Director’s Award for outstanding leadership, commitment and service toward the betterment of student organizations, activities and programs at Boise State. Vander Boegh, a 1998 graduate of Homedale High School, is the son of Don and Barbie Vander Boegh. China Veldhouse received her bachelor of science degree in health sciences last December. Throughout her undergraduate career, and continuing through her first semester as a graduate student, Veldhouse has provided strong, dedicated leadership in the community as a political organizer and lobbyist. She was on the dean’s list and received academic scholarships. She was involved in the College Republicans, serving as vice president, and co-founded the Boise State Free Press, a conservative publication on campus. Veldhouse served as chief of staff of ASBSU, where she coordinated activities sponsored by student government and managed the student staff. Amy Wimer, social work. Wimer made her mark on the university and the community primarily through her active leadership in her major area. She was involved in Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society (most recently serving as treasurer), and the Organization of Student Social Workers of Boise State (where she held the positions of president and secretary). Wimer was named a distinguished freshman in 1999, was on the dean’s list, received a 2003 undergraduate research achievement award from the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs and has a lengthy list of service and volunteer activities in the community. A 1999 graduate of Capital High School, she is the daughter of Penny Wimer of Boise and Dale Wimer of Cottonwood. Kimberly Woods graduated in December with distinguished honors in English teaching. Woods is a 1998 graduate of Kellogg High School and is the daughter of Joyce and Chuck Stock of Cataldo. She was a speaker at the December 2002 Commencement ceremony. An outstanding scholar, she earned many awards and scholarships during her undergraduate career at Boise State, including being named the Outstanding Senior English Student. Woods was very active in the Honors Student Association, serving terms as fundraising chair, vice president, and then president of the organization. She was vice president of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Golden Key International Honor Society. She held several offices as a University Ambassador and volunteered in a variety of settings. The Boise State University Alumni Association named Woods as one of this year’s Top Ten Scholars. -30- Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275

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