In an effort to recognize the work of faculty and staff at the University of Idaho, the Student Foundation, paired with the Student Alumni Relations Board (SArb), will host a “Day of Thanks,” is to recognize the hard work that goes into running a large-scale university.
Students will be asked to thank their professors and other staff. The event, however, takes it a step further according to Tiffany Frieson, president of the Student Foundation.
“Thank you notes will be distributed, and students will be asked to give them to their professors,” Frieson said. “There will be a table in front of the (Idaho) Commons with a big banner that people can sign to give thanks. There will be donuts there in the morning, and other food later in the afternoon.”
The Student Foundation is the same group that hosts Thank-a-thon in the fall.
“Specifically, the event is to thank the faculty and staff that donates part of their paychecks back to the university, but also just to thank all of the staff for their service,” Frieson said.
The event is meant to create a more personal connection between students and teachers, Frieson said.
This is the first year this event is happening, and one of the big goals is to tie students in on a more personal level, she said.
“Writing a thank you note takes time, and you’re aware of it,” Frieson said.
Another goal of the event is to get students to think about everything that the faculty and staff do for the university.
“A lot of staff gives back, and they want to help better the school and students,” Frieson said. “A very high percentage of the staff gives back with their paychecks.”
If students can’t attend all day, they are invited to come to the group photo being taken in front of the Commons with the large “thank you” banner. Students that don’t have time to be closely involved with the event are encouraged to thank their professors and staff that they see around campus, Frieson said.
The Student Foundation has approximately 25 members and the club hosts events such as Thank-a-thon, Tag Day and the VIP Senior Social. It is a student-run organization, and is always open to new members.
Karter Krasselt can be reached at [email protected]