September 21, 2024 (Cover photo credit: ISU FB)
Idaho State University (ISU) recognized their 2024 Homecoming Award Recipients at the Alumni Recognition Dinner held last night. According to an ISU announcement, “This prestigious recognition honors distinguished alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievements and made significant contributions to their communities and the university.”
The 2024 Award recipients are:
Dr. Nicki Chopski – ISU Distinguished Alumna
Dr. Chopski earned her PharmD from Idaho State University, College of Pharmacy in 1997. In 2007, as a hospital pharmacist, Nicki was appointed to the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, serving for 12 years before becoming its Executive Director in 2019. In her current role as Bureau Chief of Health Professions for the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, she serves as the Executive Officer for the Boards of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.
Dr. Linda and Dr. Ronald Hatzenbuehler – President’s Medallion
Linda and Ron Hatzenbuehler joined Idaho State University in 1972. Ron, a history professor, chaired the History Department and served as Associate Dean, earning multiple teaching awards before retiring as Emeritus. Linda, a clinical psychologist, became Dean of the Kasiska College of Health Professions in 1986 and later served as Vice-Provost and Executive Dean, retiring in 2016 as Emerita.
Both have been active in community outreach; Linda served on various health-related boards and councils, while Ron contributed to humanities programs and now serves on the Friends of Idaho Public Television Board. Despite their other residences, they consider the University Historic Neighborhood in Pocatello their home.
Mr. Wade & Mrs. Karen Tolman – William J. Bartz Award
Wade and Karen Tolman, both Pocatello natives, attended high school and Idaho State University together. While at ISU, Wade was an officer in Omicron Delta Epsilon and Karen in LDSSA. They married, worked full-time, and started their family while pursuing their degrees.
Wade earned a B.S. in Economics and a graduate degree in banking operations, retiring as Executive Vice President at KeyCorp after a 30-year career. Karen, with a B.A. in Business Administration, initially stayed at home and then worked as a piano teacher and office manager for the LDS church educational system. After living in various cities, they returned to Pocatello, where Wade has been active with ISU. They have donated to ISU’s Stephens Performing Arts Center and established a scholarship fund.
Dr. Christopher DeCou – Young Alumnus Award
Dr. Chris DeCou, a licensed Clinical Psychologist, leads Amazon’s Global Behavioral Health Team, providing mental health resources to employees. He is also President Emeritus of Amazon’s Mental Health and Well-being Affinity Group and an affiliate faculty member at the University of Washington. Chris earned his PhD at Idaho State University and has authored 44 peer-reviewed papers. Previously, he worked as an Alaskan wilderness guide and first responder. He enjoys family time, reading obscure books, and gardening in North Bend, Washington.
Dr. Cindy Hill – ISU Achievement Award
Cynthia D. Hill, Ph.D., has been the vice provost for institutional effectiveness and initiatives at Idaho State University since 2021, overseeing curriculum, accreditation, and student success. Over two decades, she has held roles such as director of the University Honors Program and executive director of the Student Success Center. She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Montana and her Ph.D. in economics from Washington State University.
Dr. Hill has received numerous awards, including the Carnegie Foundation Idaho Professor of the Year and Distinguished Public Servant. She has also co-authored two economics textbooks.
Dr. James “Byrd” Yizar Jr. – ISU Distinguished Service Award
Dr. James H. Yizar Jr. (a.k.a. Byrd) is the Associate Director of the Student Success Center and Staff Ombudsman at ISU. He has significantly contributed to the university, leading diversity initiatives and managing crises for at-risk students. Dr. Yizar holds a B.A. in secondary education, an M.A. in Counseling, and a Doctor of Education from ISU, with additional training from Harvard University and certificates in Conflict Management and Leadership/Diversity.
He is actively involved in campus and community projects, with leadership roles in the NAACP and the Pocatello Centennial Rotary Club. A lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Dr. Yizar has received the NAACP Medgar W. Evers Award and the City of Pocatello’s Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Mrs. Sharon and Mr. Park Price, III – Parade Marshals
Sharon and Park Price are influential advocates for community service and the arts, leaving a lasting impact on Idaho. After settling in Pocatello in 1979, Park served on the ISU Foundation Board, aiding the Stephens Performing Arts Center campaign. Sharon, an ISU American Studies graduate, was active on the Alumni Board and Centennial Celebration Committee.
In 2004, they moved to Idaho Falls, where Park took leadership roles on the PERSI and Bank of Idaho boards, chaired the College of Eastern Idaho’s Board of Trustees, and led Idaho Business for Education. Sharon remains an Emeritus Board member of the Idaho Falls Symphony and Idaho Falls Arts Council and advocates for Idaho Public Television.
