Introduction
The University of Idaho is a public research university located in the northwestern United States, in Moscow, Idaho. Founded in 1889, it is the state’s oldest and largest public university, and the flagship of the University of Idaho System. With a student body of over 12,000 students, it is the state’s land-grant and primary research university, as well as the home of the Vandals, the university’s athletic teams. The University of Idaho is a great place to learn, with a rich history and a wide range of academic programs. But did you know that there are some fun facts about the university? Here are some of the most interesting facts about the University of Idaho.
The Oldest Building on Campus
The oldest building on the University of Idaho campus is the Administration Building, which was built in 1889 and is still in use today. The building was originally constructed as a two-story brick building, but was later expanded to three stories. The building is now home to the President’s office, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Admissions and Records, and the Office of Financial Aid.
The First Graduating Class
The first graduating class at the University of Idaho was the Class of 1895. The class consisted of just three students, all of whom were male. The three students were William F. Yost, Stephen J. Sheehan, and William H. Farr.
The First Female Graduate
The first female graduate of the University of Idaho was Anna M. Edson, who graduated in 1897. She went on to become an educator and was the first woman to serve on the faculty of the University of Idaho.
The First Mascot
The first mascot of the University of Idaho was a bulldog named “”Joe Vandal,”” which was adopted in 1923. The bulldog was chosen to symbolize the school’s spirit and the “”vandalism”” of its football team.
The First Homecoming
The first homecoming for the University of Idaho was held in 1924. The event was organized by a group of students and featured a parade, a bonfire, and a football game.
The First Nobel Laureate
The first Nobel Laureate associated with the University of Idaho was Dr. Norman Borlaug, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his work on the Green Revolution. Dr. Borlaug was a professor of plant pathology at the University of Idaho from 1945 to 1949.
The First Female President
The first female president of the University of Idaho was Dr. Elizabeth Zinser, who served from 1996 to 2002. She was the first woman to lead a public university in the state of Idaho.
The First National Championship
The first national championship at the University of Idaho was won by the men’s basketball team in 1981. The team, led by head coach Don Monson, defeated the University of Alabama-Birmingham to win the NCAA Division I Tournament.
The First Female Athletic Director
The first female athletic director at the University of Idaho was Dr. Robyn E. Daugherty, who was appointed in 2002. Dr. Daugherty was the first female athletic director at any NCAA Division I school in the state of Idaho.
The First Female Dean
The first female dean of the University of Idaho was Dr. Mary Ann Rankin, who was appointed in 2006. Dr. Rankin was the first female dean of any college or university in the state of Idaho.
Conclusion
The University of Idaho has a rich and storied history, and there are many fun facts about the university. From its oldest building to its first female president, the University of Idaho has a lot to offer and a lot of interesting facts to learn.”
