The North Idaho College Alumni Association Board of Directors announced its annual Alumni awards at the NIC Foundation Scholarship Celebration on Monday, Nov. 9 at NIC’s Coeur d’Alene campus. The NIC Alumni Association honored Dennis Grant as Alumnus of the Year, Chief Allan as Honorary Alumnus and Noppadol Paothong as Distinguished Alumnus. Each year, the board of directors recognize individuals that enhance NIC and the Alumni Association through their commitment and service.
Noppadol Paothong was selected as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his accomplishments as a journalist and nature and wildlife photographer.
Paothong grew up in Bangkok Thailand and came to NIC to study. He spent his first two years in the Intensive English Program before enrolling in regular courses and discovered his passion for journalism and wildlife photography.
“The support and encouragement I received from instructors as well as from classmates and friends made all the difference.,” Paothong said. “Their kindness and advice remain with me to this day.”
Paothong went on to earn a bachelor’s in journalism and spent about 7 years working for newspapers before joining the Missouri Department of Conservation. For the last 20 years he has served as a nature and wildlife photographer for its publication, Missouri Conservationist. During this time he has also been dedicated to documenting North America’s grassland grouse, publishing two nationally acclaimed books focused on the species.
NIC gave me my start, where I met many great people many of whom are still my friends. It was the first place that made me feel seen and capable that my dream of becoming a photographer wasn’t jut possible but worth pursuing.” Paothong said.
Dennis Grant was selected as Alumnus of the year in recognition of his lifelong dedication to our community and North Idaho College.
Grant is a Coeur d’Alene High School graduate and attended North Idaho College to study engineering. He played trombone in the NIC Orchestra, Symphony, and Jazz Band and was elected President of the Associated Students of North Idaho College. His father attended and played basketball at NIJC from 1959-60 and Grants’ three children also attended NIC.
“I believe in staying connected to North Idaho College.” Grant said. “This moment is about our community college friends, experiences, and values that have shaped my life since my very first day at NIC and how it has prepared me for life.”
Grant has been a director on the North Idaho College Alumni Association Board for over 17 years and his contributions are countless. He has served in various leadership roles for both the board and committees. He has also served as a Project Manager for the Engineering Department with the City of Coeur d’Alene for the past 27 years.
“NIC has invested in me by providing an excellent education and this motivates me to want to keep supporting and being involved with NIC.” Grant said.
Chief Allan was selected as Honorary Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his significant contributions to the local community and his vision of creating equity, opportunity and long-term impact, particularly through education.
One of Allan’s priorities both for the Tribe and personally has been his commitment to education. In 2022, he initiated a scholarship match program with the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber and local businesses increasing scholarship awards from five to 200 in two years.
As the keynote speaker at the Spring 2025 North Idaho College Commencement, Allan shared that he values education because it’s something you work for that you can never lose.
Throughout his career, Allan has emphasized that investing in youth and education is not only a tribal priority but a community-wide responsibility. His leadership has ensured that students across the region, both Native and non-Native, have greater access to scholarships, workforce training, and cultural education.