North Idaho College Alums, Derek and Connie Antonelli, sow the seeds of success for other NIC students by establishing the Antonelli Botany Scholarship endowment.
Derek and Connie Antonelli’s journey together began in the early seventies when they met in chemistry lab at North Idaho College. Connie was pursuing her degree in childhood development, while Derek was working as a chemistry lab assistant on his way to a biology degree. They married in 1975 and embarked on an exciting lifelong journey, including traveling across the United States and abroad. They returned to northern Idaho in 2002.
Originally from California, Derek moved to Idaho during his high school years and graduated from Lakeland High School. He attended NIC for two years and was a cross country and track athlete. Derek spent his entire life savings of $175 on tuition and fees for his first semester at NIC. He received a $100 scholarship that made a big difference for him. In his second year, his family moved away so he moved into the dorms to continue at NIC.
Connie grew up on a small farm near Sandpoint and is one of six siblings. Connie attended NIC for two years and continued her family’s generational calling of becoming a teacher. Both Connie and Derek graduated from NIC in 1973 and transferred to University of Idaho so they could get their teaching credentials – Connie’s in elementary education and Derek’s in biology.
Derek went on to earn his master’s degree in biology from the Florida Institute of Technology and then joined the Air Force. Derek served for 22 years and was stationed in several places around the U.S. and Korea. During that time, they had two children.
After retirement, Derek worked for Idaho Fish and Game. He is now an Idaho Master Naturalist and President of the Coeur d’Alene Calypso chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society. His expert plant identification skills are self-taught, and he shares his love of plants with the public through countless volunteer hours. Connie joins in on hikes and is deeply connected to several local quilting groups with others who share a love of sewing.
Looking back on their journey, Connie and Derek realized what a quality education they received at NIC. They appreciated NIC’s small class size and ready access to faculty.
Multiple generations of their family have attended NIC, including their parents, children, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Their NIC roots prompted them to sow the seeds of success for many other students by establishing the Antonelli Botany Scholarship endowment.
Connie says that she is motivated to help students facing hurdles in pursuit of education. “There are so many challenges that students face. We want to help them take the first step.”
Their generosity will positively influence students for generations to come.