Thursday, December 17, 2020
Theresa Whitlock-Wild was selected as Alumna of the Year in recognition of her exemplary record of service and leadership in the region.
Each year, the NIC Alumni Association Board of Directors recognizes outstanding individuals who greatly enhance North Idaho College and the NIC Alumni Association through their commitment and service. The Alumni Association Board is proud to honor Theresa Whitlock-Wild as Alumna of the Year and Doug Anderson as Honorary Alumnus of the Year. The awards were announced at the 2020 virtual Scholarship Celebration that can be viewed at www.nic.edu/foundation.
Theresa Whitlock-Wild was selected as Alumna of the Year in recognition of her exemplary record of service and leadership in the region. Theresa’s efforts to bring accessibility and dignity to those battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are noteworthy and make her a very deserving recipient of this award.
Theresa earned an associate degree from North Idaho College in 2015, a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University.
After Theresa’s husband Matthew was diagnosed with ALS, the couple co-founded Matt’s Place Foundation, a local nonprofit created to assist people with ALS. Theresa believes there are many ways to provide hope and to inspire others to live life with purpose even when given a devastating diagnosis. Matt’s Place has currently helped over 35 families who are battling the disease.
Theresa also works for the Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience at Washington State University. The center provides tools for families battling neurological diseases, or accessibility issues, until better treatments or a cure can be found. Theresa is passionate about helping families use technology as a bridge to improve the quality of their lives.
Like many charitable organizations, Matt’s Place Foundation was affected especially hard by the pandemic. Requests for help continue to come in from the families of patients suffering from ALS. To help meet the needs of those impacted, Theresa and Matthew created the Uncrushable Spirit Wall to encourage continued support of Matt’s Place Foundation. To learn more, go to www.mattsplacefoundation.org.
Doug Anderson was selected as the Honorary Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to North Idaho College.
Doug Anderson was selected as the Honorary Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his outstanding service and commitment to North Idaho College.
Doug began working at North Idaho College in 1992 as the Diesel Technology program instructor and coordinator. Doug helped build the program to the largest career and technical education program at North Idaho College. He is currently the Trades and Industry Division Chair and has served as chair for over 15 years.
Doug was instrumental in starting the NIC Road Shows as a way to visit regional schools and demonstrate to high students the opportunities available at NIC. These events include hands-on activities for students to learn about career and technical programs as well as transfer program opportunities at North Idaho College.
Doug, who also volunteers to decorate and drive NIC’s big yellow semi-truck in parades all over the northwest, earned an associate degree in automotive and diesel from Peninsula College, a bachelor’s degree from Oregon Institute of Technology, and a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Idaho.
The Alumni Association is proud to recognize Doug as an honorary alumnus of North Idaho College for going the extra mile to promote NIC in the community and mentoring students to achieve their dreams.