Stephen A. Beebe, agribusiness leader, visionary, and public servant.

Steve Beebe is vice chairman and CEO of the J.R. Simplot Company. Beebe joined the J. R. Simplot Company in 1970 as a staff attorney. He subsequently served as chief legal counsel and administrative vice president before transferring to the company’s food group in 1988. He was named food group president in 1992 and remained in that position until being appointed company president and CEO on March 1, 1994.

Under his leadership, the J. R. Simplot Company has experienced rapid growth, both domestically and globally. Expansions and acquisitions have significantly improved the company’s competitive position in food processing and agricultural fertilizers, making it one of the leading privately held agribusiness companies in the nation. Named for its founder, the company is based in Boise and is engaged principally in food processing, fertilizer manufacturing, and agriculture.

Due in large part to Beebe’s management, a new spirit of cooperation has developed between the university and the company. With annual revenues of $3 billion and more than 12,000 employees, the J. R. Simplot Company has had a tremendous impact on the state’s economy. This impact is made possible by the partnership of Simplot’s legendary vision and entrepreneurial flair and Beebe’s ability to build strong partnerships and provide clear leadership.

Steve Beebe also has served as an advocate for sound, science-based research in solving agriculture’s challenges. The biotechnology laboratory addition to the College of Agriculture Building is due in large part to his passionate commitment and leadership and will benefit the entire state through the expanded research capabilities available in the new facility.

In recognition of his many contributions to the economic and agricultural well-being of the state, the University of Idaho is proud to confer upon Stephen A. Beebe, a most distinguished citizen, the degree of Doctor of Administrative Science.

Thomas Taylor Nicholson, cowboy, entrepreneur, and businessman.

Longtime contributor to Idaho agricultural industry, Tom Nicholson of Boise is a 1959 graduate from the UI College of Agriculture. He is the cofounder of Micron Technology, Inc., and currently serves on the company’s board of directors. He also is president of Mountain View Equipment, a farming and industrial retailer based in Caldwell. Upon his graduation from UI, he joined his father and brother to form CCT Land and Livestock. In addition, the TFI Land and Livestock Farm and Ranching partnership was recently established between Tom and his son, Scott.

“Tom has a unique and genuine ability to make everyone feel comfortable. He truly makes a difference. He is down to earth; he maintains a positive, friendly attitude, and does it with his warm, caring personality,” says Annette Park, executive director of the Saint Alphonsus Foundation. Tom and his wife, Diana, were named Outstanding Citizen of Saint Alphonsus in 1996. The couple also dedicates their time as members of The Campaign for Idaho’s National Campaign Council and Steering Committee. Nicholson volunteered his time to his alma mater by becoming the chairperson of the College of Agricultural and Life Science’s two-year biotechnology building campaign. He was the major reason the board was able to double its $3 million goal.

Vice President for Outreach Larry Branen, who also serves as College of Agricultural and Life Sciences dean, remarks: “He spoke with great passion about his personal commitment to the project and leveraged numerous gifts because of his conviction that this facility would make a difference to the industry he loves best—agriculture.”

Nicholson’s career accomplishments, service, philanthropic generosity and leadership, and his quiet friendship make a difference, both small and large, to scores of people around the state and across the nation.

Previously he has received the University of Idaho Alumni Service Award in 2000 and was the Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Philanthropist of 2000.

In recognition of Thomas T. Nicholson’s dedicated leadership and support in agriculture, business, and philanthropy and his many contributions to the wellbeing of society it is an honor to present him with the Hall of Fame Award.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Alumni & Friends Association
Board of Directors

Joey Peutz ‘92, Boise, President
Nick Purdy ‘62, Picabo, Vice President
Laurie Lickley ‘90, Jerome, Secretary
Clen Atchley ‘66, Ashton
Larry Branen ’67, Moscow
Dwane Benson ‘71, Payette
Nancy Deringer ‘96, Moscow
Joe Guenthner, Moscow
Katie Colyer ‘04, Moscow, AgSAC President
Casey Hanson ‘91, Moscow
Dave Hoffman ‘77, Pocatello
Doug Jones ‘72, Filer
Cathy Mosman ‘83, Craigmont
John Mundt ‘67, Boise
Gary Steiner ‘62, Rexburg
Mandi Thompson, Boise
Wayne Thiessen ‘62, Boise
Kathee Tifft ‘88, Moscow

If you are interested in participating with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni & Friends Association at events around the state please call Casey Hanson at 208-885-2664.

Photo above: Four awards were presented during Ag Days on September 29, 2001, in conjunction with the college centennial celebration. Receiving awards were (left-right): Del Traveller (Distinguished Associate Alumni), Bev Montgomery (Distinguished Alumni), Jodi Cook (Young Alumni Achievement), and Erling Johannesen (Distinguished Alumni). Congratulations!