Donald Jacklin and Peggy Phillips honored at commencement ceremony May 2003

Honorary doctorate for Donald Jacklin recognizes lifetime contribution

The University of Idaho bestowed an honorary doctorate of administrative science on Post Falls businessman Donald Jacklin during May commencement ceremonies. The honor recognizes a lifetime of excellence and his many contributions to Idaho and the university.

On May 29, the UI again acknowledged Jacklin for his support that helped make possible the world’s first cloned equine.

Jacklin served as vice president and director of producion for Jacklin Seed from 1966 to 1997. The Post Falls company, founded in 1936, is a major producer of turffgrass seed, with domestic as well as international distribution. Jacklin Seed conducts the largest privately-funded seed grass research program in the country. It was acquired by the J. R. Simplot Company in 1997.

Jacklin’s support of the University of Idaho’s land-grant mission is recognized through the Riverbend Commerce Park. A spirit of cooperation between the university and Jacklin Seed led to the development of the UI Research Park at Post Falls. Because of the Jacklin brothers’ vision and entrepreneurial flair, this strong partnership supports economic development in northern Idaho. The synergy between research and business at the Park will provide a growing, unprecedented impact on Idaho’s economy.

Jacklin has been a major leader for the grass seed industry and agriculture in both Washington and Idaho. He has served as president of the Idaho Crop Improvement Association, the Washington State Crop Improvement Association, and the Spokane County Crop Improvement Association. He was also executive secretary of the Intermountain Grass Growers Association of Idaho and Washington.

While his professional career has been in the grass seed industry, his real passion is the equine industry. He serves as one of the founding members of the Northwest Equine Research Laboratory, sharing his vast knowledge and personal contacts, and providing financial support to the research program.

A graduate of Washington State University, Jacklin is widely respected for his loyalty, honesty, and dedication to family, state, and country. He exemplifies a true civic spirit, sharing the results of his success with the state of Idaho.

Peggy Phillips enters UI Hall of Fame; gives keynote address

Peggy Phillips, Seattle, a 1974 and 1976 microbiology graduate of the University of Idaho, was inducted into the UI Alumni Hall of Fame this year, and also was keynote speaker for May 17’s commencement ceremony.

Her topic, “Change is inevitable, unless it’s from a vending machine,” stressed patience, teamwork and resilience along the roads to success.

Phillips is former executive vice president and chief operating officer of Immunex, acquired by Amgen in 2002 in the largest bio-tech merger in history.

Phillips helped build Immunex from a small, unprofitable venture into a $16 billion enterprise. She played the key leadership role at Immunex in the development and marketing of Enbrel, a drug used to reduce symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

“She has become one of the leading women in the biotechnology industry,” according to Larry Branen, Vice President for University Outreach and former dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. “Peggy’s contributions have had worldwide impacts on improving health and the international economy through her work at Immunex.”

Upon graduating from the UI, Phillips worked for 10 years for the allergy division of Miles Labs, the U.S. division of Bayer Pharma. She joined Immunex in 1986 and was elected to the Immunex Board of Directors in 1996. Originally from Idaho Falls, she is active in her community as a board member and executive committee member for the Alliance for Education where she is leading the advisory committee to establish inquiry-based science in the Seattle School District. Phillips is also serving on a special budgetary task force for King County; by June the committee will make recommendations to help the county better weather its fiscal crisis. On a broader perspective, she is a board member for the United States Naval Academy Foundation.

Phillips is currently writing a novel.

Dear Alumni and Friends:

As the years go by, my University of Idaho experience becomes increasingly more important and valuable to me. This is where I met lifelong friends, learned lessons that I still use professionally today, and was blessed to have mentors advise and guide me through my younger years. I began to have impressions that I should be doing more for the university, so I agreed to serve on the CALS Alumni and Friends Association Board of Directors. As often happens, I seem to be getting much more out of my service than I’m giving. We have an outstanding alumni organization that continues to grow. I encourage you to participate in the CALS Alumni and Friends Association. Take advantage of meeting new people, renewing old friendships, and the kaleidoscope of possibilities. Join me in the opportunity to work with exceptional alums, the college advancement team, and the caring faculty and staff in the college. Best of all, join me in applauding the upcoming CALS alumni of 2003!

Joey Peutz
President, Alumni & Friends Association
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

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
Dwane Benson ‘71, Payette
Nancy Deringer ‘96, Moscow
Steve Kaufman ‘05, Moscow, AgSAC President
Dave Hoffman ‘77, Pocatello
Doug Jones ‘72, Filer
John Mundt ‘67, Boise
Gary Steiner ‘62, Rexburg
Mandi Thompson, Boise
Kathee Tifft ‘88, Moscow
Jennifer Wallace ‘91, Moscow