The Generosity of Vandals Make North Idaho Special
March 27, 2023
Chris Stokes, a College of Business and Economics (CBE) alum, can be described as a lot of things: a four-time Olympian, President of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation, author and founder and executive chairman of NCS Enterprises, to name a few. And still, Stokes identifies as a University of Idaho Vandal.
“I landed on the Palouse with only a knapsack and track and field scholarship, but the generosity of Vandals make North Idaho special,” Stokes said during the Jack Morris Executive Speaker Series (JMESS).
Stokes, who studied business finance, experienced that kindness beginning with his track coach who gave him a sleeping bag for his dorm room. It continued with the coach, Registrar’s Office staff and faculty frequently sharing their dinner tables with him.
“These relationships don’t have to end at graduation,” Stokes said. “Anywhere I travel in the United States I know there’s a Vandal I can call if I need a favor. Whenever I need a ride from an airport or a hotel room for the night it’s a Vandal I call.”
This is one of many examples Stokes shared while speaking at JMESS to demonstrate how U of I relationships can last a lifetime.
JMESS, named for CBE’s Dean Emeritus Jack Morris, brings distinguished business leaders to campus to share their experiences, wisdom and career advice with students.
Morris taught operations management, and earning praise for his teaching, leadership, research and outreach was named dean of CBE in 2006. As dean he led the college through AACSB accreditation, placing CBE among the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
Morris retired from CBE in 2011 and passed away in 2014 on his Idaho ranch. JMESS ensures that Morris’ passion for teaching and sharing business experiences continues through the series’ distinguished speakers.
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho’s land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.