Vandal Giving Day 2025

Join us for the 32nd Annual Engineering Design EXPO on Friday, April 25 at the ICCU Arena. U of I engineers are Brave, Bold, and Unstoppable!

The University of Idaho College of Engineering is ranked among the top seven programs in the nation by the National Academy of Engineering. Why? Because as an R1 research institution—recognized for the highest level of research activity—we integrate real-world experiences into every step of a student’s education. From industry-sponsored projects and paid internships to cooperative education programs and one-on-one support from nationally recognized faculty, our students graduate prepared to lead.  
 
In our college, 93% of students graduate with a job offer or are enrolled in graduate school or military service. Our alumni launch careers with top employers like NASA, Apple, Amazon, Google, Micron, SEL, and more. 

Please consider making a gift during Vandal Giving Day to support:

  Dean's Innovation Fund

  The Dean’s Innovation Fund fuels bold ideas and high-impact research that address some of today’s most pressing
  global challenges. Guided by Dean Suzie Long’s vision to empower faculty and elevate student success, this fund
  supports pioneering work that strengthens the college’s competitive edge in securing major grants and forging new
  industry partnerships. By targeting high-need areas, the fund enhances our ability to attract and retain top-tier
  faculty, provide meaningful professional development for students, and drive the kind of cutting-edge innovation that
  defines a premier R1 research institution.

  Thanks to the generosity of the Robert and Gloria Furgason Family, gifts to the Dean’s Innovation Fund will be 
  matched dollar for dollar—up to $10,000—to help advance bold ideas and high-impact initiatives in the College of
  Engineering.

College of Engineering High-Tech Makerspace

The new High-Tech Makerspace will be a dynamic hub for hands-on learning, where engineering and computer science students can explore emerging technologies such as AI-driven system simulations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and digital twins. Students will gain valuable experience in both physical and virtual prototyping while working collaboratively across disciplines. The space will also support student-led K–16 STEM outreach initiatives, including popular coding and robotics camps that inspire future engineers. Designed to foster innovation, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, the lab will be located in the Janssen Engineering Building.  

Thanks to Shelia Janssen-Klages for this incredible challenge to kickstart the High-Tech Makerspace in the College of Engineering! This space will drive cutting-edge research, and your gift moves us closer to making it a reality. Every 5 gifts will unlock $10,000—up to $50,000 total!

Engineering Student Clubs and Organizations

Engineering clubs and organizations offer valuable opportunities for students to apply what they’re learning, connect with peers, and build leadership skills in a collaborative environment. Involvement encourages mentorship from upperclassmen and graduate students, fosters lasting friendships, and provides exposure to real-world engineering challenges. Many groups also offer professional development through networking with industry partners and participation in conferences, design competitions, and technical presentations. These experiences are a vital part of the college journey—expanding learning beyond the classroom and helping students grow both personally and professionally.

The 5th gift to Engineering Student Clubs will unlock a $1,000 gift from Ray and Joana to the Vandal Robotics Club; the 10th gift will unlock $1,500 from Krista Maretta Brown to the American Society of Civil Engineers; and the 15th gift will unlock an additional $3,000. Every gift helps!

Questions about Vandal Giving Day?
For more information, email the College of Engineering Assistant Director of Development, Ryelee Schlueter, at ryelees@uidaho.edu.