Idaho Treasure Award to Honor Tom and Jo Ann Trail

The University of Idaho will honor two former employees and loyal Vandals with the Idaho Treasure Award on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. The honor recognizes retired university faculty and staff members and their family for their contributions of leadership and service to the university.

This year’s recipients are Thomas F. and Jo Ann S. Trail. The award will be presented at noon Thursday, Nov. 19, during the 2015 Idaho Treasure Award Luncheon at the Best Western Plus University Inn in Moscow. The luncheon is open to the public.

Tom Trail is a native of Moscow and alumnus of the University of Idaho. He graduated in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. He later went on to receive a master’s in rural sociology and Extension education from the University of Maryland and a doctorate in educational psychology from Montana State University. He completed a post-doctorate in organizational development at Colorado State University.

Tom Trail’s robust resume includes work as a 4-H Extension agent for UI in Canyon County; two years of Peace Corps service in Ecuador with the heifer project; more than a decade working overseas; 20 years of volunteer work as a 4-H leader for the Mountain View 4-H Club in Moscow — which he and his wife founded with Tom’s late brother, David, and his wife, Suzanna; the Pearl Clover Award for 15 years of service in 4-H; and 16 years of service to the Idaho House of Representatives.

Jo Ann Trail is from the Shenandoah Valley. She graduated from Virginia Polytechnic and State University with a degree in home economics Extension and worked for two years as a home demonstration agent. In June 1956, she went to Sweden as a representative of Virginia 4-H. Jo Ann Trail received a master’s in home economics from Montana State University in 1962. While the couple was living in Malwai, she taught at and raised money for a school.

She joined UI in 1991 as the International Friendship Association coordinator. In 2000, she was one of 32 people nationwide to receive the Millennium International Volunteer Award from the U.S. State Department and USA Today for her contributions to international education and cultural exchange. As part of the award, $5,000 was contributed to the culture kit loan program she developed at UI. She was part of the growth and/or development of the Conversation Partners Program, the International Learning Program, the International Flag Project, the International Women’s Association, the Friendship Family Program and many other services for international students during her tenure at UI. Outside of the university, Jo Ann Trail served as the chair of Compassion Ministries, which has grown into the local Hope Center.

In retirement, the Trails continue to devote their time to serving others. Jo Ann Trail is a founding member of the Kenworthy Board of Directors. The couple continue to dedicate their time to community events involved with the Kenworthy, as well as continue to make contributions to the Hope Center. Jo Ann Trail is an active participant in the Moscow Garden Club and various book clubs. She remains active with the UI culture kits as a volunteer curator. Tom Trail is president of the Idaho State AARP, active on the Gritman Medical Center board and involved with various community organizations.

The cost of the Idaho Treasure Award Luncheon is $12, paid at the door. The deadline to RSVP is Monday, Nov. 16. Please contact Ginger Dennis in the Alumni Office at (208) 885-6154 or email uira@uidaho.edu to confirm attendance.

Contact:
Whitney Schroeder
Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Office of Alumni Relations
(208) 885-6160
whitneys@uidaho.edu