Notable neighbors in the Treasure Valley

Three Boise State University professors have been named Foundation Scholars for 2009.

Nick Miller, history, received the Research Award; Troy Rohn, biology, received the Teaching Award; and Jeffrey Wilhelm, English, received the Service Award. All three recipients will be formally recognized at an event hosted by the Boise State University Foundation.

The annual awards recognize ongoing commitment to, and expertise and accomplishment in, teaching, research and creative activity, and professionally related service.

Miller began teaching at Boise State in 1993. He is recognized internationally for his work on the people and history of the former Yugoslavia. He testified before the International War Crimes Tribunal at The Hague in 2008 and is scheduled to appear again in 2009 on a different case.

Rohn joined Boise State in 2000. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and the process by which apoptosis, or programmed cell death, occurs. Rohn's teaching load covers classes ranging from large introductory lecture courses for non-majors to specialized upper-division biology courses.

Wilhelm joined the faculty in 2003. His service has been devoted to improving the resources and training available to those who teach writing. As founding director of the Boise State Writing Project, Wilhelm has been responsible for writing grants, leading workshops and developing curriculum.

Tyler Bell, a fifth-grader at Ponderosa Elementary School, Meridian, won top honors in an essay contest, "What My Mother Means to Me," sponsored by American Mother Inc. Bell received a $100 first prize award.

Luke Leonnig, Oaks Elementary school, Meridian, won second place and $50. Hanna Ross, Fruitland Intermediate School, won third place and $25.

The Boise School District has named Nate Dennis assistant principal at Capital High School, effective the beginning of the 2009-10 school year.

Dennis currently serves as assistant principal at North Junior High School. He previously worked as an administrative intern at Whittier and Cynthia Mann elementary schools, as a seventh-grade world studies teacher at Riverglen Junior High School, and a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Eagle Middle School. He earned a master's in educational administration at University of Idaho, and has a bachelor's degree in social studies and secondary education from Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa.

Compiled by Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481; seddy@idahostatesman.com. To submit items for Notable Neighbors, e-mail newsroom@idahostatesman.com, fax items to Notable Neighbors at 377-6449, or mail them to Notable Neighbors, c/o Newsroom, Idaho Statesman, P.O. Box 40, Boise, ID 83707. All submissions become the property of the Statesman.