Division of Health Sciences : The Idaho State University Kasiska Division of Health Sciences (KDHS) proudly recognized the graduating class of 2025, along with distinguished alumni, faculty, and long-serving staff who have made outstanding contributions to health sciences education and practice.
Class of 2025 Graduation Milestone
This year, 888 degrees were awarded across more than 35 health profession programs, including nursing, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology — fields currently experiencing critical workforce shortages.
Rex Force, Vice President for Health Sciences and Senior Vice Provost, emphasized:
“We are proud to introduce these highly skilled graduates who will help address healthcare workforce gaps across Idaho and beyond.”
Kasiska Family Foundation’s Lasting Impact
Since the late 1980s, the Kasiska Family Foundation has donated over $20 million to ISU, funding scholarships, equipment, programs, and events. During the 2024–2025 academic year, 46 students received Kasiska Scholarships, with five graduating in May:
- Aleia Blakeslee – Health Science
- Lacie Marshall – Communication Sciences and Disorders
- David Hooste – Health Science
- Summer Roberts – Health Science
- Gianna Cox – Health Science
Honoring Alumni with Professional Achievement Awards
Two distinguished ISU alumni were recognized for their professional achievements:
- Dr. Cathy Cashmore (Pharmacy, Class of 1993) – A former associate dean at ISU’s College of Pharmacy, she spent over two decades advancing pharmacy practice and education. She now co-owns Inclusive Care Clinic Pharmacy, a pioneering model integrating pharmacists as prescribers.
- Lorraine Backstrom (Nursing, Class of 1967) – A leader in geriatric nursing, she transformed elder care through patient-centered initiatives, reducing medication misuse, and introducing interdisciplinary teams during her long career at Good Samaritan.
Distinguished Faculty Awards
Two KDHS faculty members received ISU’s highest faculty honors:
- Dr. Diana Schow – 2025 Outstanding Service Award Winner (Community and Public Health)
- Dr. Irene Van Woerden – 2025 Outstanding Teacher Award Finalist (Community and Public Health)
Vice President’s Excellence Award
The Vice President for Health Sciences Excellence Award went to Dr. Bill Woodhouse, Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine. With 30 years of service, he advanced rural healthcare, workforce development, and community health through teaching, clinical practice, and policy initiatives.
Celebrating Decades of Service
Joy Chivers was recognized for an incredible 45 years of service to ISU and the KDHS. From the early days of “two programs and a typewriter,” she has become a cornerstone of the division and will also be honored at ISU’s 125th anniversary celebration.