ISU Day at the Capitol Is Jan. 23

Boise - Idaho State University will celebrate "ISU Day at the Capitol" from 7:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 23. More than 33 departments representing all colleges will be present with displays, and interactive programs.

"Pharmacy students will take blood pressure readings of legislators," said Pauline Thiros, ISU Alumni Relations and Centennial Campaign director. "The Kasiska College of Health Professions will have a virtual patient where students will perform operating simulations, paramedic students will demonstrate lifesaving skills on a torso, and physical therapy students will give massages."

This is the sixth year of the program in which all four of Idaho's four-year public institutions bring displays to the State Capitol Building in Boise to celebrate Higher Education Week, traditionally held the fourth week of January when the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee holds hearings on higher education funding.

"'ISU Day at the Capitol' is coordinated by the Office of Alumni Relations through its alumni legislative network," said Thiros. "We have more than 30 displays that the faculty and staff have created -- some interactive exhibits that not only inform but they're great fun."

Thiros said ISU hosts a continental breakfast for legislators and presents displays around the rotunda that legislators can visit before the day's session begins and before and between committee meetings.

The day will conclude with a reception at 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Grove Hotel. All legislators, alumni, and friends of ISU are invited and asked to contact the Alumni Office at 800-933-4781 or alumni@isu.edu if they plan to attend.