Education Helps People Grow

Dean and Linda Bennett believe strongly in education. “Learning allows people to venture out on their own, try new things and find what they are passionate about,” they said. “It helps people grow.”

Now retired, Dean and Linda devoted their careers to education. Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Dean graduated from North Idaho College and went on to earn a master’s degree in recreational management from the University of Idaho. Linda earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande. The two met while lifeguarding on Coeur d’Alene City Beach and married in 1985.

While attending NIC, Dean was a work-study student in the Edminster Student Union Building. He noticed the University of Idaho had a thriving outdoor program that included equipment rental for students. With funding from the Associated Students of NIC, Dean helped create a rental shop in the basement of the student union.

After Dean completed his bachelor’s degree, he accepted a position at North Idaho College. “NIC was opening its first position dealing solely with student life,” Dean said. “I was tasked with creating a student life program with both educational and entertainment value. I was able to draw many areas together to provide a full four-year college experience at our community college.”

During his 33-year career at NIC, Dean’s work included teaching leadership development; overseeing student government and clubs; developing the student ambassador program; and expanding recreational sports, student events and what is now called Outdoor Pursuits.

“I strongly believe that classroom learning is important. But things students experience while outside the classroom environment create a much stronger, more well-rounded individual,” Dean said.

Linda’s first experiences with NIC were through Dean and his love for his job. She attended NIC as student in a compacted summer session to complete the credits required for a teaching certification in Idaho.

“I truly enjoyed my instructors,” she said. “I had some amazing teachers throughout my life who taught me to think for myself, ask questions, and love learning. I wanted to do that for other kids. High-quality education can open so many doors in a person’s life.”

Linda’s career included teaching at elementary schools in Oregon and Idaho and the NIC Children’s Center. Linda retired after teaching in the Coeur d’Alene School District for 25 years.

Dean continues to stay involved with North Idaho College by serving on the NIC Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Dean and Linda have chosen to continue their support of North Idaho College in future years through their estate plan. They have joined an honorable circle of supporters as members of NIC Foundation’s Legacy Society. Membership in the Legacy Society is as simple as designating North Idaho College Foundation as a beneficiary of your will, trust, life insurance or retirement account. Contact Rayelle Anderson, Executive Director, at (208) 769-5978 or foundation@nicfoundation.org for more information.