Andrew Blake, University of Idaho

Andrew Blake always looks to not only solve problems on their face, but to address the root causes of social issues. Andrew is taking a semester away to serve as the lobbyist for UIdaho students with the Idaho legislature. He lobbies representatives and senators, promoting the interests, health and welfare. Andrew works with lawmakers to increase awareness of college access issues, especially concerning historically underrepresented groups. He served as a student senator, a peer facilitator, a student coordinator in the Department of Student Involvement, and a peer advisor/mentor. Andrew also spent a semester serving with the Coeur d’Alene tribal school tutoring and mentoring students, working on academic success and college persistence. He has also participated in two Alternative Service Breaks while at Idaho. Most recently, he served in the small town of Cai Cay, Peru working on community development, poverty and education issues. Andrew’s out of class experience has been close to comprehensive but what continues to impress is his ability to achieve academically while being so engaged. He has a 4.0 GPA, has been on the Dean’s List each semester, and was awarded an Outstanding Sophomore and Dean Vettrus Scholarship at the 2012 Student Achievement Awards.