IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The College of Eastern Idaho Foundation recognized longtime supporters Park and Sharon Price and three CEI employees during its annual Celebration of Giving on November 12 at CEI’s Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech building in partnership with Frontier Credit Union (Future Tech). The event brought together members of the College and greater Idaho Falls community to celebrate contributions that expand educational opportunities and help students succeed.

Established in 2017, the Foundation’s annual awards recognize service to the College through four honors: Constituent of the Year, Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, Outstanding Staff Award, and the Richard and Lila Jordan Outstanding Faculty Award.

The three employee honorees were selected from 17 nominees recognized by their supervisors and peers for their dedication to student success and access to affordable, high-quality education. A committee representing CEI and Foundation leadership and the faculty and staff senates reviewed the nominations. Each employee honoree received an acrylic award, $500 from the CEI Foundation, and a framed photo to be displayed at the College for the year.

Park and Sharon Price | Constituent of the Year

The Constituent of the Year Award recognizes a Foundation partner whose advocacy and support advance CEI, its students, and the power of education.

Longtime Foundation supporters Park and Sharon Price believe education creates opportunities that extend across generations. Their recent gifts funded the Park Price Board Room and the Park & Sharon Price Secure Operations Center in the Future Tech building, reflecting their desire to create opportunities for students “long after the plaques have gathered a little dust,” as Park described it.

A founding CEI trustee and the board’s inaugural chair in 2017, Park helped shape the college’s vision, governance, and strategic direction. Now chairman emeritus, he helped guide CEI through its formative years and supported its growth as a community college.

Amanda Andrus | Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award

As an adjunct instructor in CEI’s phlebotomy program, Amanda Andrus has helped expand the program while maintaining high-quality, hands-on learning experiences.

Her collaboration with medical assisting, workforce training, and other teams has helped connect credit and noncredit phlebotomy coursework, improve efficiency, and expand student opportunities. She also contributed to the development of the Basic Technical Certificate and helped navigate complex national certification requirements.

Andrus was recognized for the time, patience, and energy she invests in helping students become competent, confident health care professionals.

Don Martin | Richard and Lila Jordan Outstanding Faculty Award

Lead diesel technology instructor Don Martin is recognized for his teaching, student mentorship, industry engagement, and commitment to strengthening the program.

Martin connects students with tutoring, individualized support, and other resources that help remove barriers to completion. Most recently, he partnered with CEI’s Tutoring Center to explore AI-powered tutoring resources for diesel technology students.

His partnerships with employers, including Titan Machinery, have created opportunities for student engagement and workforce development. These efforts include a Diesel Summer Camp that introduced prospective students to careers in the industry.

Justin Esplin | Outstanding Staff Award

Justin Esplin has served CEI for 11 years, including the past five as director of admissions. His contributions extend beyond his assigned responsibilities, strengthening the College’s community presence and creating new ways for people to connect with CEI.

His efforts include CEI’s float in the Idaho Falls Fourth of July Parade, the Find Frankie community scavenger hunt, and the College’s involvement in Mad Marvin’s Figure 8 Racing.

Esplin was recognized for his service, compassion, teamwork, and leadership, along with his continued commitment to making CEI a welcoming place for students, employees, and the community.

About College of Eastern Idaho

College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho—redefining what comes next. Visit cei.edu for more information.

About the College of Eastern Idaho Foundation

Since 1992, the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) Foundation’s mission has been to change lives for generations. The CEI Foundation is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) organization and the officially designated means of making private contributions to the College. Visit ceigiving.org to learn more and make a donation.