Professional Achievement Awards

Dr. Lily Gaia Ye - College of Arts and Letters, Fine Arts

B.A. Fine Arts Studio ‘08

Dr. Lily Gaia Ye is an artist, educator, and founder of the Greater American Institute of Art. She holds a Doctor of Arts from Nanjing University of the Arts and has exhibited globally, including her Quantum Horizons series at the 2025 CVPR AI Art Gallery. Known for blending AI and traditional art, Dr. Ye has earned numerous awards and recognition for her innovative work. She also founded the GAIA Meta Art Museum, showcasing cutting-edge digital and metaverse-based art.

Dr. Gaia Ye has served as Artistic Director for the Chinese American Artists Exhibition, a juror for the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum's awards, and as an adjunct professor fostering cross-cultural artistic dialogue. Her work continues to inspire and push boundaries, particularly in the realms of AI, digital art, and cultural exchange.

Dr. April Fritch - College of Arts and Letters, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Clinical Psychology ‘07

Dr. April Fritch earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Idaho State University in 2007 and was commissioned into the U.S. Army through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. After completing her clinical psychology internship at Madigan Army Medical Center, she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, with the 98th Combat Operational Stress Control Unit.

Dr. Fritch completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at Tripler Army Medical Center in 2012, then returned to Madigan as the Clinical Psychology Residency Program Director. She transitioned to the Washington Army National Guard in 2015, where she currently serves as the Medical Readiness Detachment Commander. She also works full-time as a clinical neuropsychologist at Madigan and is the Associate Program Director of the Clinical Psychology Internship Program.

Sandee Moore Gehrke - College of Business

B.S. Healthcare Administration ‘03

Sandee is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of St. Luke’s Health System, overseeing eight hospitals, 300+ ambulatory care sites, and a network of 4,000+ providers. Since joining St. Luke’s in 2014, she has led efforts to strengthen shared services and optimize performance across multiple departments, including construction, patient access, and pharmacy.

Before St. Luke’s, Sandee held leadership roles at HCA Healthcare, Sunrise Medical Center, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado, and is actively involved in supporting student success through scholarships. Sandee is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on the boards of the Idaho Hospital Association and the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.

Ronda Black - College of Education

B.A English Education ‘71, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction ‘90, Admin Certificate ‘97

Born and raised in Pocatello, Ronda pursued her passion for education at Idaho State University, earning a degree in English Education in 1971. She spent nearly three decades teaching at Pocatello High School, where she helped develop the school’s Advanced Placement English program and served as English Department Chair. She later became the district’s Gifted and Talented Coordinator and Curriculum Coordinator, earning a master’s degree and Administrative Certificate along the way.

A dedicated advocate for education and ISU, Ronda served as President of the ISU Alumni Board and played a key role in plans for the university’s alumni center. She also worked statewide as a Capacity Builder, mentoring educators. Her community involvement includes leadership roles in the Idaho State-Civic Symphony, Idaho Education Association, and Bannock Kiwanis Club. Recognized with the President’s Medallion for Service to ISU and the Gem Legacy Award, she and her husband, Pete, established a scholarship in the College of Education, continuing their lifelong support for students and teachers.

Lorraine Backstrom - College of Health

B.S. Nursing ‘67

Lorraine Backstrom was a pioneer in nursing, graduating in ISU’s first BSN class in 1967. She began her career in emergency care before dedicating over 30 years to long-term care at Good Samaritan, serving as chief nursing administrator until her retirement in 2004. Her leadership helped shape policies that improved care for older adults, emphasizing dignity and quality of life.

A leader in geriatric nursing, she eliminated restraints, reduced antipsychotic use, and introduced interdisciplinary care teams, setting new standards for patient well-being. She was ahead of her time in advocating for a patient-centered approach, ensuring that residents received compassionate, individualized care. Lorraine’s contributions helped shape the future of nursing, embodying ISU’s mission to develop leaders. She paved the way for future generations of nurses, leaving a lasting impact on long-term care.

Dr. Cathy Cashmore – College of Pharmacy 

Doctorate of Pharmacy ‘93

Dr. Cashmore graduated from Idaho State University in 1993 and went on to complete a long-term care residency before teaching at the College of Pharmacy for 23 years, including eight years as Associate Dean. She has practiced in drug information and long-term care and continues to work in nuclear pharmacy. She also played a key role in expanding the College of Pharmacy’s reach by writing the original proposal for its Alaska partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Her latest endeavor is a joint venture with her daughter, Dr. Sasha Heyneman, as co-owners of Inclusive Care Clinic Pharmacy. This groundbreaking model combines a pharmacy and clinic where pharmacists serve as both clinicians and prescribers. Being able to innovate within the field of pharmacy alongside her daughter has been a dream come true.

Tracy Ellwein – College of Science and Engineering - Engineering & Mathematics

B.S. Engineering ‘93 

Tracy Ellwein, a professional engineer, has built a distinguished career in transportation and civil infrastructure across Idaho and the western U.S. An Idaho State University alumna with a B.S. in Engineering and an MBA from George Fox University, she currently serves as Senior Vice President and Area Operations Manager at HDR Engineering, overseeing 250 professionals in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Tracy has held leadership roles with ACEC Idaho and WTS, promoting engineering excellence and advancing women in transportation. Named one of Idaho Business Review’s Top 50 Women of the Year, she is also dedicated to community service, championing initiatives like All Kids Bikes through the HDR Foundation. Tracy credits ISU for laying the foundation for her successful career.

Rena Carlson-Lammers, DVM  — College of Science and Engineering, Physical & Life Sciences

B.S. Zoology ‘84

Dr. Rena Carlson, a respected veterinarian and leader, grew up in Blackfoot, Idaho, and earned a B.S. in Zoology from Idaho State University before completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. She co-owned and expanded Alpine Animal Hospital in Pocatello while also serving as ISU’s attending veterinarian for 28 years. Her contributions to veterinary medicine earned her the ISU Distinguished Alumni Award and Idaho Veterinarian of the Year.

Dr. Carlson has held leadership roles in the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), serving as AVMA President from 2023 to 2024. She now mentors new veterinary graduates across multiple states. She and her husband, Brad, enjoy time with their sons and grandchildren, Parker and Hollis.

Nestor Machuca – College of Technology 

Advanced Technical Certificate Welding ‘11

Nestor Machuca, CEO and founder of Aztec Welding Services LLC, has led the company to prominence in industrial construction, specializing in steel erection, pipe welding, and mechanical construction. With over a decade as a traveling welder, he established Aztec Welding Services, which has expanded to a team of over forty professionals. The company is known for its expertise in on-site pipe spool fabrication and installation of piping systems, adhering to the D1.1 structural code. 

Under Nestor's leadership, Aztec Welding has undertaken projects in the food and beverage industry, including breweries, milk plants, cheese plants, yogurt plants, potato plants, wineries, and soda plants. Committed to employee well-being, he introduced health benefits and fosters a family-friendly workplace. Nestor also supports local education through donations and scholarships, encouraging youth to pursue their potential.

Keith Bybee – Graduate School, Masters

Master Public Administration ‘04

Keith serves as the Budget and Policy Analysis Division Manager at the Legislative Services Office, where he leads a team supporting legislative decision-making. Since joining in 2007, he has provided non-partisan support to the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee (JFAC) and worked with several key committees. He holds degrees in Chemistry, Political Science, and Public Administration from Idaho State University.

Keith credits Idaho State University's International Affairs Council and its Frank Church Symposium for shaping his career path. Influences such as his government teacher at Highland High School and mentors at ISU encouraged his public service commitment.

Dr. Kendra Westerhaus - Graduate School, Doctoral 

M.S./Ph.D. Clinical Psychology ‘08, ‘12

Dr. Kendra Westerhaus is a licensed clinical psychologist in Pocatello, Idaho. She leads the Pediatric/Child Team at Health West, Inc., providing therapy, evaluations, and student training. Previously, she practiced at Psychological Assessment Specialists and interned at The Guidance Center. A former President and Federal Advocacy Coordinator for the Idaho Psychological Association, she also served on the APA Board of Professional Affairs (2021–2023) and received the 2024 Karl F. Heiser Presidential Award for advocacy.

An affiliate faculty member at Idaho State University, Dr. Westerhaus speaks frequently on children’s mental health. In 2023, she became a two-day Jeopardy! champion, reflecting her passion for knowledge and learning.