Idahoans gathered in Boise on March 10, 2004 to commemorate WICHE's 50th anniversary. The evening reception for state legislators, State Board of Education Members and education administrators was co-sponsored by the Idaho State Board of Education and Idaho State University .

Dr. Richard Bowen, Master of Ceremonies for the event, introduced WICHE Executive Director David Longanecker, who spoke about the impact WICHE has had upon Idaho, and how many students have participated in WICHE programs. He went on to talk about “the Perfect Storm” facing Idaho and much of the rest of the West, resulting from the confluence of three huge waves –-

1. The influx of new students resulting from simple demographics
   
   
2. The fact that many of these students will come from communities that higher education has traditionally not served well, and
   
   
3. The severe financial constraints facing the state which will make it difficult to serve these new students well.

Dr. Longanecker went on to state, however, that these waves can be managed through effective public policy and Idaho has the capacity and leadership to provide the necessary policy framework to effectively address these issues.

^ Richard L. Bowen president, Idaho State University; Jeff Shinn, Idaho State Board of Education-OSBE; Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, WICHE PSEP alumnus (optometry).

^ WICHE Executive Director David Longanecker addresses guests.
  

^ Photo 1: Luci Willits, OSBE staff, Rep. Jac, Barraclough. Photo 2: Allison McClintick, OSBE staff, Sen. Patti Anne Lodge; Luci Willits.
  

^ David Longanecker, WICHE Executive Director; Marty Peterson, Special Assistant to President, University of Idaho; Gary Stivers, OSBE Executive Director
  

^ Taunia Kerner, WICHE PSEP alumnus (occupational Therapy); Tony Harrison
  

^ Dr. Daryl Jones, Boise State University; Dr. Nancy Szofran, OSBE; David Longanecker; Marty Peterson; Gary Stivers
  

^ Rep. Shirley Ringo; Marty Peterson