Hello! Now that fall is here and folks are getting back into their routines, including me, it’s time for another Meet the Friends Board Fridays article. Board director Katherine Aiken volunteered to talk with me about her experience on the Friends Board and life in general.
Originally from Sunnyside, Washington, Katherine was a longtime professor of history. “I taught at the University of Idaho for over 30 years,” she says. She later became the Dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She is now retired from the university but still researches Idaho history.
Katherine has been on the Friends of Idaho Public Television Board of Directors for three years. “I had served on the Idaho Humanities Council, and some people knew me from there, and they asked if I would join this board,” she says. But she was involved with Idaho Public Television in a much different capacity before joining the board. “I have [contributed to] several Idaho Experience programs…I did the women’s suffrage [episode], the Sunshine Mine Disaster, I did one about the Trial of the Century. I did Annie Pike Greenwood.”
Katherine has a couple of favorite spots in the Gem State. “I like all of [the state], but I spend my research time in the Silver Valley, where I do mining history, so I suppose that’s a favorite part. But I think Coeur d’Alene is a favorite part as well…because we like the lake so much.”
And in the snacking realm, she likes them all. “I basically like every snack, especially if it has a lot of sugar and it has totally no redeeming nutritional value.” She laughs. “Cinnamon rolls are my favorite.” Top on her list of favorite PBS Kids characters is the Cookie Monster. “For reasons we’ve already discussed,” Katherine laughs.
Her kids are grown, but when they were little, they enjoyed watching Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. And now her grandkids like watching PBS as well. “Our grandchildren like Grover.”
Katherine adds that being a member of the Friends Board has been a great experience. “It’s a terrific board to be on, because it’s very collegial and we have a good time as well as doing work. And I think we do worthwhile things by helping to raise money and give advice. It’s been a joy to be a part of it.”