COEUR d'ALENE — They both graduated from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene.

They both attended Gonzaga University.

They both work as deans at North Idaho College.

Now, Vicki Isakson and Tami Haft are both the 2025 LCSC Alumni of the year, making history as the first co-recipients to be honored with this award.

"It's pretty cool we have a couple of alumni who have really set the baseline for all of the new graduates coming through," LCSC Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Fred Chilson said Friday evening during a ceremony in the DeArmond Building on the NIC campus.

"I would look to these two individuals as fantastic examples of some things that you can achieve in life when you work hard," Chilson said.

Isakson is NIC's dean of instruction for workforce training. Haft is NIC's dean of enrollment services. Chilson said both of their leadership and service have made a lasting effect on North Idaho.

After attending NIC and graduating from LCSC, Isakson earned a master's degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga. She worked as the regional manager for the Idaho Department of Labor before becoming NIC's director of workforce training and ultimately to the role of dean.

"Her work has grown program offerings by 20%, even during the challenges of COVID," Chilson said.

He shared a comment from NIC Interim Provost Lloyd Duman, who describes Isakson as "a doer."

"She sees solutions and acts on it," Chilson said, quoting Duman. "She's been a pleasure to work with."

Haft began working at NIC in 1991 with a goal to have a long-term career in student services. She graduated from LCSC and also earned a master's degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga. 

Again quoting Duman, Chilson said that Haft guides students on their academic journeys with professionalism, empathy and dedication.

"She is a genuine asset to NIC," Chilson said, speaking on behalf of Duman.

Both ladies were nominated for the accolade by Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene Director Rocky Owens, who served as the emcee of the evening.

Haft said it was exciting to receive the award.

"It's something that I never expected," she said. "I was very surprised when Rocky actually reached out letting me know he nominated me."

"It's super fun that our paths are very similar," Isakson said. "I appreciate Rocky's nomination, too. It's humbling."

In a past conversation with NIC President Nick Swayne, Owens said he shared with him that "Cardinal red and Warrior blue look very well together."