Ever bowled with a professor or went scotch tasting? The University of Idaho Board of Student Advocates will host the annual BSA Faculty Auction at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the UI Law Courtroom. The auction allows law students to bid on various events and dinners with law school professors.
Auction items include dinner for three at the Alehouse, scotch tasting for four and coffee for four at Sister’s Brew.
BSA President Lindy Hornberger will play the role of auctioneer, while students bid on their professors with wooden paddles.
“I think that it builds camaraderie and brings students and professors together in a way that they wouldn’t get together outside of the classroom,” Hornberger said. “It allows for more interaction, a way to get to know students better and to get outside of the comfort zone a little bit more. I think it also builds moral and school spirit.”
Professors donate their time and money to help fund the BSA.
“This year we have an overwhelming amount of support,” Hornberger said.
Each professor that participated in past years agreed to donate this year, as well as nearly every other faculty member in the law school, Hornberger said.
Professor Shaakirrah Sanders has taught constitutional law and criminal procedure since 2011. This year is her third time participating in the auction.
“I always enjoy our students in and out of the classroom, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them a little better,” Sanders said. “As a professor, people don’t always feel very comfortable inside of the law school building and I’m happy to answer questions about the law or tell them of my experiences practicing law — in a less formal environment.”
This year, Sanders is listed for a “House Party” at her house.
“Some students are just curious, maybe they want to see what the professor’s house looks like,” Hornberger said. “They know what they’re like inside of the school setting, this way they find out what they’re like outside of the classroom and if they’re as scary as they seem.”
In years past, a single professor’s dinner raised a bid of more than $1,000 for multiple years in a row. This year, Hornberger hopes each bid will reach at least $200. The goal is to exceed last year’s total and raise at least $3,000.
A portion of the proceeds will go to a charity of BSA’s choice — the Humane Society of the Palouse. However, almost all proceeds go to the BSA in support of the principal advocacy training organization. BSA students participate in Moot Court Competitions nationally which are funded by fundraisers and events, such as the auction.
BSA hopes for as big of a turnout as possible. A raffle will also be held for two gift certificates to Mingles.
Hornberger said she thinks law students look forward to the event and BSA will continue the tradition for years to come.
Arianna Anchustegui can be reached at [email protected]