I Love ISU Scholarship Campaign
Roger Sears, 2008 I Love ISU chair and President Arthur C. Vailas
What began as an effort to send local kids to college 26 years ago in a small office of the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce has now grown into a major annual scholarship campaign centered primarily in southeast Idaho but extends as far as east New Hampshire and as far west as California.
Annually, business leaders, community members, ISU faculty and staff from Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and American Falls join forces to contact colleagues and friends to solicit funds for scholarships. Often, these contacts are outside Idaho and spread across the United States. These funds provide financial support for students in local communities who attend Idaho State University as well as providing support for many other areas of the university.
Any alumnus, friend, faculty member, staff, student, parent or friend can make a gift or a pledge through the "I Love ISU" campaign. Any annual gift is processed through this campaign.
Pledges and gifts made through "I Love ISU" are directed by the donor and can be made to "I Love ISU" scholarships which are unrestricted awards for students in every discipline or donors can specify the area they want to support. Gifts can be made to any college, department, program or need. The unrestricted gifts fund the ISU New Student Scholarship Program, Freshman Academy Scholarships, Leadership and Talent awards through Alumni, Enrollment Management, Boys and Girls State, Jr. Miss, Math Excellence Awards, Native American Awards and provide matching dollars for the Idaho Promise Scholarships.
"It’s like a type of 'time traveling' for me. From my years as a student at Idaho State University to the present day and now reaching into the future to help the generations that are coming. It is an opportunity like no other."
-Jay Colonel ISU Alumnus, VP Ireland Bank-Pocatello, Former Chairman- I Love ISU
"With today’s economy we need to do everything possible to make education affordable to students. 'I Love ISU' is one way to get that accomplished."
-Roger Wheeler ISU Alumnus, Retired Educator
"ISU has been very supportive academically for American Falls and Aberdeen students. My experience as a student was positive and I want to see that relationship continue and expand."
-Brett Crompton ISU Alumnus, Owner, Power County Press, American Falls
"Idaho State University is one of those institutions that provides quality education at a reasonable cost. We want to make sure that continues. 'I Love ISU' is the vehicle that can ensure this happens. Without a college degree in today’s environment, young people are at a complete disadvantage in the workplace. Our kids, the students, deserve this education and it is our obligation to help provide it."
-Pete Welsh Retired FBI, ISU Alumnus and Former Chairman, I Love ISU Campaign