Philanthropist, broadcaster Jim Rogers donates airplane to ISU aircraft program

The Idaho State University College of Technology aircraft maintenance program has received an F27 Fairchild luxury executive airplane and additional components worth approximately $1.5 million, courtesy of James E. Rogers, owner of Sunbelt Communications Company and a major ISU benefactor.

The F27 was flown from Las Vegas, Nev., to the Pocatello Airport today, Sept. 26, where it will be housed in the aircraft maintenance hangar and worked on by ISU instructors and students. Rogers also is gifting a truckload of additional airplane engines and various other components for the newly donated airplane to the aircraft maintenance program.

 

"We are very appreciative of Jim Rogers' significant gift," said ISU President Arthur C. Vailas. "This expands the opportunity for establishing unique resources in ISU's professional-technical education programs. Once again, Jim Rogers' giving has inspired our community, faculty and students in support of educational infrastructure."

Dr. Marilyn C. Davis, College of Technology dean, expressed her appreciation.

"We are very excited about receiving this gift," Davis said. "The acquisition of this aircraft will provide further opportunities to train on avionics, airframe and powerplant tasks."

The aircraft maintenance program runs on a task driven system. Students must complete 177 tasks the first year in the program and 102 tasks the second year. Tasks may range from taking a wheel off to making engine adjustments. The new F27 Fairchild will provide training opportunities in more advanced airplane systems including turbo prop twin engines, instrumentation, electronic components and air-conditioning systems.

Graduates of the aircraft maintenance technology program are trained technicians responsible for maintaining airframes, power plants, and the respective systems and components of various makes and models of aircraft. They inspect, maintain and repair operational aircraft. Technicians may overhaul and alter aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

"This gift will greatly enhance our ability to prepare technicians in accordance with FAA standards," said Dave Treasure, trade and industrial department chair.

Rogers, for whom the ISU department of mass communications is named, is founder and owner of Sunbelt Communications. Sunbelt is the parent company of seven television stations and eight satellite stations, including the NBC affiliate in Pocatello. In addition, Rogers serves as the Chancellor of the University and Community College System for the State of Nevada. Rogers has been listed by Time Magazine as one of the top 12 philanthropists in America. He and his wife, Beverly, have given or pledged $275 million to various colleges.

James Rogers was the general chairman of Idaho State University's first capital campaign, which raised $152.5 million. Among the Rogers many gifts to ISU was $2 million to establish the James E. and Beverly Rogers Theater in the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center. His recent gift of the F27 Fairchild brings his support of Idaho State University to nearly $30 million.

In 1999, ISU awarded Rogers an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. In 2002 Alpha Kappa Psi honored Rogers with the Idaho Business Leader of the Year Award. He is a Past President and Lifetime Member of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors.

"Jim Rogers, in philanthropy and general support, has made an incredible difference in the vitality of Idaho State University," said Dr. Kent Tingey, ISU vice president for advancement. "This is just one more example of his support for higher education and ISU."