Making Every Second Count: Campbell Family Funds New Timing System for ISU Swimmers

Gary and Susan Campbell are strong proponents of Idaho State University, with nearly 40 years of giving to support the College of Business, the College of Education, Bengal Athletics and the Stephens Performing Arts Center. They’ve also established several scholarships and endowments, including the College of Business’ first endowed professorship in Finance named for Gary’s favorite college professor. Their latest gift steps out of the world of academia and dives into Campus Recreation, with funds providing support to Campus Recreation’s purchase of an electronic timing system for the swimming pool.

ISU Swimming is something the Campbells hold dear. Though Gary swam in an intramural meet the spring semester of his freshmen year, he had no intention, nor believed he had the skill, to join the swim team. However, then-swim meet director and varsity swim team letterman Steve Miner persistently encouraged Campbell to try out. Despite Campbell’s resistance, Miner personally escorted him to tryouts the following semester, where Campbell struggled and nearly quit the first day. Assistant Coach Jim Brik stopped him, saying, “If you leave, you’ll regret this for the rest of your life.” Motivated by Brik’s faith in him, Campbell returned to the pool, trained hard, and ultimately earned his varsity letter, as well as an athletic scholarship.

“Becoming a member of ISU’s varsity swimming team taught me perseverance, discipline and to believe in myself,” said Gary. “It was a life-altering opportunity which remains a cornerstone of who I am today and why I continue to swim.”

“This project goes beyond Idaho State swimmers,” said Karen Homstad, Associate Director of Campus Recreation. “The entire swimming community in Pocatello is excited to finally have a modern competition venue with an electronic timing system. We’ve never had one in Pocatello before, and it represents a true milestone and a powerful connection across generations of Bengal swimmers. The generosity and support of the Campbell family was essential in making this project happen. The past six years have been a roller coaster for this 75-year-old pool, but to be able to reopen a renovated pool, and now a fully competitive facility made possible through the Campbells’ donation, has been a dream come true for me and for so many swimmers across the region.”

“Our providing a state-of-the art automatic timing system for ISU’s superbly reconditioned pool brings us true joy,” said Gary. “We hope future generations of ISU and area high school students also benefit from the life skills learned in competitive swimming.”

To learn more about ISU’s renovated pool, including lap and combo swim hours, visit isu.edu/recwell. To learn more about giving to ISU, visit isu.edu/give.