Shaping Generations: The Sargent Family's Enduring Gifts to ISU

 Generations of Bengals will benefit from the generosity of lifelong Idaho State University (ISU) supporters and proud Pocatello natives, John and Michelle Sargent, whose recent gift reflects their deep family roots and enduring belief in the power of education. ISU and the ISU Foundation are thrilled to announce two new funds that honor the Sargent family’s multi-generational connection to ISU and their commitment to student success.

The Shirley Sargent Boardroom Fund will support renovation, technology upgrades, and long-term maintenance of the Shirley Sargent Boardroom in the Student Union Building, ensuring the space remains a welcoming and vibrant hub for student leadership, collaboration, and engagement for years to come.

The boardroom proudly bears the name of Shirley Sargent, John’s late mother, who devoted over 30 years of service to ISU as an administrative assistant in the Department of Geosciences and the Idaho Museum of Natural History. Known for her warmth, diligence, and compassion, Shirley’s legacy continues to inspire her family’s philanthropy and love for the Bengal community.

“My mother gave her heart to ISU,” said John Sargent. “She believed deeply in the students she worked with and in the role the university plays in shaping lives. This gift is our way of continuing her legacy and ensuring that spirit of support and opportunity thrives on campus for generations to come.”

The couple has also established the John D. and Michelle Sargent Scholarship Endowment to support students majoring in Political Science, English, Sociology, Energy Systems, Radiographic Science, and Business Administration, reflecting areas of study pursued by the Sargents’ own four children and two sons-in-law.

“ISU has shaped every chapter of our family’s story,” said Michelle Sargent. “All four of our children were the first in our family to earn college degrees — two even served as ASISU presidents — and our youngest went on to earn four degrees, including a doctorate. We’ve seen firsthand how ISU transforms lives, and we want to make sure other families have that same opportunity.”

Stephanie Smith, Vice President for Advancement at ISU, praised the Sargents’ generosity and deep community connection: “Through their philanthropic leadership, John and Michelle are creating a legacy at ISU by creating opportunities that so profoundly shaped their family,” Smith said. “Their investment honors the past, celebrates family achievement, and fuels future Bengal success.”