A Gift That Values Every Student

Created by Hackert, who recently retired from the College of Business after 41 years of service, and her husband, Dr. Hal Hellwig, professor of English at Idaho State, the Ability Scholarship supports students who receive services through ISU’s Office of Disability Services. The fund reflects the couple’s long-standing commitment to ensuring that every Bengal can thrive.

Over decades of teaching, advising, and mentoring, Ann and Hal saw how students navigate both visible and invisible challenges — and how access and understanding can make the difference between struggle and success.

“Over the years, we found that Disability Services was a partner with us in student success,” Hackert said. “Access can allow those with visible and invisible disabilities to contribute to the excellence of our university community and the broader society with their success.”

That partnership informed how they approached their work in the classroom and with individual students.

“Disability Services are the boots on the ground,” Hackert said. “All we are doing with the scholarship is hoping to be able to support a student who has a plan or aspirations, or is just trying to get through the semester. Sometimes you’ve got to take one step at a time.”

For Ann and Hal, watching institutional support strengthen for our differently-abled students over time has been especially meaningful.

“The meaningful thing when you’re faculty who cares about students is how over the years the institution has grown to support students with differing abilities,” she said. “Students, whether they had a disability or not, knew we were there to support them. We all face challenges and barriers. Students are so dedicated to overcoming their challenges; it’s so inspiring.”

Those experiences shaped both educators in lasting ways.

“We became better teachers by learning from all of our students and especially those whose abilities needed our support,” she said.

The Ability Scholarship is designed not only to ease financial pressure but also to convey a sense of belonging and affirmation.

“We wanted our students, past, present, and future, who are differently abled to know you are seen, you are heard, you are valued,” Hackert said.

Ann and Hal’s connection to Idaho State runs deep. They met on campus, raised their family here, and watched their son earn his ISU degree before launching a successful career. Establishing this scholarship allows them to continue investing in a community that shaped both their professional and personal lives.

For Hackert and Hellwig, that investment is grounded in a simple belief: humanity.

An inclusive campus benefits everyone. Research and lived experience show that organizations grow stronger when they embrace different perspectives and experiences. Supporting students with differing abilities is not simply an act of generosity; it strengthens the entire university community and models the kind of environment graduates may one day seek in their own workplaces.

“We can really model what a good organization looks like as students are attending school and thinking about the kinds of organizations they want to work for,” she said.

The Ability Scholarship also invites others to take part in that work. It is one of the official match funds for Bengal Giving Day, March 10–11, 2026. Hackert and Hellwig have committed a $25,000 challenge gift that will be unlocked if five donors make gifts to the scholarship by March 11.

Through this challenge, they hope others will consider how they, too, can contribute to student success.

“Why wait?” Ann asks.

For future Bengals with differing abilities — students with plans, aspirations, and determination — the Ability Scholarship offers more than financial support. It affirms that they belong and that their contributions strengthen ISU for generations to come.