22 Idaho State University Magazine
Fall/Winter 2010
A BASE FOR THE FUTURE HOW THE ISU FOUNDATION SUPPORTS THE UNIVERSITY
For exiting Idaho State University Foundation President Michael Byrne, giving to Idaho State University is a way to give to those who have helped him. The retired partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers has enjoyed extraordinary success in life and has made large gifts to the University, but speaks with an air of humility. “To the extent that I have had success, Idaho State University gets a large share of credit for that success. I think it’s critical that people recognize that and do everything they can to repay the University and enable others to have that same opportunity,” he said. “I love Southeast Idaho and the entire state of Idaho, and there is no better way to make an investment in the future success of the region than to invest in education.” It’s an idea that Dr. Kent Tingey, vice president for University Advancement, says permeates through all members of the Idaho State University Foundation Board, present and past, and those who have given generously of their time, talents and means throughout the University’s history. “What each of these remarkable individuals brings is an affection for and
commitment to Idaho State University and a desire to help Idaho State University achieve greatness,” he said. “They are good, kind-hearted alumni and friends who care and want to make the University and the world better, not for themselves, but for others.” The Idaho State University Foundation, and its 20-some member board of directors are tasked with helping the University meet its goals in several areas, ISU President Arthur Vailas said. “The Foundation is a supportive arm of the University,” Vailas said. “These are well-networked people. It’s important that word gets out to the world about Idaho State University, and the Foundation facilitates that.” Vailas sees the Foundation members as stewards of Idaho State University. Along with helping increase donations so important to the continued growth and development of the University, they work on legislative issues, network, and support a vision of economic development to benefit both Idaho State University and the entire region. “They provide an outside perspective,” he said. “We share with them just about
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOSEPH C. JENSEN, New York, Board chairman emeritus and lifetime Board member, is retired as President of Pfizer Inc., Animal Health Group Europe/AfME Region. The Grand Concert Hall in the Stephens Performing Arts Center bears the name of he and his late wife, Cheryl. Jensen earned his bachelor’s degree in French and economics at Idaho State University. He went on to earn a Master of Business Administration degree in finance at Dartmouth College. MICHAEL J. BYRNE, Rigby, Idaho, Phoenix, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, is past president of the Board and current chairman of the Board. He is retired as senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Byrne was lead accountant over huge multi-national corporations such as Nike, Inc., working in locations such as Portland, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Orange County, Calif., San Diego and Salt Lake City. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business at Idaho State University.
everything we do.” Newly installed Foundation President, William Eames, also sees great opportunity to assist the University in its growth and development. “For Idaho State University to continue to press forward and meet its state-assigned mission, the Idaho State University Foundation will have an ever-increasing role,” said Eames, whose career has included ownership of many pharmacies and extensive involvement in the banking industry. “As state funding becomes more challenging, private philanthropy becomes critical. Truly, the friends and alumni of Idaho State University will make a substantial impact in the future of this outstanding University.” As Idaho State University’s funding structure changes to reflect less state funding, the role of the Foundation becomes even more important, Board Chairman Joseph Jensen said. “That’s a reality we’ve all had to come to grips with,” Jensen said. “The way universities are funded is changing. It’s going to continue to change.” Rather than rely on state funding, continued on Page 24
WILLIAM M. EAMES, Lafayette, Calif., president of the Board, is president of William Eames and Associates. He is a graduate of Idaho State University’s College of Pharmacy with additional management programs from Stanford University, Harvard University and Oxford University. He has been a director of several banks including Central California Bank, Western Sierra Bancorp, East County Bank and Sunrise Bancorp. ARLO D. LUKE, Pocatello, Idaho, assistant treasurer of the Board, is president and CEO of Varsity Contractors. He joined the company in 1978 when the company was generating $8 million in sales with an employee force of several hundred. Today, company revenues exceed $250 million with more than 5,000 employees in 48 states. Luke is a graduate of Idaho State University’s College of Pharmacy. CARL K. DAVIS, Bend, Ore., secretary of the Board, retired as Vice President for Columbia Sportswear in Portland, Ore. Previously, Davis served as Vice President/Council for Nike, Inc. Davis is a graduate of Idaho State University.