Business Bulletin: Fall 2021

FALL 2021

Supporting great teaching TWO FACULTY RECEIVE PROFESSORSHIPS FROM FIRST CORPORATE SPONSORS Pg. 8

From the dean As the dean of the

help them navigate not only the new NIL landscape but

College of Business

their professional lives after they graduate.

at

State

Despite the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic,

often

2021 was one of the best years in the history of the

have discussions with

Idaho State University College of Business thanks

my colleagues about

to our incredible students, faculty, staff and alumni.

how we can provide

As we turn the page to 2022, we will focus on more

better

opportunities

transformational projects, including a new world-class

for our students and community. Those collective

sales center, a state-of-the-art global finance lab, a

discussions led to several initiatives in 2021 to meet

community research series and more internships than

our students where they are while helping them to

any year in the history of the College of Business. We

develop the business skills they need to be successful,

hired four new incredible professors this fall that will

create jobs in our community and build bright futures

start in 2022. These four new professors in accounting

for families. I am thrilled to share that we gave out a

and supply chain management came from some of the

record number of privately funded scholarships to

leading Ph.D. programs in the country and had lots of

our business students in 2021, while also engaging

opportunities, but chose to be part of the Idaho State

students with expanded prizes in our entrepreneurship

University College of Business family because of our

and sales competitions. We have continued to grow

focus on helping students be successful and the great

our Financial Literacy Program and worked directly

community in which we live. We are thrilled to welcome

Idaho

University,

FALL 2021

I

03

UNDERGRADUATE PUBLISHES RESEARCH

04

LEADERS IN HEALTHCARE

06

BUILDING EXPERIENCE IN SALES

07

PITCHING FOR CASH

08

SUPPORTING GREAT TEACHING

12

GROWING STUDENT SUPPORT

with a wide variety of southeast Idaho nonprofits to

them and look forward to sharing their stories in future

13

IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND LOST

provide opportunities across our region. After the

issues of the magazine.

15

STUDENTS SHARING THEIR GRATITUDE

NCAA changed the rules about compensation for

I am blessed each day to be part of the College of

athletes’ Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) this summer,

Business and I am thankful each day for the amazing

our incredible College of Business faculty launched the

support that you provide in helping our students

Bengal NIL Academy where they worked with our Idaho

achieve their dreams. Thank you all for making 2021

State student-athletes to develop their skills around

great, and I know that our best days are still ahead of

things like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, social

us. Happy New Year and Go Bengals!

media marketing, basic taxes and sales skills, which

SHANE HUNT, PH.D. Dean, College of Business

| 3

Undergraduate publishes research Photo: Gwyn Donahue

L ast fall, economics student Gwyneth Donahue competed in the International

the paper also demonstrates that there remains a portion that is unexplained by

Atlantic Economics Society (IAES) conference and won the competition for

these variables, which can likely be attributed to discrimination,” said Donahue.

Best Undergraduate Paper, resulting in the publication of her work. The junior

She also found that the wage gap does fade, the longer an immigrant is in

focused her research on the wage gap existing between immigrant and native

the U.S., “though this wage ‘convergence’ is not consistent among every

workers in the United States.

occupation, indicating that immigrants in unskilled occupations have a higher

Donahue’s work on the paper actually began as an assignment in professor

wage gap with natives versus immigrants in skilled occupations.”

Dr. Iris Buder’s econometrics course. “Econometrics applies statistical and

Throughout the research process, Donahue was able to gain experience using

quantitative methods to analyze business and economic phenomena,” explained

statistical analysis, as well as in communicating results. After participating in

Buder. “When Gwyn proposed her research project, I could already see the

the conference, Donahue said that the experience only enhanced her plans to

potential for her idea,” said Buder. “After Gwyn submitted her final research

join academia in the future. “The process was an incredible preview of what I

paper for the class, it truly was one of the best undergraduate econometrics

want to do in the future.”

papers I had ever read.”

“Gwyn’s hard work on this research project paid off in a huge way – getting

Donahue said her motivation for choosing the topic was to explore the

published as an undergraduate is quite a significant achievement,” said Buder.

underlying cause of the wage gap and whether or not it can be explained by

The IAES was established as a means to increase communication between

educational or occupational choices or the potential for discrimination. “While

economists worldwide. Numerous Nobel Prize winning economists and leading

education, occupation and other demographic attributes were shown to

government officials have participated in the IAES global exchange.

contribute to the wage gap [between immigrant and native workers in the U.S.],

4 | “This rekindled my drive to make a difference and

Fosu made it as a finalist at three major hospital

do something in the healthcare field,” said Fosu.

systems,

Based on his experiences, he chose to emphasize

Health, University of Kansas Health Systems and

his Master of Business Administration degree

Providence in Washington. Fosu explained that the

toward healthcare administration, and in the

University of Utah had at least 100 applicants and

spring of 2021, began the process of applying for

five finalists. “Just four of those finalists attended

fellowship programs. After extensive preparation

and one position was awarded,” said Fosu.

and a thorough application process, Fosu was

As part of the program, Fosu will work alongside

recently accepted into the University of Utah Health

senior executives at the University of Utah Health

Hospitals and Clinics Administrative Fellowship

for one year as a mentee, namely working with CEO

program.

Dan Lundergan.

“The process of preparing to apply began in May

“They really cater the experience to the things that

with an internship at Portneuf Medical Center

you are interested in,” said Fosu. According to the

(PMC),” said Fosu. Here, Fosu was introduced to

University of Utah Health, the Fellowship program

PMC’s Chief Operations Officer, Nate Carter, from

allows candidates to choose from and work on

Leaders in healthcare

whom he received the mentoring and experience

a variety of operational activities in strategic

he needed to be a successful candidate for a

planning, finance, business development, quality

Joachim

fellowship.

improvement, health insurance operations and

“Joe” Fosu came to the United

Dr. Daniel Kim, PMC Endowed Master of Healthcare

more. After completing the program, fellows are

States from Ghana, West Africa in 2016 to study

Administration (MHA) Director at Idaho State and a

often placed into leadership roles either within the

management and finance at Idaho State University.

huge proponent of fellowship programs, provided

Hospital and Clinics or elsewhere.

Fosu was first exposed to healthcare systems as

Fosu with resources, contacts and encouragement

“This Fellowship will give me the most opportunity

a child while spending a lot of time in Ghanaian

throughout the process. “Fellowships are a great

and exposure for growth,” said Fosu. “Utah

hospitals battling malaria, a very serious and

way for students to fast-track their career into

University Health is an organization that is

prevalent illness in the region. In 2018, he suffered

a leadership position,” said Kim. “Idaho State

employee-centered, that focuses on developing

an injury playing soccer in the United States, but

University has the infrastructure to be in the top

their people from within. Working in a system

was unable to correct the injury through surgery

50 MHA programs, and being Idaho’s only MHA

like that will give me the opportunity to grow as a

for three years due to struggles with transferring

program, it is our responsibility to grow the future

leader and learn from good mentors.” Fosu said that

health records and obtaining insurance.

of healthcare leaders throughout the nation.”

his goal is to grow within the healthcare industry,

Photo: Joachim “Joe” Fosu

including

the

University

of

Utah

| 5 eventually becoming a CEO himself. “I want to help

Sanford— because they could provide the rural

people get access to healthcare in general. That

hospital experience he was looking for.

has always been my passion.”

“I spent a lot of time researching their mission,

Fosu is not the only Idaho State University graduate

their values, etc. Then, I made sure to incorporate

student to have landed a fellowship position this

that research into my statement of purpose to help

year. MHA student Steven Jones applied for three

make myself stand out and show I really wanted the

fellowship positions and was awarded one at

position,” said Jones.

Sanford Health in Bemidji, Minnesota. Jones was

Jones said he is excited for the opportunity to

chosen out of 23 applicants and two finalists.

learn from a hands-on perspective and get a good

Jones was also inspired to enter healthcare as a

jump-start on his career by shadowing leadership

child when he tore his ACL playing football. But

throughout various departments at the hospital.

Jones said he was lucky to have a reliable and

Jones is from Cody, Wyoming and currently works

trusted orthopedic surgeon to repair his injury even

at PMC after having earned his undergraduate

in a small town of about 8,000 people. “Everybody

degree in public health from Brigham Young

knew everybody, and everybody knew this doctor

University - Idaho.

had a good reputation,” said Jones.

While on a mission in Mexico, his companion fell ill and was hospitalized for over a week, but was able to receive quality care despite the rural settings. “Because of these experiences, I want to help provide rural healthcare to people in small areas so that they can feel comfortable going to their local hospital even though they have limited options.” Jones said he enjoys the hope that hospitals can bring to people, to provide a cure to what they are facing. “I enjoy that they can help people realize that things can get better.”

Jones said this is part of the reason he chose

The entertainment side of business

College of Business Dean Dr. Shane Hunt continues to come up with new and innovative ideas to share what’s happening in the College. In addition to two new radio shows, Hunt has also developed the Bengal Business Movie Night series and a Basketball Night.

Photo: Steven Jones

Each month, the College hosts free movies for anyone to attend. Each selected movie is related to or inspired by a real business event. Following the show, viewers engage in an informal panel discussion with business professors dicussing what real-life events inspired the movies and what business lessons could be gleaned from the show.

In December, College professors and students rallied on the Reed Gym court in a half-time basketball game that resulted in the largest student attendance athletics had seen in years. Although the students triumphed, the game challenged both sides’ skills and Dean Hunt even landed an impressive hook shot.

Photo: Business students (orange shirts) and professors (black shirts) after the big game.

6 |

Building experience in sales The Biannual Sales Competition is

end of the semester. John Ney, a

thus far. “One of the biggest things I

an opportunity for any student in the

marketing professor, commented,

learned is that tonality is important,

University to dive into the principles

“One of the first things we teach in

and that being able to effectively

of sales for a chance to win a portion

this class is that everybody sells. It

overcome objections is the key to the

of the $2,250 in cash prizes. Students

doesn’t matter if you are a doctor,

sale,” said Jeremiah Schilz, who won

are paired up in teams made up of a

lawyer, plumber, teacher- we all sell.

third place with his teammate, Stanton

buyer and a seller. The teams then

Thus, students learn the critical skill

Latimer, last spring. “Everybody

act out their roles in front of judges

of how to sell correctly. Participating

sells, and I will be able to take these

using a realistic approach to sales

in the Sales Competition is a fun

skills to truly show confidence and

tactics. The judges are made up

way for students to reinforce what

overcome most people’s objections

of business people from the Sales

they have learned.” Ney mentioned

in life.” Third place winner for the

Competition’s two main sponsors,

that learning to sell effectively

fall semester, Keegan Sullivan, said,

Aflac and Federated Insurance, as

provides the ability to “build long-

“I

well as sales professor John Ney and

term

provide

every student that has not done this

the College of Business dean.

the lifeblood to your company or

competition to enter. It was a lot of

In preparation for this event, students

organization.” After the competition,

fun working with a partner of your

are encouraged to take a course in

the judges may recruit students for

choice and implementing principles

personal selling, where they learn the

jobs and internships, which is a great

that we learned in class.”

fundamentals of sales and participate

opportunity.

in role play situations culminating

The College of Business has hosted

in entering the competition at the

two very successful competitions

relationships

and

would

definitely

recommend

Dean, Dr. Shane Hunt (far left) posses with student winners along with Anthony Zerwig of Federated Insurance (far right). Federated Insurance sponsored this fall’s event. Photo 1: Fall 2021 first-place winners of the $1,000 prize- Jaime Castillo-Lopez and Angie Walker; Photo 2: Second-place winners of $500- Zach Jewkes and Dane Buck; Photo 3: Best-buyer winner of $500- Jordon Kress; Photo 4: Third-place winner of the $250 prize- Keegan Sullivan and Gergo Rendek

| 7 | 7

Pitching for cash For the past five years, Director

of 32 student teams. Each of those

ground. “At this point, we have had 11

of the Center for Entrepreneurship

winning teams then qualify to apply

teams take their idea to some stage

and Economic Development (CEED)

to the statewide event, the Idaho

of start-up,” Street noted. “We feel

Dr. Jeff Street has led the U.S. Bank

Entrepreneur Challenge (IEC), held in

we have one team this year that will

Pitch-Off event, which challenges

Boise each spring.

make it to start-up stage.”

students to develop a business plan

“Most of the winning teams in these

“This is a terrific event with huge

for a product or service and present

events are small business ideas that

educational value for our students,”

it to a panel of judges in just 10

could be started with the resources

said Director of the Small Business

minutes. For the second year, Street

found in Idaho,” said Street. Among

Development Center Ann Swanson.

added the introduction business

the winning teams was a holiday

Throughout the competition, the

course, Management 1101, to the

decoration

service

entire CEED team, including the

mix, inviting 148 underclassmen to

with a return and resale mechanism.

SBDC, serves as a resource for

join a Shark Tank 101 challenge prior

Another idea was for a mechanical

students to help get their ideas

to the annual Pitch-Off event.

device used to help train K-9 police

rolling and to the feasibility stage.

“We typically invite 24 teams to

dogs with a hands-off approach.

“Students see it as one of the best

participate in the U.S. Bank Pitch-

Another winning idea was a food

activities they have had in their

Off event, so when space allows, the

truck aimed at the Boise downtown

business education,” said Street.

top scoring teams from Shark Tank

market which would offer unique

“It is a great confidence builder

101 are invited to join and compete

regional foods, and the last winning

and a chance to use their business

in the U.S. Bank Pitch-Off for seniors

idea was a locator device made to

education and passion for starting

and graduate students from across

look like jewelry for senior citizens

a business. Judges return year after

campus,” said Street.

suffering from memory problems.

year to help with the event and

This year, two underclassmen from

Throughout the years, the Pitch-Off

always speak highly of the quality of

Shark Tank 101 were invited to

and IEC events have provided students

ideas and presentation skills of our

participate in the U.S. Bank Pitch-

with the amazing opportunity to get

students.”

Off for cash prizes, making a total

their entrepreneurial ideas off the

subscription

John Ney (left) and Dr. Jeff Street (right) pose with student winners. Photo 1: Sofia Milovanovic, Hannah Rasmussen, Emily Christopherson; Photo 2: Audrey Moerer; Photo 3: Lynnea Dale; Photo 4: Channing Mitson; Photo 5: Rylle Dawson; Photo 6: Lara Maccabee, Emelia Childress

SUPPORTING G R E AT T E A C H I N G

Photo (left to right): Nathan Carter, PMC Chief Operating Officer; Wendy Andersen, PMC Director of Human Resources; Cynthia Lewis, PMC Interim Chief Nursing Officer; Jordan Herget, PMC President & Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Shane Hunt, College of Business Dean; John Abreu, PMC Chief Financial Officer; Valerie Woolsey, Director of PQA; Daniel Snell, Chief Medical Officer

Through the generosity of alumni and friends, the

Credit Union (ICCU), were announced this fall,

Master

College of Business now has five new professorship

both representing the first corporate-sponsored

program indefinitely as an honor given to the

endowments in support of providing the best

professorships in the departments of healthcare

program director.

education possible to its students. These new

administration and management.

Assistant Professor of Healthcare Administration

endowments make six total in the University, all of

PMC

corporate-

(HCA) and MHA Program Director Dr. Daniel Kim will

which are in the College of Business.

sponsored professorship through a generous

be the first faculty member in the department to

Two of these endowments, established by

$250,000 donation. The Portneuf Medical Center

hold the new professorship title. “We are so grateful

Portneuf Medical Center (PMC) and Idaho Central

Endowed Professorship will benefit the College’s

for Portneuf’s generous support of our College and

established

the

first-ever

of

Healthcare

Administration

(MHA)

| 9 the MHA program as it continues to grow,” said Kim.

provide internship opportunities.

in, the most important thing is that students have

“This goes to show how Portneuf Medical Center

“As a teaching hospital and as the leading healthcare

a great professor to help them learn and achieve

is devoted to supporting both our College and the

organization in the community, Portneuf Medical

their educational dreams,” said College of Business

program and how much the College of Business is

Center is dedicated to investing in the future of

Dean Dr. Shane Hunt. “Endowed professorships

invested in supporting its faculty. It’s truly a huge

healthcare in the region,” said Jordan Herget,

are incredibly helpful to us in always making sure

honor to be the first recipient of this historic gift

President and Chief Executive Officer at PMC. “We are

we can recruit and retain the best professors

Photo (left to right): Michael Watson, Chief Marketing Officer of ICCU; Shelli Bardsley, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer; Kent Oram, Chief Executive Officer; Brooker Bolinger; Dr. Alex Bolinger; Dr. Shane Hunt, College of Business Dean; Catherine Rider, College of Business Director of Development; Patty Bolinger; Dr. Ron Bolinger

and to be able to represent two organizations (PMC

attuned to the healthcare needs in our community

who, in turn, make incredibly positive impacts on

and the College of Business) that do so much, not

and we are honored to partner with and to help

generations of our Idaho State University College

just for the city of Pocatello, but for the entire state

develop the Master of Healthcare Administration

of Business students.”

of Idaho and beyond,” said Kim.

program at Idaho State University. Investing in

“I am forever thankful to PMC for this extraordinary

As the MHA program continues to grow, Kim

meaningful projects, like the establishment of this

investment in the College of Business and our

said the professorship will provide the means to

endowed professorship, improves the health and

healthcare administration program. Our partnership

strengthen the presence of the program by helping

quality of life in southeastern Idaho.”

and this endowed professorship will make our

students to travel to different conferences and to

“No matter what format a college course is delivered

students, University and community (continued)

10 |

stronger in the years ahead,” said Hunt.

with Dr. Bolinger.”

The management department also received its first professorship thanks to

For the past seven years, ICCU has also sponsored the highly influential

ICCU. The ICCU Endowed Professorship in Management will be awarded to

International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC), for which

tenured faculty members. Dr. Alex Bolinger has been selected as the first

Bolinger and accounting professor Dr. Dawn Konicek are advisors.

recipient due to his exemplary work and the signature learning opportunities

“It is particularly meaningful to receive this professorship from ICCU because

he provides to students in his classes.

of their generous sponsorship of the ICBSC,” said Bolinger. “ICCU has not

“Dr. Bolinger is an inspiring professor and I’ve watched his work in action for

only provided funding, but Kent Oram and his entire leadership team have

many years,” said ICCU Chief Executive Officer and alumnus Kent Oram. “I

consistently taken the time to meet with our Idaho State graduate business

know students are better prepared for the workforce when they have studied

students to mentor them and cheer them on. I cannot imagine a better partner

In sincere appreciation of these endowments

G. Lynn and Judith Kidd Scholarship Endowment

Aflac Excellence in Sales Scholarship Endowment

Citizens Community Bank Financial Literacy Scholarship

Gary D. and Susan G. Campbell Scholarship Endowment

Anita and Frank Pirrone Endowment

Clarence W. and Velma A. Byrne Scholarship Endowment

General R. F. Molinelli Memorial Endowment

Arthur Andersen Accounting Scholarship Endowment

College of Business Endowment

Harry and Susan Bruestle Endowment

Bartlett Family Trust Endowment

College of Business Scholarship Endowment

Hirning Family Excellence in Accounting Scholarship Endowment

Bert and Lenee Godfrey Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Danny H. & Pauline Thiros Scholarship Endowment

ICCU Endowed Professorship in Management

Bill Byrne ‘67 & ‘71 MBA/Athletic Administration Scholarship Endowment

David A. Hill Endowment

J. A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation Business Scholarship Endowment

Don and Cyndee Zebe Scholarship Endowment

Jake and Grace Jones Scholarship Endowment

Billy D. Vickers Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Don and Jeanine Sauer Scholarship Endowment

James and Betty Kelly Endowment

Bob Cutler Endowed Professorship in Marketing

Dr. Bill Phillips Memorial Endowed Professorship in Finance

James E. Johnson Medal of Honor Scholarship Endowment

Boyd W. Hodson Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Dr. Bill Phillips Memorial Professional Development Endowment Fund

Jay Eggleston Scholarship Endowment

Burton J. Albertson Memorial Fund

Dr. Gary Ray J. Wells and Lola M. Anderson Wells Scholarship Endowment

Jay Glasmann Family Scholarship Endowment

Carl C. Weaver College of Business Scholarship Endowment Cassandra Moore Gehrke and Joshua Gehrke Scholarship Endowment

Earl C. Carlson Scholarship Endowment

Junius Larsen and Peter C. Kole Scholarship Endowment

Christopher L. and Rebecca L. Barth Endowment

Ewer Marketing Scholarship Endowment/Business

Ken Smith Scholarship Endowment

Joshua and Amy Thompson Scholarship Endowment

| 11

and I am honored to be associated with the ICCU name,” said Bolinger.

that I will be able to continue to build those collaborations and bring cutting-

“One of my goals as a faculty member is to bring ‘signature experiences’ to

edge ideas and practices back to our students at Idaho State.”

students,” said Bolinger. “Experiences, such as ICBSC, that enable students to

Oram said that it is his hope that this gift will give Bolinger and future

dynamically apply what they are learning in the classroom and remember long

management professors the resources needed to continue to provide students

after they leave Idaho State.”

with these unique and impactful experiences. “Professorships are powerful

Bolinger said that “one of the challenges for a smaller, more rural institution

because they keep giving year after year. I trust [Bolinger’s] judgment on what

such as Idaho State University is faculty’s need to travel in order to cultivate

he believes would work best and what that will look like along the way.”

research collaborations, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends for making classes dynamic and current. This gift gives me the peace of mind of knowing

Kenneth and Rachel Franklin Endowment

Michael C. Ruettgers Endowment

Ramona Strahan Henderson Scholarship Endowment

Kenneth M. and Linda Jantz Scholarship Endowment

Michael J. Byrne Scholarship Endowment

Ray G. and Effie G. Kaufman Endowment

Kerry P. Heintz Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Michihide D. Totoki Scholarship Endowment

Richard and Peggy Garvin Scholarship Endowment

Klime and Athina Kole Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Mildred C. Ames Scholarship Endowment

Richard T. and Julia R. Norman Memorial Endowment

Larry Bird Scholarship Endowment

NAIFA Scholarship Endowment

Rodney D. Lind Scholarship Endowment

Larry J. Roberts Endowment

Nelson Family Charitable Trust Endowed Professorship in Accounting

Sheel Pawar Scholarship Endowment

Leland D. Beckman Scholarship Endowment

Nile Boyle and Julie Boyle Endowment

Stephen M. Meikle Scholarship Endowment

Loren and Debbie Pilgrim Business Excellence Scholarship Endowment

Peter C. Kole - Dr. C. Shane Hunt Scholarship

Steven J. Skaggs Scholarship Endowment

Lud Pollack Scholarship Endowment

Peter C. Kole - Dr. Frank Seelye Scholarship

T. Kim Allen Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Luella M. Hopkins Briick Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Peter C. Kole - Dr. Kenneth Smith Scholarship

M. Lee Jacobsen and Morgan F. Hyland Endowment

Peter C. Kole - Frank W. Lane Scholarship Endowment

Tami Gates Scholarship Endowment Fund for Fearless Pursuit of Personal Success

M. T. and Jennie H. Deaton Endowment

Peter C. Kole - William E. Stratton Scholarship Endowment

Tim and Sylvia Hayhurst Memorial Beta Alpha Psi Endowment

Mahmoud Fouad Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Peter C. Kole College of Business Scholarship Endowment

Tom and Genevieve Skaggs Accounting Scholarship

Masters of Accountancy Endowment

Portneuf Medical Center Endowed Professorship for Masters of Healthcare Administration

Wilburn J. Adams Scholarship Endowment

Melanie Smith Endowment

12 |

Growing student support Last year continued to bring even more support for our students and professors through the generosity of our alumni and friends. Through the establishment of new professorships, scholarships and alumni choosing to visit and even teach on campus- College of Business students will forever benefit from the support of these individuals. In addition to three new professorships in 2021, the College of Business also received the following three scholarship endowments not yet featured in an issue of the Business Bulletin.

DR. GARY RAY J. WELLS AND LOLA M. ANDERSON WELLS SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

Professor emeritus Dr. Gary Wells established a new scholarship endowment benefitting finance KERRY P. HEINTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

students who graduated from Aberdeen High School. Wells started the Dr. Gary Ray J. Wells and

CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANK FINANCIAL LITERACY SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

Alumnus Mike Hill and his wife Tamra Hill established

Lola M. Anderson Wells Scholarship Endowment in

One year after its launch, the Financial Literacy

this scholarship endowment in memory of Mike’s

memory of his wife, who passed away recently.

Certificate Program received its first corporate

college friend. The Kerry P. Heintz Memorial

endowed scholarship thanks to the support of

Scholarship commemorates the life and work of

Gary and Lola were high school sweethearts, both

Citizens Community Bank, a division of Glacier

Kerry, who passed away on January 30, 2021 at the

graduates of Aberdeen High School. The couple

Bank.

age of 63. The scholarship will benefit juniors and

married in their sophomore year at Idaho State

The scholarship is aimed at fostering the education

seniors in the marketing program with preference

University, where Lola earned a secretarial science

of students with financial need and is also open to

given to Idaho residents.

certificate and Gary earned his degree in business

any Idaho State student pursuing the certificate.

Pictured: Catherine Rider, Development Director; Mike & Tamra Hill; Connie Heintz; Dr. Shane Hunt, Dean

and technology.

In memory of a friend lost In January of 2021, alumnus Mike

such an impact on his life and to

themselves through college at that

honor the memory of his friend. “I

time, so it wasn’t uncommon, but I

Hill lost a good friend and college

wanted to do something lasting in

never heard Kerry complain about

roommate, Kerry Heintz, who was

his memory.”

his situation.” The Hills explained that

just 63 years old. In his memory, Mike

Mike and Heintz met the first week of

for Heintz, his education was self-

and his wife Tamra founded the Kerry

Mike’s freshman year at Idaho State

driven: “Kerry went to college on his

P. Heintz Memorial Scholarship.

in 1977. The pair started as neighbors

own motivation. He was determined

“I’ve been very fortunate in my life,”

in the Garrison Hall dormitory and

to get a degree and he worked hard

said Mike, who retired two years

later became roommates. “School

to earn it.” Heintz’s effort resulted

ago from IBM, where he worked

didn’t come easy to Kerry; he

in completing his degree in four

as a sales manager among other

worked very hard to get his degree.”

years and graduating with over a

positions for 28 years. “I’ve always

According to Mike, Heintz’s earnings

3.0 GPA with a Bachelor of Business

felt like my education held up well

from summer employment plus

Administration in marketing. Heintz

over the course of my career.” Mike

working over Christmas break had

then spent most of his career working

explained that he and Tamra have

to last him the entire school year.

for Farmers Insurance as the Auto/

been very supportive of the College

“He was completely self-supported.

Fire Underwriting Supervisor for 29

throughout the years, but wanted

I remember the second semester of

years while raising two children with

to do something more. “My time

his senior year, after he had paid for

his wife, Connie.

at Idaho State was very formative

his room and board and books and

“We wanted this scholarship to

to my personal development and

fees, he had three dollars left and

honor the legacy of my friend whose

started me on a path to a successful

those three dollars had to last him

education was a result of his hard

career,” said Mike. “I have many great

the rest of the semester.”

work”, explained Mike. “Completing

memories of my years there.” Mike

“Kerry really sacrificed a lot,” said

his degree put him on a path to do

explained that the idea of endowing

Tamra. “He was truly what you

(continued)

a scholarship came to him as a way

would consider a poor college

to support the University that made

student. Many of our friends put

Photo 1: Kerry Heintz (right) with Tamra Hill; Photo 2: Kerry’s graduation; Photo 3: Kerry with his two kids; Photo 4: Kerry Heintz

14 |

Recognizing donors who contribute $1,000 or more

more with his life than he may have been able to do otherwise. Idaho State

Aflac

Kenneth & Rachael Franklin

education.

Alan Dye

Kernutt Stokes LLP

After graduating, Mike and Heintz kept in touch, although their positions in

Alex & Brooke Bolinger

Lewis & Connie Ulrey

different cities did lessen their contact. Once both friends had retired, they

Association of Government Accountants

Michael & Sharon Hayhurst

began to talk more and made plans to get together in the future. “They

Bill & Marilyn Byrne

Michael & Tamra Hill

developed this college friendship when they were young and so many new

Catherine Miller & Michael Duffy

Michael Byrne

changes were happening in their lives, then their friendship had come full

Christian & Trisa Clemons

Peter & Nancy Kole

circle when they both retired,” said Tamra. “It was very unfortunate because

Citizens Community Bank

Robert & Sharon Mink

they planned to make a whole new set of memories and then he was taken

Connections Credit Union

Rodney & Peggy Lind

away. So, we wanted to do something in Kerry’s memory because we don’t get

Curtis & Laura Thompson

Roger Akers

to make those new memories now.”

Don & Cyndee Zebe

Ron & Patty Bolinger

“All of us in the Idaho State University College of Business are thankful to Mike

Donna Molinelli

Sandra Allen & Jim Perlow

and Tamra Hill for permanently endowing this new scholarship that will benefit

Doris Brydon

Shane & Jenifer Hunt

our students forever,” said College of Business Dean Dr. Shane Hunt. “The Kerry

Gary & Beverly Pitkin

Steven & Barbara Keen

P. Heintz Memorial Scholarship is a testament to friendship and hard work that

Gary & Susan Campbell

Steven & Judy Theobald

will help generations of Idaho State College of Business students reach their

Gary Wells

Terry & Michelle Hales

educational dreams.”

Idaho Central Credit Union

Mike graduated from the College of Business two years after Heintz with

Jake & Grace Jones

The Bailey Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual

Jantz Family Foundation

The Oregon Community Foundation

academic scholarship planning to pursue pharmacy.” After taking organic

Jeanine Sauer

US Bank Foundation

chemistry, Mike said his plans quickly changed and it was Heintz who suggested

Joshua & Amy Thompson

Wells Fargo Foundation

he try the College of Business.

Kelli Campbell

Wipfli Foundation Inc. *Some donors not listed due to a request to remain anonymous

was his launching pad and he really earned his degree through his own determination.” The Hills said that it is their hope that this scholarship will help support students like Heintz who are doing everything they can to earn an

his degree in marketing. “I had come to Idaho State from Ely, Nevada on an

| 15

Students sharing their gratitude In November, the College of Business hosted a donor gratitude event that offered students the opportunity to thank College of Business supporters for their contributions. As part of the event, students filled out thank-you cards that were shared on College of Business social media pages. The cards asked students to explain what impact donor support has had on their education and add a message of gratitude. Although the event was originally scheduled for just one day, new cards trickled in for over a week, resulting in a large stack of responses. Here are just a few of those student messages.

“ “ “

Because of donors, I’ve been able to complete my undergraduate degree without taking on any debt or any governmental assistance.

Lynnea Dale | Acct & Mgt Senior

Donor support has helped me to follow my dream. Otherwise, I don’t think I would be able to attend college.

Ashley Howe | Mgt & Mkt Freshman

Thank you, donors, for all the contributions you give to help us in our schooling. I am grateful for what I’ve been given and the support for future leaders.

Victor Barnes | Acct & Fin Junior

“ “ “

Thank you to all those who donate and provide scholarships.

These opportunities significantly help college students to get through without debt.

Zack Taylor | Accounting Junior

Donor support has allowed me to get an education. I am financially responsible for my own tuition and book costs. So, receiving scholarships is a huge deal to me. I would not have had the opportunity to earn my degree without donor support.

Mikayla Blotter | Acct & Fin Junior

Donors have assisted me in pursuing a job across the country.

I truly appreciate the support and interest in my education and future. Thank you all!

Riley Johnson | MBA

College of Business 921 South 8th Ave., Stop 8020 Pocatello, ID 83209-8020 ABA003

Less than 200 schools in the world hold accreditation in both accounting & business

we’re one of them.

ISU.EDU/COB

Listen to every episode of the Bengal Business Radio Show at:

kisu.org/programs/bengal-business

You make all the difference A college education truly changes your life. Scholarships, professors, innovative facilities and opportunities are what make that impact possible. Your contribution will go a long way in making a difference in our students’ lives.

TWO WAYS YOU CAN HELP: 1) Visit isu.edu/give 2) Contact Catherine Rider | catherinerider@isu.edu | (208) 282-4608