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