Business Bulletin: Fall 2020

FALL 2020

Beyond the business major Pg. 8

ALUMNUS ESTABLISHES EIGHT SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENTS Pg. 3

STUDENTS OUTPERFORM THE NATIONAL STOCK MARKET Pg. 12

Welcoming Dr. Shane Hunt I am very excited to be

Also, in this issue, you will see a focus on our alumni

the new dean of the

and donors, whose support is more critical than ever to

College of Business

our students and College. As a first-generation college

and a professor of

student myself, I saw firsthand the positive impact

marketing

at

that the scholarships you provide have on a student’s

Idaho State University

ability to succeed and graduate. A week never goes by

and so thankful to be

when I do not hear a story about how your gifts are

part of our amazing

having an extraordinarily positive impact on the lives

Idaho State College of Business family. Our top priority

of our students. In the weeks and months ahead, we

in the College of Business is always our students and

look forward to celebrating our donors in new ways,

their success. During the past five months, I have met

including a new scholarship event this spring where

so many outstanding students in my marketing class,

we will bring together all of our College of Business

my office, on Zoom or across campus that are working

scholarship donors with the current Idaho State

hard and showing the perseverance, flexibility and

students who received their specific scholarship.

FALL 2020

03

TO A GENEROUS MAN

04

PAYING IT FORWARD

05

MAKING TOMORROW BETTER

06

A NEW WAY TO COMMEMORATE

07

ALUMNI UPDATES

08

BEYOND THE BUSINESS MAJOR

10

ALUMNUS SHARES HIS INSIGHTS

11

BRINGING BUSINESS TO RADIO

12

OUTPERFORMING THE NATIONAL STOCK MARKET

13

ECONOMICS STUDENT WINS COMPETITION

14

BOLINGER BOOK & NEW FACULTY

here

problem-solving skills that will help them succeed both on campus and as they become the business leaders of

Thank you all for welcoming my family and I to this

tomorrow. I hope you will enjoy learning more about

incredible community and University. It is a truly great

some of the great things our students are doing in this

time to be part of the Idaho State College of Business

issue.

and I believe that our best days are ahead of us. Roar, Bengals, Roar!

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

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To a generous man Over the years, the College of Business and its students have been supported by the generosity of many great alumni and friends. One of these sources is the unstinting support of alumnus Peter C. Kole. Throughout the years, Kole and his wife Nancy have established and funded eight scholarship endowments for the College’s students.

“This year, we were able to award over $16,000 in scholarship funds to thirteen College of Business students thanks to their generosity,” said Director of Development Catherine Rider.

Several of those students wanted to share their gratitude for Kole’s support and

comes to Idaho State from Nepal and has been able to maintain a 4.0 grade

the difference it has made in their lives, including healthcare administration

point average. Shrestha explained that in Nepal, free public education was not

student, Maya Tillotson. Tillotson is a first-generation college student who was

available to him. “It was really hard for my parents to pay for my education.”

raised by a single mother of five. “She has worked so hard for us her entire life

Shrestha’s parents were unable to pay for his secondary education, so earning

and I wanted to do right by her and earn my degree,” said Tillotson. “Through

scholarships has been essential for him to earn his degree.

this scholarship, I have been able to do that.” For Tillotson and the other scholarship recipients, the Kole scholarships have made it possible for them to

Nancy and Peter’s scholarships have also made a huge difference this year in

focus more closely on their academic success rather than working more hours

the education of Jaxon Chapman, an economics and finance major, and Amber

to afford their education.

Phillips, an accounting major. For Chapman, adapting to a college atmosphere was challenging. “I didn’t feel prepared for college and working while going to

“This scholarship has helped me to stay motivated and focus on my studies

school has been difficult.” Chapman said that thanks to scholarships like the

more than ever,” said finance and management student Saugat Shrestha, who

one he received from Kole; he has remained debt free thus far.

Continued on page 15...

4 |

Paying it forward I n beginning his position at the College of Business, one of the first things

attend school. Hunt was a first-generation college student and wanted to

Dean Dr. Shane Hunt did was establish a scholarship endowment in honor of his

honor his parents through this endowment. His father Loren, who passed away

parents, Loren and Debbie Pilgrim, to help future students achieve academic

in 2015, was a member of the United States Postal Service for more than 30

success.

years and his mother Debbie was an operations director for a staffing service for over 25 years. His mother has since relocated to Pocatello and is now an

Hunt dedicated “The Loren and Debbie Pilgrim Business Excellence Scholarship Endowment” to his parents because of all the sacrifices they made so he could

“

avid Bengals fan.

I am thrilled to honor the legacy of my parents by permanently endowing this scholarship.”

“Going to college positively changed every aspect of my life, and that would not have been possible without the love, support and sacrifice of my incredible parents,” Hunt said. “I am thrilled to honor the legacy of my parents by permanently endowing this scholarship that will help provide education opportunities for our Idaho State College of Business students for generations to come.”

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Making tomorrow better Healthcare administration faculty member Joshua Thompson and his wife

Idaho State students will push forward healthcare, [throughout our nation].”

Amy have established the “Joshua and Amy Thompson Scholarship Endowment” available to involved, senior-level, healthcare administration students.

“We want to express our sincere appreciation to Joshua and Amy for their very generous gift and for their dedication to our students,” said Director of

Joshua completed his undergraduate degree in political science and a Masters

Development Catherine Rider. “Scholarships are of tremendous importance to

of Public Administration with an emphasis in healthcare administration, both

our students and it is truly wonderful to see our alumni and faculty stepping

from Idaho State, and has been teaching at the College since 2015.

forward to provide opportunities like this for our students in perpetuity.”

Joshua said he has had the goal of establishing a scholarship since he was a student. “When I was a student, I ran for the University’s Legislature and was able to do a large amount of research on Idaho State and the needs of its students,” said Joshua. “At the time, I knew how difficult it was for myself to make ends meet and I thought if I was ever in a position to provide an opportunity to take a little of the financial burden away from a future Bengal, I would.”

During his college career, Joshua read a quote that he said has stuck with him throughout his life: “For two hundred years, we’ve lived in the future, believing that tomorrow would be better than today and today would be better than yesterday.” Joshua said, “If we can be an outlet to continue that forward, isn’t that our responsibility?”

Joshua said the University has had a profound impact on his family’s lives. “The scholarship is our way of hoping to continue to push forward that belief. That

6 |

A new way to commemorate The College will unveil a new display to recognize its distinguished alumni.

“We are very proud of our incredible alumni base in the College of Business

Two walls have been designated to display past and future Idaho Business

and we are excited to be able to showcase the success and accomplishments

Leader of the Year recipients as well as Professional Achievement Award

of our alumni with these new recognition walls,” said Catherine Rider, Director

recipients.

of Development.

The College worked in conjunction with the University’s Marketing &

Rider explained that not only will the walls recognize the accomplishments

Communications department to develop a modern and timeless wall mounting

of alumni, “But they will also be a source of inspiration for current and future

that follows the new branding standards of the University. These recognition

students who will look at the names on those walls and realize that a bright

walls will prominently feature past recipients on modern acrylic plaques.

future and a successful career are within their reach as well.”

Thank you to our donors The College of Business and our students are eternally grateful for the generosity of the donors that established these endowments.

Anita and Frank Pirrone Endowmen

Clarence W. and Velma A. Byrne Scholarship Endowment

G. Lynn and Judith Kidd Scholarship Endowment

Arthur Andersen Accounting Scholarship Endowment

College of Business Scholarship Endowment

General R. F. Molinelli Memorial Endowment

Bartlett Family Trust Endowment

College of Business Endowment

Harry and Susan Bruestle Endowment

Beta Alpha Psi Endowment

Danny H. & Pauline Thiros Scholarship Endowment

Bert and Lenee Godfrey Memorial Scholarship Endowment

David A. Hill Endowment

J. A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation Business Scholarship Endowment

Billy D. Vickers Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Don and Jeanine Sauer Scholarship Endowment

James and Betty Kelly Endowment

Boyd W. Hodson Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Dr. Bill Phillips Memorial Professional Development Endowment

Jay Eggleston Scholarship Endowment

Burton J. Albertson Memorial Endowment

Earl C. Carlson Scholarship Endowment

Jay Glasmann Family Scholarship Endowment

Carl C. Weaver College of Business Scholarship Endowment

Ewer Marketing Scholarship Endowment

Joshua and Amy Thompson Scholarship Endowment

Christopher L. and Rebecca L. Barth Endowment

Gary D. and Susan G. Campbell Scholarship Endowment

Junius Larsen and Peter C. Kole Scholarship Endowment

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Alumni updates SCOTT ALLRED- MACC & MBA ‘13

GLENNIS WILLIAMS- HR MANAGEMENT, ‘99

Hired as controller at Fin Fun, started October 2020

Named vice president and chief human resource officer for MSA Safety Incorporated in February 2020

TODD COOPER- FINANCE, ‘84 & MBA, ‘91

Named president of Idaho First Bank in June 2020

KORBY WRIGHT- MANAGEMENT, ‘97

Hired as managing director at Coforge in September 2020

ERIN SIMMS- HCA, ‘03 & MBA, ‘05

Promoted to vice president of human resources for St. Luke’s Health

SHARE YOUR UPDATES WITH US:

System in July 2020

Keep the College of Business posted on changes to your career. We would love

LAURA SMITH- MASS COMMUNICATION & MARKETING, ‘04

to share your success in the next issue. Send your updates to: westkels@isu.edu.

Promoted to vice president of public relations at Idaho Central Credit Union in August 2020

Ken Smith Scholarship Endowment

M. T. and Jennie H. Deaton Endowment

Ray G. and Effie G. Kaufman Endowment

Kenneth M. and Linda Jantz Scholarship Endowment

Mahmoud Fouad Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Richard and Peggy Garvin Scholarship Endowment

Kenneth and Rachel Franklin Endowment

Michael J. Byrne Scholarship Endowment

Richard T. and Julia R. Norman Memorial Endowment

Klime and Athina Kole Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Michihide D. Totoki Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Rodney D. Lind Scholarship Endowment

Larry Bird Scholarship Endowment

Mildred C. Ames Scholarship Endowment

Sheel Pawar Scholarship Endowment

Larry J. Roberts Endowment

Stephen M. Meikle Scholarship Endowment

Leland D. Beckman Scholarship Endowment

Nelson Family Charitable Trust Endowed Professorship in Accounting

Loren & Debbie Pilgrim Business Excellence Scholarship

Nile Boyle and Julie Boyle Endowment

T. Kim Allen Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Lud Pollack Scholarship Endowment

Peter C. Kole - Dr. Kenneth Smith Scholarship

Luella M. Hopkins Brick Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Peter C. Kole - Frank W. Lane Scholarship Endowment

Tamila Gates Scholarship Endowment Fund for Fearless Pursuit of Personal Success

Masters of Accountancy Endowment

Peter C. Kole - Dr. Frank Seelye Scholarship

Tom and Genevieve Skaggs Accounting Scholarship

Melanie Smith Endowment

Peter C. Kole - William E. Stratton Scholarship Endowment

Wilburn J. Adams Scholarship Endowment

Michael C. Ruettgers Endowment

Peter C. Kole College of Business Scholarship Endowment

M. Lee Jacobsen and Morgan F. Hyland Endowment

Ramona Strahan Henderson Scholarship Endowment

Steven J. Skaggs Scholarship Endowment

Beyond the Business Major Since July, the College of Business has announced several exciting new

engineering backgrounds will discuss how sales has been incorporated into

initiatives. Two major new programs are centered around teaching sales and

their careers.

financial literacy. In September, Dean Dr. Shane Hunt announced the launch of a sales certificate program and the Bengal Sales Challenge at the first

Additionally, the College will launch the financial literacy program in Fall 2021,

Professional Selling Series speaker event. “Sales is at the heart of modern

which includes a financial literacy talk show hosted on KISU-FM. The show will

business,” said Hunt. “We are thrilled to provide our new Professional Sales

begin covering financial literacy topics and featuring financial speakers from

Certificate to students from every major on campus. Understanding and using

around the region. After the show airs, it will be available in podcast format

the aspects of sales in order to improve for-profit business, not-for-profit

across multiple platforms.

organizations and students’ career prospects is a critical educational activity that will benefit students for years to come.”

“Helping people develop financial literacy and preparing them to manage their finances has the ability to positively impact generations of our citizens,” Hunt

The new sales program will continue to feature the Professional Selling Series,

said. “I think this will provide a tremendous benefit to students across the Idaho

in which a panel of alumni speakers from business, pharmacy, healthcare and

State campus from all majors and people throughout our community.”

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Both the sales and financial literacy programs will include a nine-credit

industry experts and compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships.”

certificate obtainable by any student in the University, regardless of major.

Through each program, Hunt hopes to expand career opportunities for students outside of the College of Business and instill in them a responsible

Each program will also feature opportunities for scholarships. Within the financial literacy program, scholarships will be available to students who have completed the first two courses of the program and are pursuing the certificate. The Inaugural Bengal Sales Challenge, launching in April, will pose an opportunity for scholarships as well. “This competition is open to every Idaho State student,” said Hunt. “[The challenge] will provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their selling skills, get individual feedback from

“

understanding of their personal finances as they enter into their careers.

I think this will provide a tremendous benefit to students across the Idaho State campus from all majors and people throughout our community.”

10 |

Alumnus shares his insights In October, the College of Business was fortunate to have alumnus Roger Akers visit. He was the first speaker for the College’s new Graduate Association of Business Students (GABS) Executive Speaker Series.

Initiated by Dean Dr. Shane Hunt and Director of Graduate Studies Kristine McCarty, the GABS Executive Speaker series brings in successful alumni from the College of Business graduate programs to speak to students about their career trajectory. This provides networking opportunities and allows current students to witness the successes of those that have come before them.

A California resident, Akers traveled a few hundred miles to share his experience

knowing what venture capitalists want to see before investing.

with College of Business students. Over the course of the day, Akers had lunch with members of the GABS club, visited a number of classes and went on a

When asked by a student what his greatest piece of advice would be, Akers

campus tour. Akers spent a great deal of time connecting with current students

responded, “People in our world take far too little risk in their lives. They settle.

in the College of Business graduate programs. “Roger helped us understand

Take risks and trust yourself that things will turn out okay.” This seemed to be

how to apply complex concepts like taking risks and failing, he even gave us

the theme of the day, and it struck a chord with many of the students.

interviewing tips,” shared Nikole Layton, a GABS member pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and Master of Healthcare Administration

“Our students appreciate the opportunity to learn from the experiences of

(MHA) degree.

those more advanced in their careers. Roger’s visit was a great success, and we look forward to inviting more graduate program alumni back in the future,”

Akers’s speech focused on dealing with venture capital firms as an entrepreneur.

As a founder of the successful Akers Capital LLC, he has had firsthand experience

said McCarty.

featured alumni

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Bringing business to radio In September, College of Business Dean Dr. Shane

estate agent and partner at Colliers International, Don

Hunt launched the new Bengal Business Radio Show

Zebe and management professor, Dr. Alex Bolinger.

on KISU-FM 91. “I was inspired to launch [the show]

October’s show featured alumnus and managing

to share the great things happening in the College of

partner at Big Four accounting firm- KPMG, Mike

Business and to have successful alumni and professors

Hayhurst and economics professor Dr. Iris Buder. “We

who are experts in their field provide insights on

have had some great discussions about the impact of

current business topics,” said Hunt. “Our faculty guests

COVID-19 on commercial real estate, large accounting

get to share their research and the impact it is having

firms and the economics of healthcare,” said Hunt.

across industries and our alumni get to share advice that benefits current students and other listeners

Hunt said he is planning to feature more great guests

throughout the region.”

for future episodes and plans to discuss topics at the forefront of business conversations such as the future

After just a few months of airing, Hunt said he has

of retailing, healthcare administration during the

received numerous compliments on the show from

pandemic and the impact of Big Data on businesses in

listeners throughout the state. “I have been told by

2021.

several listeners how much they enjoy hearing about the great classroom projects and research our faculty

The segment airs the last Thursday of every month at

and students are working on together,” said Hunt.

7:30 PM MT on KISU-FM. KISU’s signal is located at 91.1 in the Pocatello area, 91.3 in Idaho Falls and 88.1 in the

Thus far, the show has had two episodes. The first show

Upper Valley. The show and all past episodes can also

in September featured alumnus and commercial real

be heard online at kisu.org/programs/bengal-business.

12 |

Outperforming the national stock market Students in the 2019 to 2020 College of Business Student Managed

“The class has given students the opportunity to learn about and apply the

Investment Fund class earned a $9,452.45 check for the College as part of a

principles of stock analysis and portfolio management to a real portfolio where

course that is supported by the D.A. Davidson Investment Fund. The course

they are investing real money,” said finance professor Dr. Kenneth Khang. “This

allows students to invest and manage real money in the stock market. This year,

gives students a real-world investment experience where their decisions have

the students had portfolio gains of 42.8 percent, which placed them fourth

an actual dollar impact and gives them the experience of putting theory into

out of 21 colleges and universities participating in the program. The class also

practice.” The College of Business has participated in this program since the

outpaced national markets such as the Dow Jones and S&P 500 by 20.86 and 32.53 percent respectively.

The D.A. Davidson Investment Fund is

“

fall semester of 2005, and over the

This class gives students a real-world investment experience of putting theory into practice.”

past five years, Idaho State has ranked sixth on the Sharpe Ratio, which is a measure of reward to risk.

“The original goal for the D.A. Davidson

a program created by D.A. Davidson & Co. to help

students across the West and Midwest get real experience in finance, stock

Student Investment Program was to provide upper-level college students with

investments and portfolio management. This fund gives $50,000 to student

hands-on experience managing an actual investment portfolio,” said Aaron

teams in senior-level finance courses at participating universities who then

Buckalew, a representative and advisor for D.A. Davidson and the class. “This is

invest the money and manage the portfolio for a year. After the year, they assess

an incredibly unique opportunity where decisions being made directly impact

their investments and have the opportunity to earn money for their school,

the value of the money they are given to invest. My hope is that this experience

receiving half of any gains above five percent. On the other side, if there are

builds a solid foundation for investing that the students will use throughout

losses, D.A. Davidson absorbs them so there isn’t any loss to the students or

their careers and personal lives.” Buckalew has been the advisor for the Idaho

colleges.

State class for eight years.

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Economics student wins UNA-USA competition In September, Ritesh Yadav, an economics student at the College of

campus. I want our campus community to be a leader in adopting sustainability

Business, won first prize in the UNA-USA Sustainable Development Goals pitch

on-campus and set an example.”

competition. In August, the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) sent calls for pitch proposals to over 20,000 members.

After graduation Yadav plans to attain a Ph.D. in development economics and

Eight candidates were selected to present four-minute pitches explaining their

eventually start a non-profit.

proposal to the judges. Yadav was declared the winner and awarded $500 to implement his proposal on campus.

Yadav’s proposal focused on two Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-- SDG 13: Climate Change and SDG 14: Life Below Water. His pitch centered around starting an awareness campaign through discussions that would incentivize students to participate and learn about the problems that single-use plastics create. As a board member of the UNA-USA Idaho State chapter, Yadav plans to work with his fellow members to develop a strategic plan to implement his proposal on campus.

“We have often learned about the harm plastic causes to our environment,” said Yadav of his inspiration for the project. “Unfortunately, only a handful of universities in the United States have adopted sustainable alternatives on-

14 |

Bolinger publishes a book A book by

Welcoming new faculty Dr. Alex Bolinger, associate

professor of management, and his co-author, Dr. Julie Stanton from Pennsylvania State University at Brandywine, has been published

by Edgar Elgar Publishing. The book, entitled Role-Play Simulations, provides a systematic guide to using role-play simulations as an experiential approach to teaching business.

The idea for the book began nearly a decade ago, when Bolinger and Stanton were colleagues at the Penn State campus in suburban Philadelphia.

Stanton uses a unique activity involving chopsticks and Starburst candies to help students experience working on an assembly line. Similarly, Bolinger uses immersive, one-on-one role-play to illustrate effective negotiation. A distinctive feature of the book is its focus on how to facilitate role-play simulations online in addition to face-to-face.

Bolinger says that the book is a tribute to the legacy of his former faculty, as a management major at Idaho State, who used role-play simulations extensively.

“I had the good fortune of learning from faculty members who are masterful at using role-play simulations to make the principles of management skills come to life,” Bolinger said. “This book is a thank-you to people such as Jim Jolly, Bill Stratton, Kathy Lund Dean, Dennis Krumwiede, and so many others who have in the past and continue today to use role-plays and other creative approaches to engage students.”

Erik Boyle, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ACCOUNTING

Dr. Erik Boyle joined the College of Business after spending several years working as an auditor for KPMG. After his time at KPMG, Boyle returned to academia to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Utah. He teaches auditing in both the undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as fraud accounting.

His research investigates audit quality and explores the relationship between auditors and clients. In his spare time, you can usually find him on the sidelines of some field or court cheering on - and sometimes coaching - his kids.

Daniel Kim, Ph.D. MHA PROGRAM DIRECTOR & ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Dr. Daniel Kim received his doctorate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with an emphasis in strategy. His primary research interests focus on health literacy, health disparity, leadership competencies and strategic management and outcomes. He has taught courses on the U.S. healthcare system, research methods and philosophy of science. Kim joins the College of Business as an assistant professor and the new director of the Master of Healthcare Administration program.

| 15

Peter Kole continued “Scholarships like this one have also helped me to inspire my friends that are

Other dedications have included Danny and Pauline Thiros and Klime and

hesitant to go to school because of the cost. Now they see that if you earn

Athina Kole. Pauline is the University’s athletics director, and Klime and Athina

scholarships then it is doable,” said Chapman.

are Kole’s parents, who immigrated to the United States from Albania when Peter was just a year old.

Phillips, who grew up in Meridian, began her educational journey out of state

“

and decided to transfer to Idaho State. “This scholarship has really helped me to regain some of the finances I lost,” said Phillips. “It has also made grad school more obtainable.” Phillips said she plans on entering the Master of Accountancy program and becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Kole has also dedicated scholarships to past College of Business professors: Frank Lane, Dr. Ken Smith, Dr. William

We were able to award over $16,000 in scholarship funds to thirteen College of Business students thanks to their generosity.”

Stratton and Dr. Frank Seelye (1963 – 1968 dean of the College and an instrumental leader in securing funding for the business building).

The College of Business is not the only

Each of these students noted that Kole’s generosity and the impact of his

one to be honored by Kole’s generosity and support. Kole has established and

scholarships have inspired them to return the favor to future Bengals once

funded other scholarships on campus in both the College of Education and the

they have the means to do so.

Athletics Department.

Kole has dedicated each of his scholarships to individuals in the College,

Kole graduated from the College of Business in 1963. Before recently retiring,

University or his personal life that have had an impact on himself or others. In

he owned and ran Paramount Metal Products in Cleveland, Ohio for over 40

1999, Kole and Nancy established the Junius Larsen Scholarship Endowment

years. Kole’s success and support of the University has led to his selection as

in recognition of the chemistry professor’s dedication and kindness to his

a past recipient of the Idaho State University College of Business Professional

students. Larsen began teaching at Idaho State in 1928 when it was known as

Achievement Award, the Distinguished Alumnus Award and an Honorary

the University of Idaho, Southern Branch.

Doctorate.

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

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help: 1) Visit isu.edu/cob/give 2) Contact Catherine Rider | ridecat2@isu.edu | (208) 282-4608