Each year, the Boise State University Alumni Association honors exceptional alumni and friends who embody the loyalty, passion and innovation found in all dedicated Broncos.
These individuals are celebrated at the Distinguished Alumni Awards during Homecoming, where the Association presents its highest honors to those making an impact on Boise State and beyond.
Submit a Nomination. Celebrate a Legacy.
Nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Awards are accepted on an ongoing basis. The deadline to submit a nomination for the 2026 event is Feb. 28, 2026.
Nominees are evaluated based on their commitment to Boise State’s mission and values, exceptional and continued leadership, service to society, community involvement, innovative thinking, dedication to Boise State and a history of giving.
Excellence and Service
Distinguished Alumni Award honorees demonstrate what it means to be extraordinary in the everyday.
They dedicate their time, talent and resources to their families, workplaces, hometowns and communities. In doing so, they model what it means to be distinguished Boise State alumni.
View Past Award RecipientsAbout Each Award
Distinguished Alumni Award
This award honors those whose outstanding professional and personal achievements have made a profound impact at the regional, national or international level. These individuals elevate Boise State’s reputation and promote its mission, values and community through their ongoing leadership and contributions.
2025 Distinguished Alumni Award
These award recipients’ achievements have elevated Boise State’s reputation and advanced its mission regionally, nationally and internationally.
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Lonny J. Ashworth
Class of ’76 ’77
Ashworth is a professor emeritus in Boise State’s Department of Respiratory Care. He earned both an associate degree in respiratory care and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boise State.
College of Health Sciences, College of Arts and SciencesAshworth is a professor emeritus in Boise State’s Department of Respiratory Care. He earned both an associate degree in respiratory care and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boise State.
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David Estrada
Class of ’07
David Estrada is a professor in Boise State’s Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Boise State.
College of EngineeringDavid Estrada is a professor in Boise State’s Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Boise State.
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Nick Oldham
Class of ’99
Nick Oldham is the global chief risk, privacy and compliance officer and chief operations officer of U.S. Information Solutions at Equifax Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Boise State.
College of Arts and SciencesNick Oldham is the global chief risk, privacy and compliance officer and chief operations officer of U.S. Information Solutions at Equifax Inc. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Boise State.
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Lesley Slaton Brown
Class of ’88
Lesley Slaton Brown is the former senior vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and a retired Hewlett-Packard executive. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Boise State, where she also played collegiate basketball.
College of Arts and SciencesLesley Slaton Brown is the former senior vice president and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the National Basketball Association (NBA) and a retired Hewlett-Packard executive. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Boise State, where she also played collegiate basketball.
2025 Honorary Alumni Award
This award recipient exemplifies the Bronco spirit and values through extraordinary service.
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John D. Jackson
John D. Jackson is the founder and CEO of Jacksons Food Stores. He studied accounting at Boise State and, at age 20, opened his first service station in Caldwell, Idaho.
John D. Jackson is the founder and CEO of Jacksons Food Stores. He studied accounting at Boise State and, at age 20, opened his first service station in Caldwell, Idaho.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
When you take advantage of your alumni perks by choosing Liberty Mutual Insurance and Mountain America Credit Union, you’re doing more than saving money. You’re helping fund legacy scholarships and events and programs that enrich the Boise State experience for students and alumni alike.
Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual Insurance is a long-standing affinity partner of the Boise State Alumni Association and a proud sponsor of the Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala.
Mountain America
Mountain America Credit Union is a proud title sponsor of the Boise State Alumni Association and offers an exclusive Boise State Alumni Association Visa® Rewards credit card.