Licensed professional counselor, early childhood art therapist and artist
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Education
Esther Oppenheimer grew up in Boise, where she lives and works today. After living in San Francisco and traveling internationally, she married Skip Oppenheimer and returned to Boise. Together they have two sons and their families (Joshua and Erin, and Matthew and Emily), and three granddaughters (Jane, Alice and Lizzie).
In the 1970’s, Esther studied the Japanese clay tradition with Boise State professor John Takehara and had a large-scale porcelain strands installation exhibition at the Ochi Gallery. She earned her Bachelor’s in Visual Arts in 1976 and then returned to Boise State University for her Master’s in Early Childhood Education (1984) and Master’s in Art/Painting (1989). In 1990 Esther had a one-person show at the Main Gallery in Old Boise. In 1993 she earned her Master’s in Counseling from the College of Idaho and became a Board Certified Art Therapist in 1999. Esther worked as an art therapist, mental health counselor and supervisor of interns at Warm Springs Counseling Center from 1995 to 2001. She received the Idaho Supervisor of the Year Award and the Stick Your Neck Out for Children Award from the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children.
Esther believes there is significant value in introducing children to art at a young age and facilitated weekly art lessons with her son Josh, a teacher, to his third grade students for many years. She has been a docent at the Boise Art Museum and served on its board of directors, including as chair. In 2022 Esther was appointed to the National President’s Advisory Committee for the Arts. In 2023, she held solo exhibitions at Boise State University and at KIN.
About the Distinguished Alumni Awards
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award is awarded to extraordinary alumni who have enhanced the reputation of the university by making a difference in the world through daily impact in their companies or chosen profession, communities, and for Boise State University. Presented during Homecoming.
Anyone can submit a nomination, and the deadline for fall awards is March 1. Please fill out the online nomination form online and include a letter describing the nominee’s qualifications and why they should be selected, a resume or bio of the nominee and two letters of reference for the nominee.
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
The Distinguished Alumni Service Award honors extraordinary and inspirational recipients for their outstanding dedication and commitment to volunteer service for the university and/or the Alumni Association (in addition to achievements in their chosen profession.) The recipient should be an inspiration to the campus community.
Anyone can submit a nomination, and the deadline for fall awards is March 1. Please fill out the online nomination form online and include a letter describing the nominee’s qualifications and why they should be selected, a resume or bio of the nominee and two letters of reference for the nominee.
Nominate an Alum
The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an alum. Every year, the Alumni Association honors excellence by bestowing a number of awards to alumni with outstanding achievements. These individuals exemplify the loyalty, passion and innovation found in all dedicated Broncos. Honorees are recognized at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala during Homecoming. Nominations are due March 1.