Dear Friends of Boise State,
It is a privilege to work in philanthropy, and even more so to do this work on behalf of Boise State University. At its heart, philanthropy is about people — about believing in one another and investing in the potential of future generations. That belief is what continues to inspire me, and it is something I see reflected every day in the generosity of the Boise State community.
When we publicly launched the Unbridled campaign in 2023 with a goal of raising $500 million by 2028, we did so with a deep sense of purpose. We knew there was a significant need for additional resources to support students, faculty and our athletics programs. We also knew, because of Boise State’s history, that this community would respond.
Still, I am humbled by the speed and strength of that response. Reaching the $500 million milestone nearly two years ahead of schedule speaks to the generosity, goodwill and shared belief that define Boise State’s alumni, donors and friends. It is a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together around a shared mission. And yet, need continues to increase every day — the number of students who submitted scholarship applications for the 2025–26 academic year rose by a heartbreaking 52% from the previous year alone.
That is why we are not slowing down. The momentum behind the Unbridled campaign continues to grow, and the impact is already visible. Because of you, students are finding new pathways to opportunity, faculty are expanding the boundaries of teaching and discovery, and Boise State is strengthening its ability to serve Idaho and beyond. We hope this report helps bring that impact to life not only through the numbers, but through the people and stories behind them.
Thank you for your continued belief in Boise State and for the role you play in shaping its future.
GO BRONCOS!
Argia Beristain
CEO, Boise State University Foundation
$500M+ RAISED — AND WE'RE NOT SLOWING DOWN
In 2023, the Boise State University Foundation publicly launched Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University with an ambitious goal to raise $500 million by 2028. Designed to propel the university’s mission to the next level, the campaign focuses on expanding top-notch education, pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation and delivering unmatched student-athlete and fan experiences.
Thanks to the collective generosity of alumni, donors and friends, the Unbridled campaign reached its $500 million milestone nearly two years ahead of schedule — an extraordinary show of belief in Boise State and the students we serve.
Discover the Unbridled CampaignUNBRIDLED CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Driving the Campaign Forward
As of February 6, 2026, the campaign has raised $505 million, reflecting thousands of individuals committed to student access and success, relentless faculty innovation and preparing athletics for what’s next.
Reaching $500 million is a milestone worth celebrating — but it’s not the finish line. The trailblazing, innovative character that has defined Boise State will continue to drive the campaign forward, opening doors for students to learn, lead and shape the futures they imagine.
“Boise State’s raptor biology program is the only one of its kind in the country, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of it. Your generosity and financial support make my growth possible, and I’m deeply grateful.”
— Zoe Bonerbo, Master of Science in Raptor Biology, College of Arts and Sciences | Recipient of the Keppler Birds of Prey Scholarship
“Being a first-generation student, paving my own path through college without receiving financial support from my parents has made this journey atypical. I am debt-free so far because of the scholarships I have received, and that means the world to me.”
– Emelyn Jenkins, Bachelor of Arts in Blended Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education, College of Education | Recipient of the Dr. Ramlaykha Singh Memorial Scholarship
DONOR IMPACT IN ACTION
Through the Boise State University Foundation, donor-funded scholarships are helping students overcome financial barriers and stay on track toward their degrees. In the current 2025–26 academic year, donor support is making a measurable difference by easing the cost of education for students across the university.
Amounts as of Feb. 6, 2026. Data reflects scholarships awarded to date and will continue to grow as the academic year progresses. Figures do not include federal financial aid, state aid or scholarships awarded outside the Boise State University Foundation.
* Fall 2025 Idaho first-time, full-time undergraduate students
59%
$12,000
$2,500
1,949
802
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
“Right before the school year started, I was really considering pushing off the last two years of school. Then I got this scholarship, and it was just a push in the right direction.” – Alex Bedortha, Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Social Studies Education, School of Public Service | Recipient of the Shirley Jester Education Scholarship
“With my finance degree, I hope to assist individuals and businesses in achieving financial stability and success. I am grateful for this award because it is not only financial assistance, but a vote of confidence in my potential and hard work.”
– Annalise Hansen, Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, College of Business and Economics | Recipient of the Fiesta Alumni Chapter Scholarship
“I am so grateful for this scholarship. Returning to school after a long period away seemed like a difficult mountain to climb, and this award takes me several steps further toward achieving my goals.”
– James Dayton, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences | Recipient of the Crankstart Re-entry Scholarship
“The advantage I’ve received to complete my studies is more than a dollar amount; it’s given me the opportunity to focus more of my effort toward mastering nursing skills and knowledge in the advanced practice setting. It has also taken away much of the stress I have gained due to the financial burden of tuition, textbooks and lab fees in the nursing program.”
– Angel Beier, Doctorate of Nursing in Family Nursing Practice, College of Health Sciences | Recipient of the Harvey and Helen Springer Doctoral Nursing Scholarship
TRUE BLUE: A COMMITMENT TO IDAHO STUDENTS
“This scholarship will help me focus on truly understanding my classes rather than just getting through them. It allows me to work less and dedicate more time to my studies. I’m incredibly grateful for this support as it brings me closer to my goals and helps ease financial stress, allowing me to succeed in school.”
– Mohamed Jabril, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering | Recipient of the Duane and Lori Stueckle True Blue Endowed Scholarship
As Idaho’s largest public university, Boise State is deeply committed to serving the state and the people who call it home. One of the most direct ways it does so is through the President’s True Blue Endowed Scholarship and the True Blue Promise Scholarship, which have helped Idaho residents pursue a college education since 2016.
“True Blue scholarships reflect our commitment to ensuring that financial need never defines the limits of a student’s ambition. These scholarships are a meaningful investment in Idaho’s future, and we are deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity makes it possible for students to pursue a Boise State education.”
Jeremiah Shinn, Interim President of Boise State University
Available exclusively to Idaho residents, True Blue scholarships provide up to four years of support and are awarded primarily based on financial need and merit. By reducing financial barriers, these scholarships help strengthen Idaho’s “go-on” rates and increase the number of graduates who stay, work and contribute to Idaho’s economy.
As of February 6, Boise State donors contributed over $1.5 million for the 2025–26 academic year in support of the True Blue scholarships initiative.
INVESTING IN FACULTY EXCELLENCE
“As the ethics chair, my goal is to bridge academic theory with practice. Ethical behavior is easy to talk about but very hard to do in certain business situations.
That’s what I love about this endowment. It supports efforts to train future business leaders and also affords the opportunity to bring industry professionals back into our hallways to learn about the latest scientific insights in managing tough stakeholder trade-offs. It gives me access to a real-life laboratory in which I’m able to facilitate and study the application of ethical theory into practice, which is the heart of what I like to research.”
– Justin Ames, Robert V. Hansberger Endowed Chair in Business Ethics and Associate Professor, College of Business and Economics
Endowed positions are a key pillar of the Unbridled campaign. These roles — including chairs, professorships, deanships, directorships and fellowships — provide long-term support for outstanding faculty and often represent a significant milestone in their careers. Funded through private philanthropy, endowed positions often carry the name of a donor or a special honoree, creating a lasting legacy at Boise State.
Unlike one-time gifts, endowed positions offer sustained funding that benefits both faculty and students. Endowment earnings allow faculty to expand innovative research, enrich classroom experiences and pursue work that addresses real-world challenges, while also strengthening Boise State’s ability to attract and retain talented educators.
NEW ENDOWMENTS
- Kurtis Cantley, Ph.D. | Boise State University Foundation Board Endowed Professor of Microelectronics Research and Education
- Jay Carlisle, Ph.D. | Intermountain Bird Observatory Endowed Scholar in Research and Outreach
- Kevin Feris, Ph.D. | Patrick Cavanaugh Endowed Professor for the School of the Environment
- Jen Forbey, Ph.D. | Boise State University Foundation Board Endowed Professor of Biotechnology for Nature-Based Economies
- Casey Kennington, Ph.D. | Boise State University Foundation Board Endowed Professor of Computer Science
- Dorsey Wanless, Ph.D. | Dr. Kenneth M. Hollenbaugh Endowed Professorship in Economic Geology
- Nate Williams, Ph.D. | Boise State University Foundation Board Endowed Professor of Health Sciences
POSITIONING ATHLETICS FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Through the Unbridled campaign, donors are helping shape the future of Bronco Athletics by strengthening student-athlete success, enhancing facilities and elevating the experiences that unite Bronco Nation.
As Boise State prepares to join the Pac-12 Conference, philanthropy ensures that Broncos can compete and succeed at the highest levels. From the North End Zone Project, which is on track for completion ahead of the 2026 football season, to expanded career readiness initiatives and academic support, these investments position Athletics for long-term excellence.
$20M
$20M
$2.2M
$1.5M
300
1
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF BOISE STATE
As we look ahead, the work continues. With the momentum of the Unbridled campaign carrying us forward, we are shaping a stronger future for Boise State and the generations of students who will follow.
Thank you for believing in Boise State and the students we serve.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Everything We Do is to Strengthen Boise State
Established in 1964, the Boise State University Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, generating and responsibly stewarding private support for Boise State University. Through fundraising leadership and deep partnerships with donors and alumni, the Foundation works to build a greater university — today and for generations to come.
NEW ENDOWED FUNDS
- Ann Dusseau Conflict Management Initiative
- Bill Fraser and Terry Stoltz Endowed Scholarship for Education
- Brian G. Honan Endowed Scholarship
- Boise State University Foundation Board Endowed Professorship (4)
- Carol Covington-Hackney Presidential Endowed Scholarship in the School of the Arts
- Casey Cline CMA Fellowship Endowment
- Charles “Chuck” Burnell Memorial Engineering Scholarship
- Cole and Kate Clinger True Blue Scholarship
- College of Education Endowed Professorship in Dyslexia
- Don and Jane Marrs Endowed Faculty Scholar for Creative Writing
- Doris Denney Excellence in Music Fund
- Dr. Dick McCloskey and Pam Quenemoen COAS Internship Endowment Fund
- Dr. Kenneth M. Hollenbaugh Endowed Professorship in Economic Geology
- Duane and Lori Stueckle True Blue Endowed Scholarship
- Entrepreneurship Program Fund
- FiftyFlowers Scholarship for Entrepreneurs
- Hopkins Family Scholarship for Student Success
- IBO Endowed Scholar in Research and Outreach Endowment
- Jean M. Parker Endowed Scholarship in the Department of Geosciences
- Jim James Endowment for IBO on Lucky Peak
- Joy Snider Nursing Scholarship
- Lori and Brian Donaldson True Blue Psychology Scholarship
- Love Missa Music Award
- Lyle B. Steadman Anthropology Fellowship Internal Endowment
- Majorie Bohart Scholarship
- Marie McGlynn True Blue Media Scholarship
- Michael and Sharon Bixby True Blue Scholarship
- Michael S. Yamamoto Art Scholarship
- Panhellenic Council Endowed Scholarship
- Patrick Cavanaugh Endowed Professorship for the School of the Environment
- Patrick Cavanaugh Presidential Endowed Scholarship in the Department of Geosciences
- Pedigo Family True Blue Nursing Scholarship
- S and J Castillo Memorial Scholarship
- Scholarship Recognizing Military Service
- Scott Perkins Memorial Scholarship
- Steve Hatten Techhelp Memorial Fund
- Stufft Family Athletic Endowed Scholarship
- Stukenholtz Family Foundation True Blue Scholarship
- Susan Shaver Yoder Nursing Scholarship
- The Dalton Family Economics Fund
- The William “Bill” and Lorice Quong Athletic Endowed Scholarship
- Travis B. Hawkes Scholarship for Entrepreneurship
- Zeke and Annmarie Johnson True Blue Scholarship
- Zimmerman Family Scholarship