The motivations for donors to endow faculty are as numerous as the donors themselves. Some are in search of a legacy, want to honor a loved one or add financial muscle to an area of study or research. Duane and Lori ’59 Stueckle wanted to give Julia Oxford, a reason to stay at Boise State.
In 2005, after consulting with then-Boise State President Bob Kustra, the Stueckles knew Oxford was a highly sought-after researcher and instructor who would likely receive offers at other universities.
Duane described their gifts as “force multipliers” that encouraged an esteemed faculty member to remain at Boise State, contribute to research, encourage students and fellow researchers, and bring in tens of millions of dollars in grant money.
“Support of endowed positions strengthens the research, creative and professional portfolio at Boise State in a sustainable manner and facilitates growth in target areas.”
Julie Oxford, Duane and Lori Stueckle Endowed Chair in Biology
Since joining Boise State, Oxford has done just that. She has dozens of publications and awards to her name and has brought in more than $45 million in research grants to the university. She also directs the Biomolecular Research Center and helps young investigators pursue careers in the field.
“We kept Julie at Boise State and progressed in the field of biology research, which can have such an impact,” Stueckle said. “That alone justified it, and we hit the jackpot.”