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Distinguished Alumni to be honored at awards gala Oct. 5

The Boise State Alumni Association will honor seven individuals at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. This Homecoming celebration honors Bronco alumni who exemplify loyalty, passion, and innovation. The honorees will also be honored at halftime during the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 7. Rhea Allen, Roger Allen, Cathy Hall, Korey Hall, Chris Mathias and Ted Obenchain will receive the association’s distinguished alumni award, while Art Berry will be honored for both distinguished alumni and service accomplishments.

“The measure of any successful university is found in its alumni, and these seven honorees truly represent the best of Boise State,” said Matthew Ewing, vice president for University Advancement. “Each recipient embodies passion, innovation and service in their
respective careers and communities, and as members of the Bronco family.”

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Awards and to attend the Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala, visit the alumni website.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

  • Rhea Allen

    Rhea Allen

    2001, Marketing and Mass Communication (College of Business and Economics, and College of Arts and Sciences)

    Co-founder and president at Peppershock Media, a marketing and advertising agency with creative production services. Allen is also an adjunct faculty member, teaching Marketing 401 Agency Operations and Marketing 402 Creative Agency Immersion in the College of Business and Economics.

    Co-founder and president at Peppershock Media, a marketing and advertising agency with creative production services. Allen is also an adjunct faculty member, teaching Marketing 401 Agency Operations and Marketing 402 Creative Agency Immersion in the College of Business and Economics.

  • Roger Allen

    Roger H. Allen

    1958, Boise Junior College (College of Business and Economics)

    Retired tenured professor emeritus, founder and president of Allen Investment Corporation, investment/commercial real estate developer, and author of “Real Estate Investment and Taxation”

    Retired tenured professor emeritus, founder and president of Allen Investment Corporation, investment/commercial real estate developer, and author of “Real Estate Investment and Taxation”

  • Cathy Hall

    Cathy Hall

    1977, Marketing; 1997, Social Work (College of Business and Economics and College of Health Sciences )

    Retired clinical supervisor at Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and chief of social work at the Veterans Administration in Boise

    Retired clinical supervisor at Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and chief of social work at the Veterans Administration in Boise

  • Korey Hall

    Korey Hall

    2006, Construction Management (College of Engineering)

    Head of construction for Ball Ventures Ahlquist development, former Boise State award-winning athlete, retired from the NFL and Super Bowl champion. Inducted into the Boise State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022

    Head of construction for Ball Ventures Ahlquist development, former Boise State award-winning athlete, retired from the NFL and Super Bowl champion. Inducted into the Boise State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022

  • Chris Mathias

    Chris Mathias

    2004, Criminal Justice (School of Public Service)

    Veteran and State Representative, House Seat B representing Idaho’s 19th District

    Veteran and State Representative, House Seat B representing Idaho’s 19th District

  • Theodore Obenchain

    Theodore G. Obenchain, M.D.

    1957, Boise Junior College (College of Arts and Sciences)

    Retired neurosurgeon, surgical innovator and author

    Retired neurosurgeon, surgical innovator and author

Distinguished Alumni and Service Award

  • Art Berry

    Art Berry

    1973, Corporate Finance; 1981, Master’s in Business Administration (College of Business and Economics)

    Retired founder and president of Arthur Berry and Company

    Retired founder and president of Arthur Berry and Company