Three alumni were recently honored by the College of Business and Economics with the COBE Outstanding Alumni Award for their exceptional contributions to business and the community. Travis B. Hawkes, Susan Olson and Brent K. Moylan are this year’s honorees. These individuals have demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation and a commitment to giving back, making a lasting impact on their industries and local communities.
Posters about these alumni will be added to others on the walls in the college’s Career Services Office, Room 1120 in the Micron Business and Economics Building. Their achievements serve as inspiration to current students and a testament to the institution’s legacy of excellence. The college has honored 72 outstanding alumni since 2001.
Travis B. Hawkes
Travis B. Hawkes is an entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist who serves as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Capital Eleven. In this role, he leads multiple operating companies, investment funds, and a venture capital portfolio, with a strong focus on building high-performing teams and values-driven company cultures. Capital Eleven is one of the most active investors in Idaho-based companies, reflecting Hawkes’ deep commitment to supporting founders and strengthening the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A Boise native, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the Boise State University College of Business and Economics. Hawkes lives in Meridian with his wife and three children and is known for his love of steak tacos and sneakers.
Susan Olson
Susan Olson is the Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Accounting & Tax, where she oversees operations across the firm’s multiple locations. With more than 25 years of experience in professional services within the healthcare, finance and legal sectors, she leads with a focus on strategic growth, excellence and client-centered service. As a current member of the College of Business and Economics Advisory Council, Olson continues to support Boise State through ongoing service and community engagement. Her leadership has been recognized with honors including CEO of Influence, Finance Professional of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Tribute to Women in Industry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, golfing and traveling.
Brent K. Moylan
Brent Moylan has recently retired from the J.R. Simplot Company as their Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where he spent more than two decades in leadership roles supporting the company’s global growth. A Boise State University alum, Moylan earned his bachelor’s degree in accountancy and has remained deeply engaged with the university, including service on the Boise State University Foundation Board and the College of Business and Economics Accountancy Department Board. With his extra time, he can be found cheering on the Broncos, spending family time in McCall and going to Formula 1 races.