Ten accomplished Boise State alumni were honored at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala on Oct. 6. This Homecoming celebration honors extraordinary alumni who exemplify the loyalty, passion and innovation of dedicated Broncos.

One of the honorees is, College of Business and Economics alumnus, Mike Mers (at right in the photo). Mike graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. He went on to found Aspen Capital Management and is the CEO. Mike served on COBE Advisory Council from 2006-2020. The Mers family donated to the Micron Business and Economics Building and to scholarships. The Mike and Lori Mers Family Scholarship was established 2016 and the Mike and Lori Mers Family Endowed Scholarship was established in July 2019. Mike and Lori Mers strongly believe that Boise State University and the College of Business and Economics provided them the foundation needed for their successful professional careers. Watch excerpts from Mike Mers’ speech.

John Grizzaffi, owner of JW Thornton Wine Imports, received an Honorary Alum Distinguished Service Award. The College of Business and Economics claims him as one of our own. John served on COBE Advisory Council from 2006-2022. He was the chair of the COBE golf tournament which raises money for scholarships for COBE student. John made it possible for the tournament to be held at Crane Creek Country Club where is has been for the last 17 years. John started The John, Jerilyn and Jack Grizzaffi Family Scholarship in 2018 in memory of his wife Jerilyn Beake Grizzaffi. Watch excerpts from Mike Mers’ speech.