Bronco diehards. Patient advocates. Family men.
The Drs. Jauregui were known for their commitments in life. Family members now are keeping their legacy alive for up-and-coming physicians and dentists through College of Health Sciences scholarships that weave together strands of Idaho’s history along with its ongoing need for more medical professionals.
The new undergraduate scholarships supporting pre-medical and pre-dental students honor Dr. Gary Jauregui and his father, Dr. Ramon “Ray” Jauregui.
The last name will be familiar to many region residents; the Jaureguis were among the many Basque immigrants called to topography similar to their native Spain over much of the 20th century. As a result, Boise hosts a significant concentration of Basques and Basque descendants who have helped to shape the region’s economy and institutions.
The Dr. Gary Jauregui Pre-Medical Scholarship honors a two-time Boise State graduate and beloved Magic Valley anesthesiologist who died at age 46 in 2021 following rapidly spreading cancer. Full-time, junior and senior pre-med students will be eligible for this financial support; preference will go to Idaho residents.
The scholarship has been created by Carolyn and Amy Jauregui, the physician’s mother and sister, respectively. Gary Jauregui loved his profession, his sister said; his medical career started when he was 36, and while cancer tragically cut short his time as a doctor, he made an indelible impression on those around him. Staff members stayed with him during his illness and at one point, organized a surprise parade for him outside his home.
“It was a lot to do it later (in life),” Amy Jauregui said. “It’s a lot for anyone who becomes a physician. I totally respected him for taking that on.”
Gary Jauregui was committed to his home state. There was never a question that he wouldn’t return after completing his medical training. He was a committed Bronco, too, attending games when it was possible and watching televised games when it was not.
“He loved Idaho,” she said. “He wanted to come back here.”
With the same eligibility arrangements, the Dr. Ramon J. Jauregui Pre-Dental Scholarship celebrates the life of Gary’s father, and is meant to encourage the next generation of dentists to earn their bachelor’s degrees at Boise State.
Ray Jauregui was the youngest son of Jose Marie and Ignacia Arrate Jauregui, who immigrated from Bergara and Ea in Spain’s Basque region and met in Shoshone, Idaho. They subsequently acquired a farm in Dietrich and raised four sons, one of whom continued to farm.
Ramon was a pre-dental student at Idaho State University and graduated in 1959 from Northwestern University Dental School. He practiced dentistry in Boise for 49 years, retiring in 2008 and dying in 2020 when he was 87.
A native Basque speaker, Ramon was the dentist the Basque community frequented. In his early years as a dentist, the Basque sheepherders would come to town in the winter and his office would fill with sounds of the Basque language. He felt fortunate to occupy a special place in the community.
He, too, loved Boise State football, and like his son, had a dry sense of humor. Learning and higher education were important to him throughout his life.
“Even if he was at a restaurant, if there was a young person working there, he would encourage them,” his daughter said. “It was really, really, really important to him.”
Neither man would want the attention that endowed scholarships might bring. But they’d feel more strongly about supporting medical professionals in their home state, particularly given known shortages.
“They both went away to school and came back and supported their communities, and my father was a first-generation health care professional,” Amy Jauregui said. “I think about some kid from a small town, and what that’s like …”
Students can learn more about pathways to the health professions and support getting there, meet health professionals, get interview tips and tools and more throughout the month of March as part of March Medical Madness. For details: https://www.boisestate.edu/healthsciences-advising/march-medical-madness/
Those interested in donating to scholarships or other areas of the university as part of Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University can learn more at: https://give.boisestate.edu/pages/scholarships-21.