In this issue of Boise State Magazine, we’re introducing a new feature. Boise State Class Notes will share the news about Broncos’ milestones and successes – both professional and personal. The Boise State Alumni Association invites alumni from all classes to submit their news for possible publication in these pages, online, or through social media.
Greg Chavez, 1985
Several decades after graduating with a business degree in information science, Greg Chavez still credits his time at Boise State with leading him to a successful career in the tech industry.
“I got so much out of the university when I went to school here,” he said. “Boise State was much more of a commuter school than it is today, but we still had a feeling of community and family, and that is very, very important — that was a big thing for me.”
Today, the class of 1985 College of Business and Economics graduate recruits Boise State alumni to work for him at the company he founded, Orion Integration Group, a Boise- based IT management and infrastructure service provider.
“If I have a choice, all things being equal, I’m going to hire the Boise State student,” Chavez said.
Chavez moved to Boise from Caldwell, Idaho to study accounting, following in his father’s footsteps. But he soon discovered an interest in computer science while working in data entry at a local food supply company. After changing his major, he used his work experience to enhance his education.
“I have told my children that being able to apply what you learn in the classroom to the real world is a great benefit and something I believe some students miss,” Chavez said.
A member of the Boise State Alumni Association since 1985, Chavez served as its president, working with other volunteers to guide the construction of the Alumni and Friends Center, an on-campus gathering place for alumni, students and donors.
Beyond serving as a volunteer board member, Chavez and his wife, Kelli, are longtime supporters of Bronco athletics.
“If alumni can stay connected to the university, you know they will be long-term donors, that is good for the university, and it’s good for the alumni as well,” he said.
Class Notes
1970s
Ronald Dorn, 1974, accountancy
Dorn has taken a nine-month contract to serve as the CFO for the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. Dorn had been retired for six years after serving as vice president for finance and administration at North Idaho College.
1980s
Rich Rider, assistant basketball coach, 1983-92
Rider, who served on the staff of legendary Boise State coach Bobby Dye, has been inducted into the California Lutheran University Athletic Hall of Fame. Rider is the winningest basketball coach at California Lutheran University, with 345 victories and three SCIAC Championships (2001, 2008, and 2015). He retired in November 2016, after 22 years at CLU.
Harry Hedrick, assistant football coach, 1983-84
Hedrick, who coached quarterbacks under Lyle Setencich from 1983-84, has been inducted into the California Lutheran University Athletic Hall of Fame. Hedrick was a Second Team All- American in 1977 at CLU. He was also a two-time All-District III honoree. He holds several all-time records despite having played at a time when passing was less prevalent. He later earned his teaching certificate from Boise State.
1990s
Tamara Thompson, 1992, construction management
Thompson has been promoted to partner with The Land Group, in Eagle, Idaho. She joined the firm in 2013 as the director of client services. For more than 25 years she has drawn from her background in construction management to aid clients in navigating the often complex and lengthy real estate entitlement and development process.
2000s
Lee Vander Boegh, 2001, mass communications/journalism
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Northwest Chapter) awarded Boise State alum Vander Boegh an Emmy in the News Promotion – Single Spot category. This is Vander Boegh’s second Emmy and his third nomination. Vander Boegh is a video producer at KIVI.
2010s
Danielle Allsop, 2014, creative writing
As a news producer at KTVB News Channel 7 in Boise, Allsop was part of the team that won an Emmy in 2020 for most outstanding broadcast in the Northwest. In 2021, her team won a regional Edward R. Murrow award for excellence in innovation.
Chris Ideker, 2017, health science studies, Tessa Walkinshaw, 2016, psychology
Chris Ideker and Tessa Walkinshaw married on July 31 in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The couple will reside in Vancouver, Washington. Walkinshaw works in tribal gaming enforcement with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Ideker manages a fleet of more than 100 drivers for an online grocery delivery service.
Ian Bott, 2017, communications
Bott has worked for the Boise School District since the fall of 2020 as a substitute assistant teacher. He lives in Boise’s North End neighborhood and volunteers for the governor-appointed Development Disability Council.
In Memoriam
Luis J. Valverdez
Luis J. Valverdez, retired Spanish professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, died Aug. 29, 2021 at the age of 94.
Tell us your story
We love hearing all the wonderful things that Broncos are doing. Have you recently married, added to your family, received a promotion or a professional award? Let us know and we may share your news with your classmates and fellow alumni online, on social media, or in the Boise State Magazine.
Submit a Bronco Note