Boise State University today announced its most ambitious philanthropic and alumni engagement campaign in history. Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University aims to raise funds for scholarships, endowed faculty positions and the Department of Athletics What’s Next Initiative to enhance facilities and student-athlete programs. So far, donors have gifted $295 million towards reaching $500 million by 2028.
“This campaign will build on the incredible work of those who have devoted themselves to this university and made us great. It will serve our community by preparing students for the future and by enabling even more of our pathbreaking research,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State president. “It is my dream that financial need would never be a barrier for an Idaho student who wishes to attend Boise State. This campaign helps ensure a bright future for our university and our state.”
Boise State’s goal to increase student access and academic success through scholarship support lies at the heart of the Unbridled campaign, said Vice President for University Advancement Matthew Ewing.
“Access to quality education through scholarships has always been a top priority for Boise State University,” Ewing said. “We are unbridled in our pursuit to provide opportunities for students and prepare them for success and achievement in Idaho and beyond.”
Need- and merit-based scholarships and student-athlete scholarships enable students to receive a high-quality education regardless of their circumstances. One of the campaign’s priorities is Boise State’s True Blue Scholarship, which provides up to four years of funding for Idaho residents. So far, 235 new scholarship endowments, totaling $55 million, including an $8 million anonymous commitment, have been raised for the Unbridled campaign.
Boise State faculty are conducting groundbreaking research that addresses and seeks to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow while enriching the student experience. For these reasons, increasing the number of endowed faculty members is one of the pillars of the Unbridled campaign. Donor support for faculty so far includes seven new endowed faculty positions, including four new endowed chairs totaling $9.5 million.
“Our faculty create a vibrant academic experience that nurtures innovation, sparks intellectual curiosity and drives Boise State to new heights of academic excellence,” Ewing said.
Boise State Athletics seeks to compete at the highest level by continually enhancing athletics facilities, supporting the whole student-athlete and delivering unmatched fan experiences. The What’s Next Initiative places facility enhancements, such as the Albertsons Stadium North End Project and Arguinchona Basketball Complex renovation, and student-athlete programs as priorities.
“We believe in the importance of providing student-athletes with the necessary resources for success in their athletic pursuits, academics and life beyond college,” Ewing said. “Gifts to the What’s Next Initiative empowers us to fulfill our mission through providing scholarships, facility enhancements and expanding and enriching our programs.”
Since the inception of the Lyle Smith Society, donors of Bronco Athletics have given $9.6 million towards capital projects. Bronco Athletics also has received twelve $1 million-plus gifts towards the What’s Next Initiative.
The Boise State University Foundation, an Idaho nonprofit corporation, manages gifts to the university. The Unbridled campaign is led by a campaign committee, with fiduciary responsibility from the Foundation board of directors.
For more information on Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University, visit boisestate.edu/unbridled.