Boise State University will award a Silver Medallion, the university’s highest recognition of service, to A.J. Balukoff during the Dec. 15 winter commencement ceremony.
Balukoff is a successful Boise businessman and certified public accountant. He co-founded the accounting firm Balukoff, Lindstrom and Co. and helped grow it into the largest locally owned CPA firm in Boise. He is part of the ownership group of the Grove Hotel, Hotel 43, The Courtyard by Marriott, The Century Link Arena and the Idaho Steelheads hockey team, and is the former owner/operator of AJ’s Health Clubs, a highly successful chain.
Balukoff connected with Boise State University 36 years ago shortly after moving to Boise. He served on the Boise State University Foundation board from 2008-2017 and was chair of the board from 2016-17. He also was a member of the board for Boise State’s College of Business and Economics and College of Education, and has served on the Frank Church Institute Board of Directors since 2011.
“My wife and I have always had a commitment to education,” he said. “We’re thrilled that three of our kids have graduated from Boise State and believe it is important to support a university that is such an important part of our community.”
Balukoff served as chair for St. Luke’s Health System’s west region board and was a member of the boards for Boise Philharmonic, Boise School District, Boy Scouts of America and St. Luke’s Treasure Valley Foundation.
He has served as chair of the boards for Ballet Idaho and Boise Public Library, and a member of the boards for Arthritis Foundation, Boise Opera, Boise Public Schools Education Foundation, Children’s Home Society of Idaho, COMPASS Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy and Learning Lab.
He and his wife, Susie, have eight children and 36 grandchildren. He holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Brigham Young University.
“My family couldn’t afford to send me to college and someone who is anonymous to me to this day gave me a scholarship. I recognize what education has done for me and my family, and we want to help others reach their potential.”