Dear Friends,
I had the privilege of delivering the annual State of the University address last month, where I had much to say about the national, metropolitan doctoral research university we have become. Our continued efforts to boost student success are paying off in the lives of our students and alumni, and in the economic growth of our state and region. In Idaho, Boise State continues to lead the state in pursuit of the goal that 60 percent of Idahoans between 25 and 34 have a college degree or certificate. Our retention rates, four-year graduation rates and six-year graduation rates continue to climb — and we once again granted a record number of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
We continue to develop the kinds of innovative new programs that our students and community need — and we’re adapting the ways we deliver them. Over the last year and during the course of this year, every single academic college on campus will have launched at least one new degree or certificate. Many of those programs are part of an ever-increasing number of degrees and certificates that can be taken fully online — we currently offer 39 such credentials, with three more on the horizon.
Boise State is also committed to taking students beyond their major with hands-on, applied experiences that help them develop new and complementary competencies — the kinds of skills and experiences that will boost their success, not only in finding that first professional job, but long into their careers.
Boise State continues to look to the community as partners in support of students. Thanks to that support, last year Boise State was able to offer 33 percent more donor-funded scholarships than the year before. On Thursday, Sept. 13 we will hold our first online giving day, designed to engage alumni and friends from all over the world to support key initiatives across the university. Throughout the day, live leaderboards will show the progress of giving, so that donors can watch in real-time the impact of their giving by visiting the Giving Day website.
The first $200,000 in gifts made on Bronco Giving Day will have double the impact thanks to generous Bronco supporters who have pledged matching contributions. Please spread the word about this important day at Boise State and plan to support a cause you are passionate about on our first Bronco Giving Day.
As we reflect on our accomplishments, we do it with much gratitude for our donors, partners and friends who have helped drive our success. Together we are doing great things for our students and our state.
Go Broncos!