Commitment to Idaho

Celebrating incredible leaders

The School of Public Service’s annual Commitment to Idaho Awards Ceremony honors exemplary members of the community who have made significant impacts in our state. Each year, SPS staff, faculty, alumni and community partners gather together to celebrate those individuals who make a difference at the School of Public Service, across the Boise State campus and all throughout Idaho.

Read about our 2024 event

2024 Award Recipients

Tracy Andrus (posthumously)

Chair, Andrus Center for Public Policy

2024 Commitment to Idaho Award

Tracy Andrus, daughter of former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil D. Andrus, was a dedicated member of the Idaho community, striving throughout her life to improve the future of our state. A Boise State University alum, Tracy spent her career pursuing many endeavors, from owning a small business, serving as Senior Vice-President for Blue Cross of Idaho and working as a business consultant. In 2014, she took on the role of Chair to the Andrus Center for Public Policy, where she worked to address vital public policy issues such as wise use of environmental resources and public lands. Tracy’s life’s work expanded the reach and impact of the Andrus legacy, and we are so pleased to honor her with the 2024 Commitment to Idaho Award.

2024 Commitment to Idaho Award

Tracy Andrus, daughter of former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil D. Andrus, was a dedicated member of the Idaho community, striving throughout her life to improve the future of our state. A Boise State University alum, Tracy spent her career pursuing many endeavors, from owning a small business, serving as Senior Vice-President for Blue Cross of Idaho and working as a business consultant. In 2014, she took on the role of Chair to the Andrus Center for Public Policy, where she worked to address vital public policy issues such as wise use of environmental resources and public lands. Tracy’s life’s work expanded the reach and impact of the Andrus legacy, and we are so pleased to honor her with the 2024 Commitment to Idaho Award.
Kevin Richert

Senior Reporter, Idaho Education News

2024 Enhancing Public Discourse Award Recipient

With more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism, Kevin Richert is an accomplished reporter whose publications have impacted the local and state community throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, and moved to Idaho after graduation, working for the Idaho State Journal in Pocatello, the Post Register in Idaho Falls and The Times-News in Twin Falls. He then wrote for the Idaho Statesman, where he published editorials, columns and a daily blog. Following a 12 year career at The Statesman, Kevin received his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Boise State University in 2016. Kevin is now a Senior Reporter at Idaho Education News, where he specializes in education politics and education policy. Kevin’s work to increase coverage of important educational topics in Idaho is vital to our community, and we are so pleased to honor him with the 2024 Enhancing Public Discourse Award.

2024 Enhancing Public Discourse Award Recipient

With more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism, Kevin Richert is an accomplished reporter whose publications have impacted the local and state community throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, and moved to Idaho after graduation, working for the Idaho State Journal in Pocatello, the Post Register in Idaho Falls and The Times-News in Twin Falls. He then wrote for the Idaho Statesman, where he published editorials, columns and a daily blog. Following a 12 year career at The Statesman, Kevin received his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Boise State University in 2016. Kevin is now a Senior Reporter at Idaho Education News, where he specializes in education politics and education policy. Kevin’s work to increase coverage of important educational topics in Idaho is vital to our community, and we are so pleased to honor him with the 2024 Enhancing Public Discourse Award.