News Release

Flanked by scholarship recipients Alina Pitman (left) and Gina Sinisi (right), Lois Chaffee posed  for a photo at a November 2004 Scholar-Donor  Luncheon on campus

Lois Chaffee, widow of Boise State’s second president Dr. Eugene Chaffee, died on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the age of 97. During Dr. Chaffee’s presidency from 1936-1967, Lois Chaffee played an integral part in campus life.

“On behalf of Boise State University, we are saddened by the passing of Lois Chaffee and express our sincere condolences to the family,” said Bob Kustra, president of Boise State. “She was the First Lady of Boise State for 30 years and an unwavering advocate of the school. Boise State has become the university it is today in part due to Lois Chaffee’s dedication to its students, faculty and staff.”

Lois Chaffee was involved with the fledgling college from its early days and even attended the school’s first football game in 1933. She met her future husband when she was singing at radio station KIDO and Dr. Chaffee was giving a talk on Idaho history. The couple was married in 1937, and for many years their lives centered on Boise Junior College. Lois helped organize the Faculty Wives and Women group on campus and described herself as “chief cookie baker” for the many campus receptions and luncheons. The couple’s children, Lois Ann and Eugene “Bart,” both graduated from Boise State.

A Boise State scholarship in the couple’s name assists several students each year who are majoring in music, history and English. To contribute to the scholarship, call 426-3276.

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Media Contact: Kathleen Tuck, University Communications, (208) 426-3275, kathleentuck@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu. 

 

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Last reviewed on Tuesday, February 24, 2009