November 13, 2003

Boise State University Announces Scholarship Fund-Raising Campaign

Boise State University today kicked off its Campaign for Students, a comprehensive new drive to raise funds for much-needed scholarships. Boise State President Bob Kustra announced the drive at a press conference held in the Student Union Barnwell Room. Kustra invited people from all walks of life to help the university attract, retain, reward and encourage the best and brightest students by offering additional scholarships and increasing the size of the university’s current awards. “With state support of public higher education jeopardized by shrinking state revenues, Boise State today receives only 33 percent of its budget from the state. The rest comes from our students and donors,” Kustra said. “Now more than ever, we must do something radical to increase the scholarship dollars available to our students who demonstrate need and who have proven academic success.” Thanks to a generous lead gift of $1.5 million from the Boise Industrial Foundation and continued assistance from the Bronco Athletic Association, the university will be able to offer matching funds for donations to the Campaign for Students. The BIF, an economic development association comprised of business and civic leaders, made its donation in June. Donors can target their gift to several scholarship categories, including: - General Scholarships, Unrestricted — Gifting to the General Scholarships category provides Boise State the flexibility to assist students in a variety of situations. - Honors College Scholarships — These four-year renewable scholarships cover full institutional fees plus the option of room and board in Driscoll Hall, the Honors College residence, for students of outstanding academic ability. - Collegiate Involvement Scholarships — These awards cover partial to full fees for students who demonstrate leadership in Boise State activities or who have a strong record of community involvement. - Boise State Opportunity Scholarship — These four-year renewable scholarships cover full fees for minority and underrepresented students who lack the financial resources to access higher education. Students’ academic potential and financial need are both considered. - Diamond Scholarships — These four-year renewable scholarships cover full Boise State fees for many of Idaho’s bright high school seniors. - Graduate Fellowships — Graduate fellowships, which normally include an annual stipend and full tuition and fees, are awarded for one year with possibility of renewal. - Robert R. Lee Category B Promise Scholarship Match — By choosing to match the state’s award of a $500 Promise Scholarship, donors make possible Promise Scholarships worth up to $1,000 per year to encourage Idaho high school seniors to enroll at Idaho colleges. The Campaign for Students will be administered by the Boise State Foundation, a nonprofit corporation devoted entirely to the benefit of Boise State. Its purpose is to provide private support for the university from individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations and other sources. The Foundation is also charged with the management of gifts to the university and the distribution of those gifts as designated by the donors. For information on how to donate, call 208 426-3276 or visit foundation.boisestate.edu. -30- Contact Richard Smith Vice President for University Advancement 208 426-4278 Media Contact Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275