May 20, 2004

Two Legislators Honored As Recipients of Boise State University Alumni Association Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

Idaho State Senator Brad Little Idaho State Sen. Brad Little of Emmett (District 11) and Idaho State Rep. Lee Gagner of Idaho Falls (District 33) have been named recipients of the Boise State University Alumni Association Honorary Lifetime Membership Award. Boise State University President Bob Kustra lauded both legislators for their support of higher education and their common sense approaches to higher education funding.   “Senator Brad Little and Representative Lee Gagner are to be commended for their leadership in education issues while being progressive stewards of tax dollars,” said Kustra. “Both recognize the importance of higher education to Idaho’s economy, and they have consistently supported Idaho’s colleges and universities while seeking innovative ways to address fiscal needs. I am pleased the Boise State Alumni Association has recognized their leadership by awarding them honorary alumni status.” Idaho State Representative Lee Gagner Little and Gagner will be honored at an Alumni Association event later this summer. The honorary membership award recognizes individuals who are not Boise State alumni but whose actions bring honor to Boise State, its alumni, students, faculty and staff through significant contributions to the university, Alumni Association or Idaho higher education in general. Little is the owner/manager of a diversified ranching operation in southern Idaho that includes farming, cattle, sheep and real estate. The Idaho Senate majority caucus chairman, Little also serves on the Legislature’s Resources and Environment committee, the Transportation committee and the State Affairs committee. Gagner, a prominent businessman in Idaho Falls, is a Realtor, builder and developer. He began his career as a teacher and has been active in education issues. He helped with the Idaho Reading Initiative and previously served on the Legislature’s Revenue and Taxation committee and the Education committee. He currently serves on the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, where he has been one of higher education’s foremost supporters. -30- Contact Lee Denker Executive Director, Alumni Association 426-1698 ldenker@boisestate.edu Mark Dunham Director of Government Relations 208 724-3933 MarkDunham@boisestate.edu Media contact Pat Pyke communications and marketing 208 426-1987 ppyke@boisestate.edu