News Release
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October 24, 2005
Micron Technology
Foundation, Kissler Family Among Recipients of Philanthropist Awards
The Micron Technology Foundation and the Kissler Family Foundation are
among eight Idaho organizations and individuals selected for the 2005
Awards for Philanthropy by the Idaho Chapter of the Association of
Fundraising Professionals.
The awards will be presented at a luncheon Nov. 16 at the Doubletree Hotel
Riverside as part of National Philanthropy Day.
The Boise State University Foundation nominated both the Micron Technology
Foundation and the Kissler Family Foundation for the statewide honors.
Micron received the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award and the
Kissler Foundation received the Outstanding Foundation Award.
“Both of these foundations have been exemplary in their commitment to
provide support that improves our communities and our state,” said Rick
Frisch, vice president for University Advancement at Boise State. “Their
vision, generosity and public spiritedness have made a real difference in
many people’s lives, and we congratulate them on receiving these awards.”
The Micron Foundation was cited in its nomination package for donating $2
million to Boise State to create a Materials Science and Engineering
Department in the College of Engineering. The foundation has also donated
scientific equipment valued at $1.7 million to the university, and during
the past five years has awarded almost $150,000 in scholarships to Boise
State business and engineering students. In addition, the foundation has
awarded more than $2.4 million to deserving students at universities and
colleges nationwide.
Micron gives nearly $5 million annually to advance science, math,
technology, and engineering education through grants to K-12 schools and
institutions of higher education. Micron also contributes a portion of its
annual philanthropic dollars to organizations and programs that make a
significant and lasting contribution to the quality of life, especially of
children.
“Micron is committed to its communities and strives to create more
opportunities to advance science and technology education. Our
relationship with Boise State University is a collaboration,” said Dan
Spangler, Micron’s university relations manager. “It is an effort to
provide science and engineering students with the tools necessary to
succeed in this fast-paced global economy.”
The Kissler Family Foundation, founded by Larry and Fran Kissler who built
Norco Inc., annually donates to nearly 100 charities, according to
nomination materials submitted by the Boise State Foundation. Their most
significant gifts have been to St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, St.
Alphonsus Regional Medical Center and the Cathedral of the Rockies. The
Kisslers’ son, Jim, has continued his parents’ philosophy to find a need
and fill it. Concerned about a projected nursing shortage, Jim Kissler and
his foundation have pledged support of Boise State’s Department of
Nursing.
“Through National Philanthropy Day we will celebrate the teamwork between
donors and non-profits to help make all of our communities better places
to live,” said Kyrsten Bell, Philanthropy Day chair. “Idaho is lucky to
have such great support from individuals, companies, and organizations.”
Other recipients of National Philanthropy Day awards include:
Outstanding Philanthropist – Alan and Wendy Pesky, Lee David Pesky
Learning Center
Outstanding Media (Organization/Personalities) – Debi McCallister and Cory
Mikhals, KQFC
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser MelloDee Thornton Award – Tom Sanford,
Project PATCH
Outstanding Youth Ages 5-17 – Ashley Bertsch, Boise Rescue Mission
Award for Public Service – FUNDSY
Spirit of Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Planned Giving Professional –
Darin De Angeli of Ahrens and DeAngeli, PLLC
National Philanthropy Day began as a national day of recognition in 1985
by the National Society of Fundraising Professionals. The Idaho chapter
joined the celebration in 1996. In 2000 the organization changed its name
to the Association of Fundraising Professionals to reflect the
international scope of its growing membership. Today more than 100
celebrations are held each year across the United States and Canada.
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Contact: Rika Clement, Foundation, (208) 426-1326,
rikaclement@boisestate.edu
Jennifer Neil, Foundation, (208) 426-2927,
jenniferneil1@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Janelle Brown, University Communications, (208) 426-1790,
jbrown2@boisestate.edu
The Office of Communications and Marketing
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Boise State University
1910 University Drive -
Education Building, #726 -
Boise Idaho 83725-1030
208-426-1577
(fax)208-426-4001
email newservices@boisestate.edu
Last reviewed on Thursday, December 22, 2005