Speaking to a capacity crowd, Dykman noted the many changes at Boise State University since his graduation in 1974, including a booming student population and the growth of computer science. He encouraged students to adapt to change and always move forward.

“Do the best you can do, whatever your choices. If you want to be successful, do one thing better than anyone else,” he said.

During the ceremony, the largest ever for the university, a record 11 doctoral degrees and more than 2,400 bachelor’s and master’s degrees were awarded in front of a capacity crowd that topped 13,000.

Click here to watch Dykman’s address.

More than 1,400 students participated in the ceremony at Taco Bell Arena, making it Boise State’s largest Commencement celebration. In all, 13,356 people attended.

“This ceremony puts the finishing touch on what is, for all of you, a life-altering event,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra.

Student speaker George M. Fenton stole the show with his remarks and drew a standing ovation from his fellow classmates. He noted that Boise State graduates owe gratitude to one other for increasing the value of their educational experiences. A diverse student body helped him learn new perspectives, and, in addition to continuing to work hard, he encouraged graduates to be of service to others.

“Your salary and your resume measure neither your worth nor your contentment,” he said. “Be as concerned with the welfare of your fellow travelers as you are with your own.”

Watch a video of his remarks here.

Fenton, from Post Falls, Idaho, graduated with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average with a bachelor of arts in economics and a minor in mathematics. He was an award-winning member of the national champion Boise State University speech and debate team, the Talkin’ Broncos. He has been accepted to both Oxford University and Columbia University, and plans to pursue graduate school after completing an internship with the Federal Reserve.

The university awarded an honorary doctorate to Boise State alumnus, donor and friend Allen D. Dykman, the 10^th person to receive the award from Boise State.

“His passion to make the world a better place is an inspiration to all who know him, and places him among the region’s top humanitarians,” said Kustra.

Dykman served as president of the Bronco Athletic Association, the Alumni Association and the Boise State Foundation, the only person to serve as president of all three. He also co-chaired the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign and currently is working with the Alumni Association to raise funds for a new Alumni and Friends Center.

Dykman noted that with today’s graduating class, Boise State’s alumni family has grown to more than 71,000.

“You stand for all the good things this university is trying to accomplish,” Dykman said.

Dykman grew up in Pocatello and came to Boise State on a football scholarship. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1974, he joined the family electrical supply business before founding his own company, Dykman Electric Inc., in 1981 with his wife, Dixie. In addition to continued charitable gifts to Boise State, he and Dixie have endowed scholarships at each of Idaho’s public four-year institutions of higher education.

In all, 2,221 students were eligible for 2,390 degrees and certificates. The number includes 395 students who are eligible for honors: 26 summa cum laude, 132 magna cum laude and 237 cum laude. Click here to view the names of graduates, their hometowns and their degrees.

A Ph.D. in geophysics was awarded to Joel Brown, Emily Hinz and Dylan Mikesell. The following candidates received a doctorate in education, curriculum and instruction: Pamela Briggs, Lori Conlan Khan, Julie Dahlgren, David Hammons, Chris Haskell, Todd Edwin Hill, Jane McKevitt and Margaret Sass.

While a record number of students celebrated their academic accomplishments at Boise State today, thousands more continue their educational endeavors beginning Monday with the university’s summer session. For more information on summer classes or workshops, visit boisestate.edu/summer or call the Boise State summer program office at 426-1709.

Ceremony Details

Commencement will get under way at 10 a.m. Saturday in Taco Bell Arena. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and no tickets are required. In all, 2,242 students are eligible for 2,413 degrees and certificates — a record for Boise State. The number includes 395 students who are eligible for honors: 237 cum laude, 132 magna cum laude and 26 summa cum laude. The university also will confer a record 11 doctoral degrees.

The ceremony will include a processional, recessional and individual recognition of each graduate, broadcast on large screens. About 1,400 students are expected to participate.

A reception for graduates and their families will be held immediately following the ceremony on the Intramural Field adjacent to Taco Bell Arena and the Appleton Tennis Center. Each college will have a designated area where graduates can meet family after the ceremony to take photos and introduce them to faculty.

Parking for Commencement is free. Due to limited accessible parking, those who cannot walk to the arena can be dropped off at entrances 1 and 2, where volunteers can assist them while their families find parking. For special accommodation information, visit academics.boisestate.edu/provost/commencement.

Honorary Doctorate

Boise State will award an honorary doctorate to Boise State alumnus, donor and friend Allen D. Dykman. Dykman grew up in Pocatello and came to Boise State on a football scholarship. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1974, he joined the family electrical supply business before founding his own company, Dykman Electric Inc., in 1981 with his wife, Dixie.

Dykman has served as president of the Bronco Athletic Association, the Alumni Association and the Boise State Foundation — one of only two people in Boise State history to serve as president of all three groups. He also co-chaired the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign and currently is working with the Alumni Association to raise funds for a new Alumni and Friends Center. In addition to continued charitable gifts to Boise State, he and Dixie have endowed scholarships at each of Idaho’s public four-year institutions of higher education.

Student Speaker

This student speaker is George M. Fenton, from Post Falls, Idaho, who is graduating with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average, earning a bachelor of arts in economics with a minor in mathematics. Since January 2011 Fenton has served as an intern for Keynetics CEO Brad Wiskirchen, director of the Salt Lake City Federal Reserve. In 2010 he participated in a summer program at Georgetown University and fulfilled an internship at the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C.

Fenton has been a member of the Honors College since coming to Boise State in 2008 as a Brown Scholar. He also was an award-winning member of the national champion Boise State University speech and debate team, the Talkin’ Broncos. He has been accepted to Oxford University and plans to pursue graduate school after serving two years at the Federal Reserve.

Watch a short video about Fenton here.

Summer Session

Boise State will transition from Commencement directly into summer session on Monday, May 14. Boise State offers more than 600 summer courses, and students can take courses on campus, online at other Boise campuses or in the field. There also are a wide variety of workshops including the Desert Studies Institute (celebrating its 15th anniversary), cinema, health and wellness, cultural awareness and Boise-focused topics.

Taking just a couple summer courses can save students thousands of dollars if it helps them avoid enrolling for an extra fall or spring semester.

For more information, visit www.boisestate.edu/summer or call the Boise State summer program office at 426-1709.

Qawi IbnZayd Harvard receives his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering in May 2011.

Boise State will set records at its 90th Commencement ceremony on May 12. The university will confer 11 doctoral degrees and award more than 2,400 bachelor’s and master’s degrees — both record numbers for Boise State.

In addition, more than 1,400 students are expected to participate, making it the largest Commencement celebration in school history. The traditional ceremony will get under way at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, in Taco Bell Arena. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and no tickets are required.

In all, 2,242 students are eligible for 2,413 degrees and certificates. The number includes 395 students who are eligible for honors: 237 cum laude, 132 magna cum laude and 26 summa cum laude.

A Ph.D. in geophysics will be awarded to Joel Brown, Emily Hinz and Dylan Mikesell. The following candidates will receive a doctorate in education, curriculum & instruction: Pamela Briggs, Lori Conlan Khan, Julie Dahlgren, David Hammons, Chris Haskell, Todd Edwin Hill, Jane McKevitt and Margaret Sass.

The university also will award an honorary doctorate to Boise State alumnus, donor and friend Allen D. Dykman. Dykman grew up in Pocatello and came to Boise State on a football scholarship. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1974, he joined the family electrical supply business before founding his own company, Dykman Electric Inc., in 1981 with his wife, Dixie.

Dykman has served as president of the Bronco Athletic Association, the Alumni Association and the Boise State Foundation — one of only two people in Boise State history to serve as president of all three groups. He also co-chaired the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign and currently is working with the Alumni Association to raise funds for a new Alumni and Friends Center. In addition to continued charitable gifts to Boise State, he and Dixie have endowed scholarships at each of Idaho’s public four-year institutions of higher education.

The student speaker is George M. Fenton, from Post Falls, Idaho, who is graduating with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average, earning a bachelor of arts in economics with a minor in mathematics. Since January 2011 Fenton has served as an intern for Keynetics CEO Brad Wiskirchen, director of the Salt Lake City Federal Reserve. In 2010 he participated in a summer program at Georgetown University and fulfilled an internship at the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C.

Fenton has been a member of the Honors College since coming to Boise State in 2008 as a Brown Scholar. He also was an award-winning member of the national champion Boise State University speech and debate team, the “Talkin’ Broncos. He has been accepted to Oxford University and plans to pursue graduate school after serving two years at the Federal Reserve.

The Commencement ceremony will include a processional and recessional, individual recognition of graduates and the hooding of doctoral candidates. Widescreens will be set up so family and friends can see the graduates up close as they are individually recognized. Boise State will broadcast the ceremony live online for those who cannot attend.

A reception for graduates and their families will be held immediately following the ceremony on the Intramural Field adjacent to Taco Bell Arena and the Appleton Tennis Center. Each college will have a designated area where graduates can meet family after the ceremony to take photos and introduce them to faculty.

Parking for Commencement is free. Due to limited accessible parking, those who cannot walk to the arena can be dropped off at entrances 1 and 2, where volunteers can assist them while their families find parking. For special accommodation information, visit http://academics.boisestate.edu/provost/commencement.

In addition to the May 12 Commencement ceremony, Boise State deans and faculty will recognize recipients of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boise State’s Extended Studies programs in Twin Falls at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at the College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Auditorium. For more information, contact Shari Stroud at (208) 732-6284 or sstroud@boisestate.edu.

About 1,300 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony. There are 2,221 students eligible for 2,390 degrees and certificates, and 395 students are eligible for honors: 237 cum laude, 132 magna cum laude and 26 summa cum laude.

The university also will award an honorary doctorate to Boise State alumnus, donor and friend Allen D. Dykman. Dykman grew up in Pocatello and came to Boise State on a football scholarship. After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1974, he joined the family electrical supply business before founding his own company, Dykman Electric Inc., in 1981 with his wife, Dixie.

Dykman has served as president of the Bronco Athletic Association, the Alumni Association and the Boise State Foundation — one of only two people in Boise State history to serve as president of all three groups. He also co-chaired the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign and is currently working with the Alumni Association to raise funds for a new Alumni and Friends Center. In addition to continued charitable gifts to Boise State, he and Dixie have endowed scholarships at each of Idaho’s public four-year institutions of higher education.

George Fenton

This spring’s student Commencement speaker is George M. Fenton, from Post Falls, Idaho, who is graduating with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average, earning a bachelor of arts in economics with a minor in mathematics. Since January 2011 Fenton has served as an intern for Keynetics CEO Brad Wiskirchen, director of the Salt Lake City Federal Reserve. In 2010 he participated in a summer program at Georgetown University and fulfilled an internship at the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, D.C.

Fenton has been a member of the Honors College since coming to Boise State in 2008 as a Brown Scholar. He also was an award-winning member of the national champion Boise State University Speech and Debate team, the “Talkin’ Broncos. He has been accepted to Oxford University and plans to pursue graduate school after serving two years at the Federal Reserve.

The Commencement ceremony will include a processional and recessional, individual recognition of graduates and the hooding of doctoral candidates. Widescreens will be set up so family and friends can see the graduates up close as they are individually recognized. Boise State will broadcast the ceremony live online for those who cannot attend.

A reception for graduates and their families will be held immediately following the ceremony on the Intramural Field adjacent to Taco Bell Arena and the Appleton Tennis Center. Each college will have a designated area where graduates can meet family after the ceremony to take photos and introduce them to faculty.

Parking for Commencement is free. Due to limited handicapped parking, those who cannot walk to the arena can be dropped off at entrances 1 and 2, where volunteers can assist them while their families find parking. For special accommodation information, visit http://academics.boisestate.edu/provost/commencement.

In addition to the May 12 Commencement ceremony, Boise State deans and faculty will recognize recipients of bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boise State’s Extended Studies programs in Twin Falls at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at the College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Auditorium. For more information, contact Shari Stroud at (208) 732-6284 or sstroud@boisestate.edu.

For Bronco alumni and friends, there soon will be a new, elegant space dedicated to the inspiration and celebration of the pride they feel as Boise State faithful.

“This new campus landmark is where Broncos of all eras will build new traditions while honoring those who have come before,” said Mark Arstein, executive director of the Boise State Alumni Association. “It will be a place for generations of Broncos to call home.”

Just a stone’s throw from Bronco Stadium and the eastern gateway to campus, the Alumni and Friends Center’s extraordinary indoor and outdoor spaces are designed to be a beacon to alumni and the community, while supporting endowed scholarships for Boise State students – tomorrow’s alumni.

“This will be a special place where alumni and friends can gather to help with the advancement of the university,” said alumnus Allen Dykman, who with his wife, Dixie, is helping to lead the Alumni and Friends capital campaign to build the $12.5 million building. “The future of Boise State rests with its relationships – those we have now as well as the ones yet to walk into the new Alumni Center.”

The innovative building will be privately owned and operated by the Alumni Association and the Boise State University Foundation, with net revenue from event rentals and other operations being dedicated to the support of scholarships.

“Past and future alumni will all soon have a fantastic home to kick up their heels and re-connect with friends and fellow alumni,” said Ward Hooper, incoming Alumni Association president. “The premier location and top-notch design will make for an iconic building that will reflect the pride of all of us who wear blue and orange.”

Building Specifications

Total square footage: 43,000 square feet
Public space: 22,300 square feet
Exterior useable space: 2,150 square feet
Banquet capacity for the Grand Ballroom: 400 for a seated meal

Members include respected local community, business and campus leaders representing the Bronco Athletic Association, Boise State University Foundation, alumni, university faculty and administrators, and the Department of Athletics.

“This search committee of outstanding individuals represents a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds and will be a tremendous asset in helping us identify the best candidates to lead the athletic department in these new and challenging times,” Kustra said. “The university is fortunate to have their expertise, and I am personally grateful for their willingness to give their time and talent to serve in this important role.”

Gary Fletcher, chief operating officer of St. Luke’s Health System and a Boise State University Foundation board member, will chair the committee.

Search committee members are (alphabetically):

Kipp Bedard, vice president of investor relations, Micron Technology Inc., and Boise State alumnus (accountancy, 1982)

Jerry Caven, president, Royal Fork Restaurant Corp., and Bronco Athletic Association Coaches Club

Allen Dykman, owner and president, Dykman Electrical Inc., Boise State University Foundation board member and Boise State alumnus (economics, 1974)

Joy Kealey, owner, Chicago Connection, and Boise State University Foundation Board vice chair

Bonnie McEuen, chief information officer, Jackson Oil Co., and Bronco Athletic Association Coaches Club

Jon Miller, chairman of Idaho Power Company and IDACORP, and Bronco Athletic Association board member

Roger Munger, professor and associate chair, Department of English, Boise State University and faculty athletics representative

Leon Rice, head men’s basketball coach, Boise State University

Stacy Pearson, vice president for finance and administration, Boise State University, and Boise State alumna (MPA, 1995)

Chris Petersen, head football coach, Boise State University

Paul Powell, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Petroglyph Energy Inc., and Bronco Athletic Association board president

Erin Thorpe, head women’s softball coach, Boise State University

Charlie Wilson, president, Wilson Properties LP, former Boise State University Foundation board member, and Bronco Athletic Association board member

Boise State also has selected a consultant to manage the search. Jed Hughes, senior partner with the executive search firm Spencer Stuart, has significant experience in intercollegiate athletics and will provide oversight and management of the process.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bVXVGKqGZI[/youtube]

In August 2007, a group of dedicated Boise State supporters kicked off the public phase of Destination Distinction: The Campaign for Boise State University at a gala celebration.

The ambitious $175 million campaign was aimed at helping the university along in its journey to Destination Distinction and was the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, as well as the largest higher-education effort of its kind in Idaho.

That night, guests were asked, “Why not here? Why not now? Why not Boise State University?”

On Tuesday night in the Stueckle Sky Center, honored guests, including President Bob Kustra and campaign co-chairs Allen Dykman and Steve Appleton, gathered to hear a different message: “We did it here. We did it now. We did it for Boise State University.”

Steve Appleton, President Bob Kustra and Allen Dykman.

The celebration in the Stueckle Sky Center marked the successful completion of a seven-year effort that raised a grand total of $185,416,696.92 — more than $10 million beyond the goal.

Throughout the evening, a series of speakers and short videos highlighted successes in each of the campaign’s three areas of emphasis: Places, programs and people.

Places

The Norco Building, Ron and Linda Yanke Family Research Park, Micron Business and Economics Building, Caven-Williams Sports Complex and Arguinchona Basketball Complex are examples of the new and planned facilities made possible by the campaign.

Vice President for Research Mark Rudin noted the importance of facilities in giving the university an edge when applying for grants and furthering the exciting research being conducted across campus.

Programs

New and improved programs are feeding the fire of innovation at Boise State, including new master’s and Ph.D. programs, the Idaho Bird Observatory, the Basque Studies program and the Department of Music’s Steinway initiative. Nancy Napier, director of the Centre for Creativity and Innovation, noted the importance of building programs that are bigger than ourselves, an effort requiring a great administration, a strong community and donors who support the goals of the university.

People

Boise State is defined by its “heart,” and at that heart is its people. As Boise State’s faculty, staff, administration and supporters responded to the call to be extraordinary, the result was nothing short of inspiring. Ryan Warburton, a May business graduate who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in physical therapy at the University of Utah, noted his appreciation for all who gave to scholarships so that he could focus his attention on opportunities he would have missed had he needed to work.

“There are 20,000 other students who also would enjoy standing here tonight because you have given so much to us,” he said.

To prove that point, the evening ended with students lined up at the front of the room wearing T-shirts that spelled out the campaign total — to the penny — on the front and, when they turned their backs, this heartfelt message: “We Thank You!”

Learn more about the campaign here. Watch the celebration video below:

Boise State University surpassed $185.4 million during the first-ever comprehensive effort to raise funds to benefit its people, places and programs. This makes it the most successful higher education fundraising campaign in Idaho history.

At its official end on June 30, 2011, the seven-year Destination Distinction campaign reached nearly 106 percent of the original $175 million goal and affected all areas of campus. The campaign engaged more than 23,000 donors and included gifts ranging from as small as a few dollars up to $13 million. Its tremendous effects have had implications locally and globally and will continue to benefit students, the community and beyond for generations to come.

“We are most appreciative of our alumni, parents, friends and industry partners who believe in the vision of Boise State University and have stepped forward with support,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “The Destination Distinction Campaign has been a catalyst for new and exciting developments both inside and outside of the classroom and we look forward to even greater achievements in the years to come.”

The campaign provided funding across all colleges and several departments. Contributions went to student scholarships, assistantships, graduate fellowships and research opportunities as well as support for faculty, academic programs, facilities and equipment.

“As a student, knowing others believe in me enough to give is empowering,” said ASBSU president Brandie VanOrder, who has received several financial awards at Boise State, including the Frank Church Public Service Scholarship and the George Campbell Memorial Endowed Scholarship. “My education and experiences at Boise State have allowed me to pursue knowledge through different avenues such as classwork, extra-curricular activities and volunteering. I am inspired to do my best not only academically but in all things, so that I can represent the university with pride.”

In addition to educating future leaders, Boise State’s academic programs, research and public service support the area’s burgeoning industry and public needs. Contributions to this campaign, as well as prospective gifts, have contributed to the ongoing success of the city and region.

“Exceeding our goal underscores the strong commitment of our friends and alumni to Boise State University and points to the value of a world-class university in the Treasure Valley,” said Allen Dykman, ’74, owner and president of Dykman Electrical Inc., who co-chaired the campaign alongside Micron CEO Steve Appleton, ’82. “We’re very pleased with the success of this campaign and extend our appreciation to all who made it a reality.”

In all, the campaign created new scholarships and funded three endowed chairs, several fellowships, graduate programs, research centers and new and renovated buildings. The most notable accomplishments since the launch of the Destination Distinction campaign include:

• The creation of 376 new student scholarships
• Funding for endowed chairs in nursing, biology and the Idaho Bird Observatory
• Three new academic buildings focused on student instruction and research — Micron Business and Economics Building, Norco Building for the Department of Nursing and University Health Services, and the Ron and Linda Yanke Family Research Park
• Support for new Ph.D. programs in engineering
• Two new or planned buildings designed to support the campus community and Boise area needs — Stueckle Sky Center and Alumni Center
• Four new and planned athletic facilities — Caven-Williams Sports Complex, Arguinchona Basketball Complex, Bronco Stadium expansion and Dona Larsen Park
• More than $2 million contributed by Boise State employees

Boise State’s success earned a 2011 Educational Fundraising Award from the national Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for its efforts to advance the university during the past three years. The award honors superior fundraising programs across the country and are a component of CASE’s Circle of Excellence program.

Boise State was selected to receive an Overall Performance Award based on an analysis of three years of fundraising data. This year, 874 higher education institutions were eligible for the awards. Boise State was one of 24 institutions to receive an Overall Performance award; another 13 institutions received Overall Improvement awards.

For more information on how to support Boise State’s mission and vision, visit www.universityadvancement.org.