Kasiska Family Legacy

Since the late 1980s, the Kasiska Family Foundation has donated $20 million to ISU and pledged additional support, bringing the current total gift to over $20 million. The money has funded scholarships, health science degree programs, equipment, special events and conferences.

Kasiska support for ISU began in the 1960s and 70s, thanks to sisters Eva and Mabel who inherited their father’s philanthropic spirit.

The Kasiska Family legacy began with William F. Kasiska, who came from East Prussia (now Germany) with his wife, Mary, to New York, then to Wisconsin, to Seattle, and eventually to Pocatello in 1890. An astute businessman, William Kasiska invested in land, operated banks and ranches and served as Mayor of Pocatello for two terms. The Kasiska's owned substantial real estate in Pocatello, including the home now occupied by the President of Idaho State University, and the old Bannock Hotel. Through hard work, William and Mary Kasiska accumulated a significant estate, which they bequeathed equally to their daughters, Mabel and Eva.

Kasiska, who died in 1945, was known for helping young people finance their education or dipping into his pocket to help a friend in need. 

After the passing of their father, Mabel and Eva carried forward the family enterprises. They carried, also, their father's devotion to service and philanthropy. In his memory, and in honor of his birthday, Mabel and Eva established a scholarship program at Idaho State College in December of 1949, funding scholarships for young women studying to become nurses.

In 1968 they founded the "ISU Scholarship Club" as a means to encourage others who may be capable of giving to support the student scholarships.

“He always said he made his money here and he wanted to show his appreciation to the community that made it possible. It gave him great pleasure to help people and we like to carry on his work…’’ said daughter Eva in an Idaho State Journal newspaper article published in February 1974.

That same article highlighted the Kasiska sisters’ early support of ISU—Eva and Mabel were often the first in the community to donate to an academic program or annual scholarship drive.

“We like to think we are helping to attract worthwhile students to the university,” Eva said.

Mabel was one of the first women to be a banking executive in Idaho. She lived in Lava Hot Springs and managed and owned the bank in Lava. In addition, she served on the Board of Directors of the Cassia National Bank in Burley and was an investor in the Twin Falls Bank.

Eva and Mabel utilized the services of the Speech and Hearing Clinic at then Idaho State College, and developed a special relationship with the department and its Chair, Dr. Larry Sant. The Kasiska sisters purchased the audiology booths still in use today in the Speech and Hearing Clinic, and were especially generous in providing funds for equipment and scholarships benefitting that department.

They continued to provide this support throughout their lifetimes, although records are not available to determine the exact level of support.

Mabel died in 1976 and Eva in 1986, but their spirit of giving continues through the Kasiska Family Foundation. Since 1987, close to 7000 ISU students have received Kasiska scholarships. Many have pursued advanced degrees—becoming nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, speech-language pathologists and physical therapists. Others have chosen to practice in rural Idaho communities, improving access to quality health care for thousands of citizens.