Silver anniversary of “I Love ISU” campaign in Pocatello Sept. 17-20

The year 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of the “I Love ISU” campaign to raise money for Idaho State University scholarships. The Pocatello campaign will be held Sept. 17-20.

Volunteers from Bonneville, Bingham, Power and Bannock counties annually work the telephones in September to provide ISU scholarships. All money raised in a county goes to scholarships for students from that county.

Last year, “I Love ISU” broke all previous records and exceeded its goal by raising $365,123. The goal for this Silver Anniversary year is $380,000.

In the 2006-7 academic year, in the four-county area, ISU awarded 1,616 scholarships. More than $11 million in total financial aid was awarded by ISU.

Mark Lupo, community relations representative for Idaho Power, is the 2007 chairman. Roger Sears, division chief/fire marshal of the Pocatello Fire Department, is co-chairman.

Pocatello “I Love ISU” volunteers will work the telephones 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. in the Pond Student Union Building Ballroom Lounge.

Volunteers in Idaho Falls conducted the Upper Snake River Valley telephone campaign Sept. 10–11 from the Bennion Student Union Building at ISU–Idaho Falls.    “More than 200 volunteers, Chamber of Commerce members, ISU faculty and staff, ISU alumni and friends will work together for a common cause –– to raise funds for area students who will be attending the University, either in Pocatello or Idaho Falls,” says K.C. Felt, director of annual giving for the ISU Foundation.

<>“Last year, more than 1,616 area students received ISU awards valued at more than $280,000,” she adds. “However, there were more than 2,200 qualified applicants. ‘I Love ISU’ helped many students tremendously, but others had to obtain financial assistance in the form of student loans or other funding. This shows ‘I Love ISU’ scholarships are in greater demand than ever.”

The campaign concludes with “The Celebration” at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Booth Barn. It doubles as the ISU Foundation’s celebration of its successful 2007 campaign and a Pocatello Chamber of Commerce after-hours gathering. Watkins Distributing will again host the event.

“For 25 years, businesses and individuals in southeast Idaho have generously supported this community-based effort,” Felt says. “It is our fervent desire that they continue this support.”