28th annual “I Love ISU” campaign features events in Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Pocatello

The 28^th annual "I Love ISU" campaign for Idaho State University academic scholarships is off and running and will feature callers in Blackfoot, Idaho Falls and Pocatello.

The Blackfoot volunteer calling campaign will be held Aug. 25; the Idaho Falls volunteer calling campaign is Sept. 13; and the Pocatello and American Falls volunteer calling campaign will run Sept. 20-23.

"I Love ISU is an opportunity for you to become a part of ISU," said Roger Wheeler, I Love ISU co-chair.  "With your help, students can learn and better their lives with scholarships made available people like you. You can pay it forward to deserving students by contributing to this worthy tradition. Make a pledge. Be part of a legacy."

In 2009, "I Love ISU" raised $366,184 in pledges.

Prior to the actual calling, a number of events associated with the campaign will be held. The ISU Foundation, along with business partner, Citizens Community Bank in Idaho Falls, will host the Aug. 19 Idaho Falls Chamber Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. at the newest Citizens Community Bank location at 900 S. Utah.  The Idaho Falls Chamber Forum Luncheon on Sept. 7 will highlight the "I Love ISU" campaign and ISU President Arthur C. Vailas will be the featured speaker. Representatives from "I Love ISU" will have a trade table at the monthly Chamber Membership Luncheon on Sept. 3 at the Red Lion Hotel in Pocatello.

On Aug. 25 Blackfoot callers will be set up in the ISU Outreach Center in Riverside Plaza calling from 9 a.m. to noon.  On Sept. 13 Idaho Falls volunteers will call from the Bennion Student Union Building at University Place from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. From Sept. 20 through Sept. 23 volunteers in the Pond Student Union Building in Pocatello will call during the same hours.

Donations to the scholarship campaign will continue to help meet a huge need.

"I attended ISU on a scholarship that helped me obtain my educational goals," said Michele Pond-Bell, campaign co-chair. "The 'I Love ISU' campaign not only raises support for students looking for the financial means to reach their goals, but it also unites the eastern Idaho area in a common cause in helping others, improving their lives through education and involvement with an outstanding institution of higher learning."

On Sept. 16 the second annual "I Love ISU" leaders and volunteers will be busy manning the counters at the McDonald's restaurant at 831 Yellowstone and at 1011 South Fifth Avenue in Pocatello for "McI Love ISU" night. Twenty percent of all sales at these locations from 4 to 7 p.m. will be donated to the "I Love ISU" campaign and those McDonald's restaurants will be accepting donations to go directly to the I Love ISU fund. Everyone is invited to join in this event.

The "I Love ISU" celebration, hosted by Watkins Distributing, will be held Sept. 23 at the conclusion of the campaign. This Pocatello Chamber Business After Hours, from 5 to 7 p.m. will be held at the Booth Barn, 1100 Booth Drive in Pocatello.  A check will be presented to ISU Student Body President Casidy Jahnke at 6 p.m. 

For additional information on "I Love ISU" contact the ISU Foundation at (208) 282-3470.

Information is also available at the Idaho State University Foundation's website www.isu.edu/departments/alumni/foundation/iloveisu/.

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