Idaho State University purchasing agent Dan Anthony retires after 42 years of service

If you've ever sat in a chair at the Idaho State University Stephens Performing Arts Center or Rendezvous Complex, ridden in an ISU vehicle, or stood by a desk in an ISU office in Pocatello, Idaho Falls or Meridian, you've encountered the work of Dan Anthony.

Anthony, about as died-in-the-wool, orange-and-black Bengal as a you can meet, is retiring as a purchasing agent April 19 after nearly 42 years of working service to ISU. During that time he has bought millions of dollars of commodities for ISU Purchasing Services, which currently processes more than 3,000 purchase orders annually totaling in excess of $20 million.

"What's surprised me most during my time at ISU has been seeing the expansion of the campus, with all the new buildings and new programs," Anthony said.

A retirement reception for Anthony will be held Thursday, April 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Rendezvous Complex Suites A, B and C.

Earlier this year, Dan's wife, Nancy, also retired from ISU from the Eli M. Oboler Library, after 47 years of service, five as a student employee and 42 as a state employee. The couple’s service to the state as employees is about 84 years combined, and about 88 years if you count Nancy’s student employment.

Both Dan and Nancy graduated from ISU, Dan with a degree in sociology in 1971 and Nancy with a degree in education in 1970.  Dan was active with the Sigma Nu Fraternity while he was in college. The couple first met in the ISU Student Union and was married in 1970 on the ISU campus in the St. Johns Center.

Dan started work full time at ISU in August of 1971. He worked 16 years for ISU Facilities services, which included 10 years as the Physical Plant stores supervisor. He became a buyer in 1987 and then promoted to purchasing agent in 1994. Anthony served as president of the Institute of Supply Management Management–ISM-Idaho 2009-2010. He had previously served on their board for 12 years.  Dan has certifications from FEMA in Emergency Management and many other certificates of completion in purchasing principles.

He and his wife Nancy were honored by Idaho State University with a Distinguished Service Award at the 2007 Homecoming. Outside of work Dan has been active in the Knights of Columbus, the largest lay Catholic organization in the world. He is the past state deputy and state master of the Fourth Degree of that organization.

Dan and Nancy have been donors to ISU since 1985 and have achieved the ISU Foundation Garnet Legacy level of giving.  Charitable giving has included both KISU radio and TV. Both have been annual contributors to United Way. The Anthonys were also in the initial group of donors to the Stephens Performing Arts Center and have purchased seats in the Beverly Bistline Thrust Theatre.

 The couple has two daughters, Kate Zajanc and Jennifer Anthony, who have both earned multiple degrees from ISU.

Dan's departure signals changes in the ISU Purchasing Office: Austin Carter, former senior buyer, has been promoted to purchasing agent; Linda Baum, former buyer, is now senior buyer; and new hire Roger Jechart is the new buyer. Carter will still specialize in computer and information technology purchases; Baum will specialize in scientific equipment and supplies, and catering purchases; and Jechart will specialize in furniture, office supplies and vehicle purchases. For a more in-depth description of their duties, visit http://www.isu.edu/purch.

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