I Love ISU Scholarship campaign raises $212,520

POCATELLO — The 2015 annual I Love ISU campaign concluded Thursday, Sept. 17, raising $212,520 in pledges for scholarships for Idaho students.

This year’s total exceeded the goal of $205,000 set for the campaign.

Led this year by chair David G. Gates, Fire Chief of the Pocatello Fire Department, and co-chair Mary Vagner, retired School District No. 25 superintendent, more than 150 volunteers gathered pledges through weeks of peer-to-peer contacts and other activities.

“Once again, our volunteers and the citizens of Southeast Idaho have stepped up with their support for Idaho State University and our students,” said Gates. “I’d like to thank all of our dedicated volunteers and the hundreds of individual and business donors who generously gave to ISU students and our future. I couldn’t be more pleased that we surpassed this year’s goal by more than $7,000.”

The announcement was made at the I Love ISU Campaign Celebration and Pocatello/Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours held Thursday evening in the Pond Student Union. At the celebration, Gates and Vagner presented a ceremonial check to Associated Students of ISU President Mackenzie Smith, after ISU President Arthur C. Vailas addressed those in attendance. This annual event was once again hosted by Watkins Distributing.

The I Love ISU campaign has been conducted in Pocatello for 33 consecutive years. This annual campaign, running this year from Sept. 1 through Sept. 17, is the most recognizable fundraising effort at Idaho State University. Volunteers dedicate their time to contacting local business owners, alumni and ISU employees requesting their support for scholarships. The campaign included Pocatello, Chubbuck, American Falls, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls and the surrounding communities.

All gifts and pledges made in support of the I Love ISU Scholarship Fund will be awarded to Idaho residents during their freshman year at Idaho State University and continue through their four years of academic study. During the campaign, donors could also direct their gifts to other areas of the university including colleges, departments and student programs.

“Reaching and exceeding our goal this year sets a tone for next year’s campaign,” said Vagner, who will be next year’s I Love ISU chair.

For more information on the celebration visit iloveISU.org or contact Kallee Valentine at (208)-282-2994 or valekall@isu.edu.