Idaho State University Alumni Association Recognizes Homecoming Award Recipients

The ISU Alumni Association invites you to help honor and celebrate our 2022 homecoming award recipients at the President’s Recognition Dinner. Recipients will be formally recognized by President Kevin Satterlee at the President’s Alumni Recognition Dinner at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, in the Pond Student Union Ballroom. A reception will begin at 6 p.m. Cost to attend is $65 per person. Reservations are required. Contact (208) 282-3755 or alumni@isu.edu. Visit isu.edu/alumni for more information.

Our 2022 homecoming award recipients are as follows: 

Donna Hays
Parade Grand Marshal
Donna’s love of the Bengals began at an early age. For over 30 years, Donna, Executive Director of Bengal Athletic Boosters, has worked tirelessly raising funds for scholarships through the annual fund drive, countless auctions, golf tournaments, and other fundraising events for the Bengals. Most recently, Donna and her husband Steve proudly established the Hays Family Endowment, dubbed “Donna’s Fuel Fund” to provide Bengal athletes with nutritious snacks. Today, the Bengal Athletic Boosters is thriving under Donna’s leadership and is the strongest it’s ever been. She continues to be committed to ensuring every student-athlete has the opportunity to excel in the classroom and on the playing field.  

Jessica McBean
Young Alumni Award 
Jessica received her B.A. International Studies with a minor in Political Science and her M.A. in Political Science at Idaho State. Jessica is currently serving as the Budget Preparation Specialist with the Office of Management and Budget in Washington D.C. She contributes to and edits the Analytical Perspectives volume of the President’s Budget, and prepares ad-hoc and recurring analytical reports while also monitoring congressional action on appropriations bills. In addition to serving Washington D.C., Jessica is also the co-owner of the Mad Cookie Lab in Virginia.  

Jessica Young
ISU Distinguished Service Award
Jessica graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s in Education and a Master’s of Human Performance in Sports Studies. In her four years at Idaho State University as the Scheduling and Events Coordinator she has overseen 6,000 events annually between different community groups, conferences, departments, and student organizations.  In her time in Scheduling and Events she acquired Campus Recreation, Cadet Field, and other areas as the need for events has grown and evolved. Recently she has taken on a new role at ISU as the Assistant Director of Recruitment, Outreach, and Communications for Admissions. 

Wendy Mickelsen
ISU Achievement Award
Wendy Mickelsen’s background portrays the true significance of “Being a Bengal'' at ISU and the importance of educational attainment spanning multiple generations of her family. Wendy graduated from ISU with a Bachelor of Science in Radiographic Science in 1993 and a Master of Health Education Degree in 2006. Wendy has been on staff with ISU since 2001. As a Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator, she teaches her students hands-on and real-world applications knowing that one day they may eventually take x-rays of her (or her family). Wendy was recognized with the ISU Cares Employee of the Year in 2017 and received a Master Teacher Award in 2019.  

Steve and Cinthia Rice
William J. Bartz Award
Steve graduated from ISU in 1980 with a bachelor’s in Business Management and Business Marketing. Steve went on to be awarded an MBA with Accounting Emphasis from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. Cinthia graduated from ISU in 1993 with bachelor’s degrees in Mass Communications and Business Marketing. Cinthia started her career in News Media upon graduation as an on-air reporter for South East Idaho Television Stations before serving as the Marketing Coordinator of Idaho Central Credit Union. Together, Steve and Cinthia created Rocky Mountain Hospitality 25 years ago with the acquisition of the Sundial Inn in Pocatello and is still active in the management today. 

Galo Medina
President’s Medallion
Galo Medina graduated from ISU with his bachelor’s degree in general studies in 2000. As an undergraduate student, he was chair for the Associated Students of ISU Finance Committee and ran a successful campaign for ASISU president. Medina returned to his native California and began his career as a financial advisor for John Hancock and obtained his master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University. After four years with John Hancock, Medina started his own company, Comprehensive Financial Services, an investment firm that offers a variety of financial planning services. In 2015, Medina established the Galo Medina endowment at ISU to assist students from varying backgrounds in any course of study.

Shelly Sayer
ISU Distinguished Alumna Award
Shelly has an Associate’s degree in chemistry from Eastern Idaho Technical College, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from Idaho State. Shelly served as Premier Technology’s Chief Executive Officer beginning in 2013 and took on dual roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board in 2021. During her tenure at Premier, she has accomplished many things, including orchestrating the company’s first Quality Assurance stamp, developing a DCAA compliant accounting program, managing the finances behind a 90 million dollar energy contract, and built a team of technical managers with strong work ethics and dedicated staff.

Idaho State University will also recognize the homecoming award recipients during the halftime program on Oct. 15 as the Bengals play Sacramento State at Holt Arena starting at 1 p.m. Join the Alumni Association for a tailgate before the game at 11 a.m.