Boise State University has launched a campaign to raise more than $200 million in new money for student scholarships, endowed faculty seats and athletic upgrades.
The university is calling “Unbridled: the Campaign for Boise State University” its most ambitious fundraising effort to date. The target is $500 million by 2028, with $295 million already in hand.
“This campaign will build on the incredible work of those who have devoted themselves to this university and made us great,” Boise State President Marlene Tromp said in a news release.
Here are some details on the fundraising priorities:
Scholarships. Boise State hopes to beef up its need- and merit-based academic scholarships and athletic scholarships. The university has already used $55 million to fund 235 scholarship endowments, and hopes to build on its True Blue Scholarship, which provides in-state students with up to four years of aid. “It is my dream that financial need would never be a barrier for an Idaho student who wishes to attend Boise State,” Tromp said.
Academics. Donors have already funded seven new endowed faculty positions and four endowed chairs, and the university hopes to fund more endowed posts to build its research portfolio.
Athletics. The What’s Next Initiative will provide student scholarships, build athletic programs and fund facilities upgrades, said Matthew Ewing, Boise State’s vice president for university advancement. Capital projects include the north end of Albertsons Stadium and renovating the Arguinchona Basketball Complex.
The university formally announced the fundraising drive Saturday, one day after an invitation-only kickoff event attended by 550 people.
The goal of the event was to “unite Boise State’s generous donors and alumni” and raise awareness about Unbridled’s goals, the university said in a statement.
The costs of the kickoff event are unclear. Taxpayer dollars were not used to cover the event, which was bankrolled by the Boise State University Foundation, university spokesman Mike Sharp said Tuesday.
