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BSU receives $500,000 gift
Mike Johnson, Journalist
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GLENN LANDBERG/THE ARBITER Founder of Jacksons Food Stores Inc. donated $500,000 to Boise State. There is a Jacksons right across from the stadium.
Local businessman, John D. Jackson, gave $500,000 to Boise State to aid in the construction of the new College of Business and Economics building. Jackson, founder of Jacksons Food Stores Inc., announced his donation at a Boise State Foundation Board of Directors meeting.
“This gift is an investment in the future of Boise State University and the College of Business and Economics,” Jackson said. “Business education is all about preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s business leaders.”
This gift will help fund the $35 million building. The new building will be located at the corner of Capitol Blvrd and University Drive. The University hopes to begin construction as early as spring 2010.
“A strong, dynamic business college in the Treasure Valley is essential for the state’s economic development, and John Jackson’s commitment to Boise State helps ensure its impact for years to come,” Boise State President Bob Kustra said. “He is one of Boise State’s and Idaho’s success stories, and we thank him for giving back in support of a high quality learning environment for future students.”
Jackson’s half-million dollar gift will establish the Jackson Commons, the entryway into the new building. It will house a café and computer lab and serve as the main circulation route throughout the building.
“The Jackson Commons will honor Mr. Jackson’s nationally recognized success as an entrepreneur, an individual who had big dreams, worked hard and has been such an important part of the Idaho business community,” Pat Shannon, Dean of the College of business and economics, said.
Jackson majored in accounting at Boise State. He founded Jackson Food Stores Inc. in 1975, which began as a single service station and grew into a chain of convenience stores, with approximately 200 stores throughout four states. Jackson also owns and operates Jackson Oil and Capital Distributing, a grocery wholesaler that delivers to convenience stores throughout five western states.