Boise State’s blueprint for success, the Unbridled Campaign, works towards three pillars: student success, faculty innovation and athletics.
Student success focuses on establishing need and merit-based scholarships, as well as additional academic support. Faculty innovation supports faculty members in their research endeavors and establishes faculty-led internship opportunities. Unbridled’s commitment to athlete support is illustrated through continuous updates of athletic facilities and providing athletes with resources that allow them to thrive not only on the field or court, but in the classroom.
The campaign began in 2017 and publicly launched in October 2023. Executive Director of Communications and Marketing for the Boise State Foundation, Kelci Lucier, said by the time of the campaign’s launch, donors had already helped raise $295 million.
Boise State alumni are the leading donors for the campaign, with community members, organizations, and parents also playing key roles as contributors to the fundraising effort.
Interim President Jeremiah Shinn discussed the progress of the Unbridled Campaign’s fundraising efforts in the State of the University Address, as previously reported by The Arbiter.
“As of August 13, our Unbridled Campaign had raised more than $465 million in support for students, faculty and athletics,” Shinn said. “That’s more than 93% of the way toward our original $500 million campaign goal. We are way ahead of schedule.”
“Despite nearing our original goal of $500 million, we’re not winding down,” Shinn added. “We’re sprinting beyond the finish line.”
Randy Hales stepped into the role of Campaign Chair in 2022 after serving on the foundation board since 2015. Hales said the campaign aims to “raise the attention level of the community” and address the diverse needs of faculty, students and athletics.
To ensure long-term support for the university, the campaign focuses on endowed faculty and student support rather than solely one-time donations, as outlined in the Unbridled Campaign Volunteer Handbook.
Endowments are invested, and the growth of those investments is used to support scholarships, faculty and other areas of giving to honor the donor’s intent. According to Hales, this “allows that endowment to last into perpetuity”.
“An area that I’ve really enjoyed watching grow is the faculty support with endowed professorships and endowed chairs,” Hales said.
Boise State uses these donations to recruit and retain faculty, as well as support development in university research.
Hales also emphasized the great visibility of athletics at the university. Because of this, donors interested in giving to athletics programs can donate set amounts or endowed funds to improve facilities, travel costs, student athlete scholarships, health and nutrition.
According to Shinn, $192 million has been raised for Boise State Athletics so far.
Lucier said the Boise State Foundation participates in outreach to identify and receive interest from potential donors and discern which area they want their donation to support.
“Everyone gives back in their own way, and we are happy to accommodate that,” Lucier said.
As the campaign nears its goal of $500 million, Hales said the momentum its work is gaining will continue improving the University even after surpassing this goal. He expressed gratitude towards the support coming from donors, alumni and people across the nation who support Boise State.
“I have a strong sense of gratitude for those around the country who support the university,” Hales said. “When I think of the community, I’m seeing it come from all over the nation.”
