ISU takes it higher

This week marks an important event for Idaho State University, other state universities, students and legislators alike.  Throughout the week, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) of the Idaho legislature will listen to presentations by representatives of ISU and other public universities/colleges.  This joint committee is made up of members from the state Senate and House of Representatives. During this week, budget discussions, fundraising and various meetings will take place as well. Because most of the week is devoted to talk of Idaho's universities and colleges, it has been termed Higher Education Week.

On Monday, Jan. 23, President Arthur Vailas made a presentation on behalf of ISU to JFAC.  Each university spends 30 minutes presenting the school to the committee, and another 30 minutes is dedicated to answering questions from JFAC members. Throughout the week, the committee will hear from other universities/colleges in the state such as Boise State University, College of Western Idaho and North Idaho College, among many others. Additionally, JFAC will listen to various organizations that are also dedicated to higher education.

Since JFAC only meets and listens to college presentations in the morning hours each day this week, some of the day is spent meeting with other committees and legislators within the Senate and House of Representatives. In addition to legislative meetings, the universities will also have media luncheons and various conferences with businesses and corporations in Boise to seek fundraising and build relationships between the university and these businesses.

"Fundraising generally is not easy," said Dr. Kent Tingey, vice president for university advancement. "You try to get people to have a desire to see that an investment in Idaho State University is a good investment, and you do that one person at a time by building relationships…every gift is important and every gift is deeply appreciated," said Tingey.

An alumni reception will also take place the evening of Thursday, Jan. 26. On this night, ISU invites all ISU alumni from Boise and the surrounding area, friends of the university and various political leaders to mingle with each other and talk about ISU. The event gives legislators the opportunity to listen to past ISU students about the education they received at ISU.

On Friday, Jan. 27, the ISU Alumni Association board of directors will also meet, coming from as far away as Hawaii. This board meets only three times a year and will spend this meeting time together discussing ways for alumni to continually support the university.

Budget appropriations will not be determined until a future date where tuition will then be discussed after that point.

For ISU in regards to Higher Education Week, Tingey said, "The single goal no matter who we are visiting with…is to help market and brand [the university] and help people understand the incredible institution that Idaho State University is…"

Tingey concluded, "This is all about students. It's seeking support for the university so that we can better fulfill our assignment for students because students are number one."