Alumni Association History
Early in 1967, Boise College prepared to graduate its first four-year class. In March of that year student leaders, led by student body president Jim Cockrell, met with a core group of faculty and alumni in the old Student Union Building (now the Communication Building) to form the Boise College Alumni Association.
With just 12 founding members, the fledgling organization was led by Boise Junior College graduates pending the first round of four-year alums. Frank Illett, then an adjunct accounting teacher, and Jim Cockrell served as interim co-chairmen. Dues were set at $2 per alum per year, or $3 per family. Thomas L. Rhodes was elected the first president.
Much has changed since that first meeting in 1967 - a new identity as Boise State University, an alumni center that opened in 2001, and a
burgeoning membership roster - but the objectives remain the same. They include efforts to support and expand the traditions of Boise State
while fostering alliances among communities, the university and its past, present and future students.
The association works to attract the best and brightest students through scholarships and rewards high achievers with events such as the annual Top Ten Scholars banquet. The Distinguished Alumni Award honors those who have carried that same high level of excellence into their careers.
Geographical chapters throughout the United States allow the association to represent alumni in all areas of the country through legislative lobbying networks, educational tours and scholarship support. Corporate affiliations and organizations associated with specific academic disciplines further strengthen those alliances.
Locally, the association provides social activities such as Bronco Bash parties before home football games, Homecoming festivities, reunions and a pre-commencement celebration honoring all graduates and their families. The Association also maintains an alumni directory that allows alumni to link up for networking and socialization.
Today, the Boise State University Alumni Association is governed by a board of directors consisting of more than 25 alumni who provide leadership and policy guidance for the organization and the 50,000 alums it represents.