Bryan Davis
Staff Writer
Last Tuesday, Jan. 15, was a big day for the Bengals as Governor Brad Little signed a proclamation declaring it to be ISU day.
President Kevin Satterlee and Benny the Bengal stood alongside the governor in the Idaho State Capitol as the proclamation was signed that morning. This proclamation proved to be a big thing for the university, bringing lots of attention and recognition from all around the state thanks to Governor Little. Before introducing him, President Satterlee made a point to mention how dedicated he is to supporting higher education in the state of Idaho.
“It was exciting to have a day set aside to recognize Idaho State University,” said Stuart Summers, ISU’s associate vice president of communication and marketing. “When Governor Little proclaimed the 15th as ISU day in Idaho, he told the entire Gem State to take notice.”
After Summers’ team posted the video of the announcement on ISU social media platforms, faculty, staff and students began interacting heavily with the post. The office of Marketing and Communications also received emails and phone calls from people around the state who were excited to hear the news of the governor’s proclamation, Summers said.
“I think it’s super cool that ISU’s name is getting out there more,” said one student. “It makes me feel like the university is more integral to the state of Idaho, rather than just the local college. It’s nice to be recognized.”
Another student said the news had spread even further than in just the state of Idaho. “I got texts from family members across the country that day, asking if I knew of what the governor did,” they said. “They heard about it before I did, and I think that says how big the proclamation really is.”
In the proclamation, the governor recognized the impact the university and higher education have had on Idaho. He also mentioned the university’s 250 programs that are responsible for “shaping the leaders of tomorrow” and emphasized the university’s contributions to health care in particular.
“ISU looks for every opportunity to share our story near and far. The proclamation on Jan. 15 is just one way we are sharing our roar with the state of Idaho,” Summers said. “When people recognize our accomplishments and take notice of our successes, it strengthens the Bengal community.”
Summers credited that community with providing support for education at ISU.
“We are equally grateful to and recognize the members of our campus community who make ISU a great university,” he said. “Without their contribution, the recognition and praise wouldn’t be possible.”
