Sept. 5 marked the beginning of the thirtieth annual I Love ISU campaign. I Love ISU is a scholarship drive that was started by the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce and has advanced to an annual drive hosted by Idaho State University. Despite the economic issues making philanthropy less affordable during last year’s scholarship drive, donors raised more than $357,000 in scholarship money.
The goal for this year is $350,000. Donors to the I Love ISU scholarship drive can choose the programs to be awarded their donated scholarship money at will.
“If the donor is a pharmacy graduate and they would like their gifts to go towards a pharmacy student, we are able to make that happen,” said Teresa Borrenpohl, assistant director of Alumni Relations. The ability to donate to a specific area of interest excites donors.
“Donors are able to make a direct impact at ISU in way that is meaningful to them and our students,” said Borrenpohl. “It’s a win-win.”
The campaign has also decided to loosen the requirements for receiving a scholarship, now allowing students at any point in their academic career to be qualified.
“In previous years, only freshmen were able to benefit from the I Love ISU campaign,” said Borrenpohl. “Now, all students are eligible.”
The money raised here in Idaho goes right to the community.
“When we make phone calls in Idaho Falls, all of that money stays in Bonneville County,” said Borrenpohl. “It’s important that [the community] has champions of education in their own back yard.”
The I Love ISU campaign conducted a phone fundraiser both at the Idaho Falls campus and in the Pond Student Union Building on Monday, Sept. 5, culminating in a celebration on Thursday, Sept. 15 hosted by Watkins Distributing.
On Sunday, Sept. 11, the fundraiser was held at both the Fifth St. and the Yellowstone Ave. McDonald’s, with 20 percent of the receipt totals donated to the scholarship drive. As a direct result of these efforts by the community, many scholarships will now be available to students in need, thereby allowing them a chance to work towards their goals.