Dear Friend of Idaho State University,
Higher education is a huge investment for our students and their families. It is one with a large payoff — during a 40-year working life, the average person with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn 65 percent more than someone with a high school diploma.
But while the benefits are important and worthwhile, it can be an economic struggle for some students when they work hard to learn and pay for their education at the same time. At Idaho State University, we want to make sure all of our students have the best educational experience possible.
This winter, with the vision of Dr. Laura Vailas, Idaho State University Student Affairs Division has opened Benny’s Pantry, a place on campus where students and staff who need a bit of assistance can have access to nutritious food. The pantry is staffed by trained volunteers, and food for the pantry was donated by fellow students, faculty, staff and local businesses and community members. Clients are able to shop the pantry using their Bengal ID, with consideration given for their privacy.
Food insecurity can be invisible but painful. I don’t want any of our students to be forced to sacrifice their own health so their children can eat while they are working to get an education and build their future.
At Idaho State University, we want to offer the best educational experience possible. We want to create future leaders, and prepare our students to make a difference in the world.
But a university is more than simply an institute of research and education. It is also a community. Our students, faculty and staff care about each other and want to help. Together, they are making a difference for their fellow Bengals, and changing the future of Idaho families.
Go Bengals!
Arthur C. Vailas, Ph.D.
President
Idaho State University
ude.usinull@tnediserp
The Letter from the President archive is available on the Web site for the Idaho State University Office of the President. The site also includes special events, a photo gallery, presidential addresses, information about the President’s Cabinet, contact information and more.
