Boise State Hits Lyle Smith Society Milestone
10/31/2022 10:26:00 AM | General
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics and the Bronco Athletic Association (BAA) met its goal of 200 Lyle Smith Society members 13 months earlier than originally targeted, director of athletics Jeramiah Dickey announced today. Moving forward, this distinguished group of 200 will now be recognized as "Founding Members."
Lyle Smith Society founding members contributed a total of $23 million in gifts and pledges since December 2020, with four donations of $1 million or more. Of the 200 members, 132 are first-time major gift donors to Bronco Athletics.
"In record time, our founding members have conveyed a powerful statement of support to our student-athletes and Bronco Nation," said Dickey. "Their investment moves us to the next step towards What's Next for Bronco Athletics."
Lyle Smith Society contributions have significantly impacted athletic department priorities including the Academic Achievement Fund, Bronco Nation Fund, and sport-specific enhancement funds. In addition to spurring facility upgrades and improvements like the north and south end zone video board projects at Albertsons Stadium, new artificial turf in the Caven-Williams Indoor Facility and installation of a new scoreboard at Dona Larsen Park for softball.
Now that the Lyle Smith Society has hit the target of 200 founding members, the minimum investment required will increase to $50,000 over five years with an enhanced and updated benefits chart for members moving forward.
"We are so grateful to the Lyle Smith Society founding members," said Mike Keller, associate athletic director of development. "They have laid the groundwork for this important initiative, and we are just getting started."
Named after the longtime Boise State coach and athletic director, the society's goal is to increase philanthropic revenues for Boise State Athletics by supporting operational needs, capital projects, and endowed athletic scholarships. Funds from the society position Bronco student-athletes for greater success in the classroom, in competition, and in life after graduation.
The operational needs of Boise State Athletics are great. The department spends on average $44,692 annually to support each Boise State student-athlete. These funds include expenses like room and board, travel, tuition and fees, books, nutrition, academic services and more.
For those interested in learning more or in making a commitment to the Lyle Smith Society contact the Bronco Athletic Association at (208) 426-3556 or baa@boistestate.edu.
Contributions from Lyle Smith Society members can be applied to funds including, but not limited to, the following, which have been established as priorities by Boise State Athletics.
Bronco Nation Fund
The Bronco Nation fund is the lifeblood of support for Bronco student-athletes and is the most popular method for Bronco fans to show their pride and play a part in the success of Boise State Athletics. All gifts to the Bronco Nation fund go toward student-athlete scholarships on an annual basis.
Capital Projects
Capital projects have the ability to support the student-athlete experience by enhancing or constructing facilities to better position our programs for competitive success. Capital gifts may build new facilities, enhance locker rooms, team meeting spaces and day-to-day facilities, while also building the brand of Boise State Athletics.
Women's Sports Fund
The Women's Sports Fund provides vital operational support to all women's sports at Boise State.
Sports Enhancement Funds
Sport enhancement funds allow Bronco fans to give to individual teams and help support their specific goals and needs.
Endowments
Endowments can be established for scholarships, coaching positions, and program operational needs. Donors with existing endowments may also qualify for the Lyle Smith Society by committing to a $25,000+ gift over five years to their existing endowment.
BroncoLife
The BroncoLife program is a department-wide commitment to focus on the whole person and emphasizes the transition to college, personal development, and planning for a career.
Sports Performance, Health and Wellness
Investment in the sports performance, health and wellness of Bronco student-athletes encompasses the areas of sports performance, nutrition, mental health, and sports medicine.
