Boise State Athletics
Boise State Athletics Announces $1M Donor
4/21/2026 9:45:00 AM | General, Bronco Athletic Association
Brings Lyle Smith Society Membership to 321
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State University has received a $1 million donation with the majority designated to the athletic department to support the North End Zone Project, AD Excellence Fund, and Football. The donor, who sits on the Boise State University Foundation Board, has requested to remain anonymous.
"We're incredibly thankful for this investment in Bronco Athletics," said Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey. "Bronco Nation continues to show up in a big way to fuel our momentum and inspire others to be EPIC. This gift also gives our student-athletes the resources and opportunities they need to excel in competition and carry that success into their careers, communities, and lives beyond Boise State."
The gift brings the Lyle Smith Society (LSS) membership to 321, a philanthropic giving option launched by the Bronco Athletic Association in December 2020. Named after the longtime Boise State coach and athletic director, the society's goal is to increase philanthropic revenues for Boise State Athletics, supporting operational needs and capital priorities. Funds from the society position Bronco student-athletes for greater success in the classroom, in competition, and in life after graduation.
"I'm always humbled by the generosity of our donors, whose support continues to create meaningful impact across Boise State," said Argia Beristain, CEO of the Boise State University Foundation. "For a new Foundation board member to demonstrate this level of philanthropy is especially meaningful, reflecting not only a deep commitment to our mission but an early investment in the lasting change we aim to create together."
The LSS membership begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over a five-year period or donating an annual cash gift of $50,000 or more. Boise State Athletics establishes its top priorities, but Lyle Smith Society members have the flexibility to designate their gift to the fund of their choice. These funds include the Bronco Nation Fund, Women's Sports Fund, Sports Enhancement Funds, Endowment, capital projects, BroncoLife and Sports Performance, Health, and Wellness.
Visit Lyle Smith Society to help ensure the future of Boise State Athletics and leave a legacy as a member of Bronco Nation.
About Bronco Athletic Association (BAA)The Bronco Athletic Association (BAA) is the spearhead of fundraising for Boise State Athletics. It provides the necessary support and resources for Boise State student-athletes to be successful in the classroom, community, and competition. BAA members are essential to creating first-class student-athlete experience. A BAA member contributes philanthropically to the Bronco Nation Fund, sport-specific enhancement funds, endowments or capital projects, and the Built Different Initiative. Non-seat-related contributions, including gifts to Bronco Nation Fund, sport-specific enhancement funds, capital projects, and endowments are considered charitable donations to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at Bronco Athletic Association.
About the Boise State University Foundation
A nonprofit Idaho organization, the Boise State University Foundation was established in 1964 to empower Boise State University with the resources necessary to thrive. The Foundation provides fundraising leadership and service across the university and partners with donors and alumni to inspire private support. To learn more about the Foundation, visit https://www.boisestate.edu/giving/.
About Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University
From groundbreaking research to expanded opportunities for the best and brightest students, Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University advances key priorities at the university level and for each college, school, unit and athletics to meet the unique challenges of our time. The Unbridled campaign focuses on three key pillars: student access and success, relentless faculty innovation and positioning athletics for what's next. For more information on Unbridled, visit unbridled.boisestate.edu.
