Boise State Athletics
Boise State Athletics Announce Major Gift from Okelberry Family
4/28/2026 9:45:00 AM | General, Bronco Athletic Association
New Lyle Smith Society members invest in student-athletes and community gathering place
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics has received a transformative gift from Ryan (EGR '05) and Monica Okelberry, co-founders of House of Design Robotics, founded in 2012 and successfully acquired in 2021. Their investment will go towards the North End Zone Project, designed to support the Bronco student-athlete experience and create an inventive gathering place for the entire community.
"On behalf of our 350+ student-athletes and staff, we are incredibly grateful to the Okelberry family for believing in What's Next for Boise State," said Jeramiah Dickey, Boise State Director of Athletics. "For Ryan and Monica to see the vision of the North End Zone and how it will impact all of our student-athletes as well as the entire Boise community speaks to their generosity and care for Boise State. They are great representatives of Bronco Nation, and we thank them for helping us achieve EPIC!"
The Okelberry's have remained deeply connected to Boise State as long-time season ticket holders to Bronco football, enjoying games and making memories with their children and friends.
Ryan Okelberry serves as CEO of Axinova Inc., focused on automation and robotics innovation, and has also functioned as a technical advisor within the College of Engineering, helping students and institutions bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world innovation.
For the Okelberry family, this gift is both personal and purposeful.
"Boise State and the Treasure Valley have played a meaningful role in both our family and business journey," said Ryan Okelberry. "This community helped shape who we are, and we feel a responsibility to give back in a way that creates real opportunity for others. The North End Zone Project meets those criteria. The project supports student-athletes, celebrates Bronco football, and creates a place where our community can gather and connect—and we're proud to be a small part of that."
"While all philanthropy has the power to make a difference in the lives of our students, generosity at this level is a true investment that will help position Boise State for long-term success," said Argia Beristain, CEO of the Boise State University Foundation. "We are grateful for the vision and leadership behind the Okelberrys' gift."
The gift brings the Lyle Smith Society membership to 322, 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.
Visit Lyle Smith Society to help ensure the future of Boise State Athletics and leave a legacy as a member of Bronco Nation.Â
