Larry and Marianne Williams, longtime supporters of Bronco athletic programs, have committed $500,000 toward the new business building at Boise State University.
“The tremendous generosity of the Williams family and their involvement with Boise State over the years is deeply appreciated,” said Howard Smith, vice president for University Advancement. “This gift to academics will benefit our students, faculty and community for years to come.”
The new business building is part of a comprehensive campaign to transform Boise State into a metropolitan research university. Destination Distinction is a $175 million fundraising initiative for the people, places and programs of Boise State. To date, $118.6 million has been given by alumni and friends in current and future gifts to support the university’s strategic plan for facilities, students, faculty, academic programs, athletics and research.
“Both Boise State’s academic and athletic programs have accomplished outstanding achievements,” Larry Williams said. “We are happy to be associated with their continued success.”
The Williams family moved to Boise in 1966 from Midvale. Along with friends Jerry and Muriel Caven, they were lead donors for the Caven-Williams Sports Complex, Boise State’s indoor training facility.
Larry Williams founded the Idaho Timber Corporation in 1979, which grew to one of the top 10 private corporations in Idaho and operated facilities in eight other states. Larry and Marianne own Tree Top Ranches in Idaho and Oregon, where they raise cattle and horses.
Both Larry and Marianne Williams have served on the Bronco Athletic Association board, and Larry was president in 1993. In addition to their dedicated support of the BAA and athletics, Larry also serves on the Boise State Foundation board and the campaign steering committee. Marianne has dedicated time to numerous civic activities that benefit the communities of the Treasure Valley.
The Micron Technology Foundation committed to a $12.5 million lead gift for the business building in 2007, with $5 million of it contingent on Boise State raising matching funds by the end of 2009. The university has less than $1 million to go to meet the match. Boise State hopes to begin construction on the $35 million building in spring 2010. It will be located at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and University Drive at the site of the former University Inn.
Boise State’s business college has achieved the gold standard of accreditation. Only about 4 percent of all the business programs in the world and 20 percent in the United States have AACSB accreditation, and Boise State is one of them. Next year, its graduate programs will be included in the “Princeton Review” Best Business Schools ranking. More than 3,300 students at Boise State major in business and economics.
For more information, visit COBE Future Home Web site or contact Cheryl Larabee at ext. 6-2039.
