The Skaggs family has deep roots in Idaho’s early entrepreneurship history and is the perfect representation of the entrepreneurial spirit COBE wishes to instill our students, faculty, and community. The Skaggs Family, starting from a small frontier town in southern Idaho, came to have an important impact on merchandising across much of the United States. During most of the 20th century, the Skaggs name became prominent on hundreds of store fronts throughout the West. A number of widely-known commercial chains owe their origin to this one, entrepreneurial family. If one examines the origins of a wide range of grocery and drug store enterprises across the West and Midwest, the Skaggs names is likely to arise. The father was a relatively poor Baptist minister, but he and six of his sons, with varying degrees of collaboration, introduced in the early decades of the 20th century, two very important changes in merchandising: the low-margin, cash-and-carry approach to business and the process of rapidly growing a multitude of common outlets, now called chain stores. Their entrepreneurial zeal became a major retailing force resulting in large, well-known retail chains that carried not only the Skaggs name itself, but names like Safeway, Osco, PayLess, Albertsons, Longs Drug Stores, Katz’s and others.

For more information on the Micron Business and Economics Building go to http://cobe.boisestate.edu/cobefuturehome/. To learn more about recognition opportunities within the new building contact Cheryl Larabee at (208) 426-2039.

Demolition began last week on the University Inn at the corner of Capitol and University. The remaining portion of the structure, the old Iron Gate Lounge, will be torn down on Saturday, Nov. 13, to make way for the new Micron Business and Economics Building and western gateway to campus. The $28 million, four-story building will open by fall 2012. Spanning 118,890 square feet, its design emphasizes student learning, business-relevant research and community collaboration. ESI Construction will set out traffic cones on University Drive Friday evening and commence final demolition at 8 a.m. Saturday. For more building news go to: http://cobe.boisestate.edu/cobefuturehome/

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Click on image to view pictures from groundbreaking celebration

Boise State University is breaking new ground on innovative programs, comprehensive business support and meaningful research. Today, the university celebrated a groundbreaking for the new Micron Business and Economics Building at the corner of University Drive and Capitol Boulevard.

“This building is an essential part of Boise State’s mission to educate tomorrow’s leaders, bolster the success of Idaho businesses and advance entrepreneurial thinking,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “It will serve as a gateway to the university and a lasting tribute to the partnership between Boise State, the Micron Technology Foundation and many friends of the university who helped make it possible.”

The $28 million, four-story building will open by fall 2012. Spanning 118,890 square feet, its design emphasizes student learning, business-relevant research and community collaboration.

“Micron greatly values its strong educational relationship with Boise State University,” said Micron Technology Chairman and CEO Steve Appleton. “This milestone demonstrates the University’s commitment to improving its infrastructure and continuously elevating the level of education available to students. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with Boise State and the community.”

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 Dec. 31, 2009. The university successfully met that challenge with the help of more than 1,000 contributors.

“The Micron Business and Economics Building is much more than a bricks and mortar project,” said Patrick Shannon, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “The new building will transform how we teach students and how our students learn. It also will greatly improve our ability to support local organizations by increasing the effectiveness and accessibility of our many resources for business.”

Designed by Boise firm Hummel Architects and Denver-based AMD with support from Integrated Structures Inc. from Berkeley, the building will include state-of-the art classrooms; a 250-seat lecture hall; a student commons area that includes food service, unique student work spaces, a financial technology classroom and financial trading room; productive spaces for research; interactive areas such as a boardroom that will welcome members of the community and encourage collaboration; and a vibrant courtyard. It also will house the college’s Business Research and Economic Development Center, the Idaho Small Business Development Center, TechHelp, the Centre for Creativity and Innovation and the Center for Entrepreneurship.

Boise-based ESI Construction is general contractor for the project. ESI has a 37-year history in the Boise valley and employs more than 200 professionals. The business building is the company’s fourth project on Boise State’s campus.

“ESI is very excited to be a part of the Micron Business and Economics Building team, a project that is sure to be a legacy for ESI and Boise State,” said ESI Construction President Neil Nelson. “ESI employs 35 Boise State graduates, so having a strong relationship with the university is a very important part of our company culture.”

Sustainable building practices are a prime consideration in the building’s design. Geothermal energy will be the primary heating source and natural light will be optimized. The high-performance, environmentally progressive building is expected to use at least 40 percent less energy than a comparable structure.

It will replace the current business building that opened 40 years ago. Since then, enrollment in the college’s programs has grown three fold to about 3,000 students. The college is among 6 percent of all the business programs worldwide and 25 percent in the United States that have achieved AACSB accreditation — the gold standard of accreditation. Next year, its graduate programs will be included in the “Princeton Review” ranking of best business schools.

A new business building was part of Boise State’s Destination Distinction comprehensive fundraising initiative for people, places and programs at Boise State. Thus far, the campaign has raised nearly $149 million to support the university’s strategic plan for facilities, students, faculty, academic programs, athletics and research.

“This is a fitting tribute to the Micron Technology Foundation, a longtime supporter of Boise State University,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “Their support of higher education has helped ensure that our future leaders have access to the finest quality facilities and programs.”

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 Dec. 31, 2009.

The university successfully met the challenge and will begin construction this summer on the $37 million building at the corner of University Drive and Capitol Boulevard. It is expected to open fall 2012.

“The Micron Foundation is dedicated to excellence in education and has proudly supported Boise State University for years,” said Dee Mooney, Micron Foundation’s executive director. “We believe the College of Business and Economics will cultivate qualified and talented business professionals that will strengthen and enrich our community.”

The building, designed by Boise firm Hummel Architects, will be about 110,000 square feet and will support the college’s future growth. Its design emphasizes student learning, research and community collaboration. Four floors will include state-of-the art classrooms; a 250-seat lecture hall; a student commons area that includes food service, unique student work spaces, a financial technology classroom and financial trading room; productive spaces for research; interactive areas such as a boardroom that will welcome members of the community and encourage collaboration; and a vibrant courtyard. It also will house the college’s Business Research and Economic Development Center, the Idaho Small Business Development Center, TechHelp, the Centre for Creativity and Innovation and the Center for Entrepreneurship.

“The new home for the College of Business and Economics will transform how we teach students and how our students learn,” said Patrick Shannon, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “We are honored that the building will carry the Micron name. Many of the leaders at Micron are Boise State business graduates and the connection between our college and Micron is very strong. Without the generous support from the Micron Foundation, this building would not be happening.”

Sustainable building practices are a prime consideration in the building’s design. For example, plans include using geothermal energy as a heating source and optimizing use of natural light. The high-performance, environmentally progressive building is expected to use at least 40 percent less energy than a comparable structure.

Since the construction of the existing business building 40 years ago, enrollment in the college’s programs has grown three fold to more than 3,300 students. Enrollment during the next 10 years is expected to grow 26 percent in undergraduate programs, and the number of graduate students is expected to double.

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. Its accountancy program also is accredited. Next year, its graduate programs will be included in the “Princeton Review” ranking of best business schools. The college aspires to build graduate and undergraduate programs with a national reputation for their quality and innovation and to create internationally renowned centers of excellence.

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 Dec. 31, 2009.

“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our alumni and friends and their faith in our mission, we have met the match,” said Patrick Shannon, dean of the college. “More than 750 different donors supported us on this project, even during a difficult economic time.”

The building, designed by Boise firm Hummel Architects, will be about 110,000 square feet and will support the college’s future growth. Located at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and University Drive, it will be a gateway to the west end of campus. It’s expected to open fall 2012.

“The Micron Foundation is committed to excellence in education,” said Dee Mooney, Micron Foundation’s executive director. “Collaborating with and supporting Boise State is one of the best ways to ensure we reach this common goal, and we are pleased the university successfully met the fundraising challenge.”

The building’s design emphasizes student learning, research and community collaboration. Its four floors will include state-of-the art classrooms; a 250-seat lecture hall; a student commons area that includes food service, unique student work spaces, a financial technology classroom and financial trading room; productive spaces for research; interactive areas such as a boardroom that welcome members of the community and encourage collaboration; and a vibrant courtyard. It also will house the college’s Business Research and Economic Development Center, the Idaho Small Business Development Center, TechHelp, the Centre for Creativity and Innovation and the Center for Entrepreneurship.

Sustainable building practices are a prime consideration in the building’s design. For example, plans include using geothermal energy as a heating source and optimizing use of natural light. The high-performance, environmentally progressive building is expected to use at least 40 percent less energy than a comparable structure.

Since the construction of the existing business building 40 years ago, enrollment in the college’s programs has grown to more than 3,300 students. Enrollment during the next 10 years is expected to grow 26 percent in undergraduate programs, and the number of graduate students is expected to double.

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. Its accountancy program also is accredited. Next year, its graduate programs will be included in the “Princeton Review” ranking of best business schools. The college aspires to build graduate and undergraduate programs with a national reputation for their quality and innovation and to create internationally renowned centers of excellence. These efforts will be greatly enhanced through the creation of a world-class business building, Shannon said.

Overall, 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, almost $120 million has been raised from alumni and friends in current and future gifts to support the university’s strategic plan for facilities, students, faculty, academic programs, athletics and research.

The College of Business and Economics will focus its attention on fundraising for people and programs, said development director Cheryl Larabee, and recognition opportunities are still available within the new building if a gift is made to fund professorships, scholarships, programs or the Dean’s Excellence Fund.

For more information, visit http://cobe.boisestate.edu/cobefuturehome/ or contact Larabee at (208) 426-2039.

“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.

Jackson announced his donation to the university during the annual Boise State Foundation Board meeting on campus. Jackson serves on the Foundation Board of Directors and Boise State’s Destination Distinction campaign steering committee.

“A strong, dynamic business college in the Treasure Valley is essential for the state’s economic development, and John Jackson’s commitment to Boise State helps ensure its impact for years to come,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “He is one of Boise State’s and Idaho’s success stories, and we thank him for giving back in support of a high quality learning environment for future students.”

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 $5 million in matching funds by the end of 2009. With the Meet the Match deadline quickly approaching, this donation puts the university within $1.5 million of the goal.

“This gift is an investment in the future of Boise State University and the College of Business and Economics,” Jackson said. “Business education is all about preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s business leaders.”

Overall, 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, almost $116 million has been raised from alumni and friends in current and future gifts to support the university’s strategic plan for facilities, students, faculty, academic programs, athletics and research.

Jackson attended Boise State and majored in accounting. His gift will establish the Jackson Commons, the grand entryway and first impression of the new College of Business and Economics building that will be constructed at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and University Drive, where the former University Inn is located. Boise State hopes to begin construction on the $35 million building in spring 2010.

The Jackson Commons

The Jackson Commons will be the heart of the building both structurally and metaphorically. It will be the main circulation route through the building and will provide an open, inviting, productive space for students, faculty and leaders from business and government organizations to interact. This hub of activity will house a café, an open computer lab, community bulletin boards, flexible seating to accommodate small or large working groups and a welcoming hearth.

“The Jackson Commons will honor Mr. Jackson’s nationally recognized success as an entrepreneur, an individual who has dreamed big, worked hard and been such an important part of the Idaho business community,” said Pat Shannon, dean of the College of Business and Economics.

Jackson, a Chevron/Texaco and Shell marketer based in Meridian, founded Jacksons Food Stores Inc. in 1975 as a single service station and has grown it to a chain of approximately 200 branded convenience stores in four western states. Jackson also owns and operates Jackson Oil and Capitol Distributing. Jackson Oil is a wholesale and transportation company delivering fuel to 400-plus locations in nine western states. Capitol Distributing is a grocery wholesaler that delivers merchandise to more than 400 convenience store locations in five western states.

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 School ranking. More than 3,600 students at Boise State major in business and economics.

For more information about the College of Business and Economics and Meet the Match, visit http://cobe.boisestate.edu or contact Cheryl Larabee at (208) 426-2039.