Duane and Lori Stueckle’s connection with Boise State University goes back multiple decades. Thanks to their recent $500,000 gift to launch a scholarship specifically for Idaho students, that connection will continue for decades to come.
“[Boise State] gave me a small scholarship. To me, that was very meaningful that they did that,” reflected Lori. “Since I was given a scholarship, it just carried on.”
On Thursday, February 20, the Stueckles formally signed paperwork to establish the Duane and Lori Stueckle True Blue Endowed Scholarship. Boise State’s True Blue Scholarships are a key component of Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University, and are awarded to Idaho residents for four years, based primarily on financial need and merit.
“The True Blue scholarship makes a tangible and immediate difference for an Idaho student. It is actually the difference for some students in pursuing their higher education or not,” said Jeremiah Shinn, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
The Stueckles first met while teaching school in Idaho. Their work as educators solidified a lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Idaho’s youth. “It’s been our life for many, many years,” notes Lori.
“Duane and Lori represent the best of Boise State. They were here when Boise State was known as Boise Junior College,” notes Argia Beristain, CEO of the Boise State University Foundation. “As Boise State and their own success grew over the years, they remained anchored to the core values of this institution and all it represents. This scholarship reflects their deep, selfless generosity in a way that gives students the same opportunities they themselves received as Broncos.”
When asked about what kind of legacy he hoped the scholarship would leave, Duane demonstrated his well-known humility. “I don’t know about legacy for us, because that’s not the thing, it’s not about us,” he said. “It’s about these students who have done everything right. We’re trying to give them that little extra boost to have their optimum opportunity for growth–who they are, what they contribute to society, the taxpayers, everything.”
“I want to thank Duane and Lori for their amazing, generous landmark gift to the True Blue scholarship program,” said Shinn. “It makes a difference in the lives of students, it makes a difference for Boise State University and I’m in awe of their generosity. I can’t thank them enough and I hope that their gift inspires others to do the same.”
For more information on True Blue Scholarships, visit /giving/where/scholarships/true-blue/.
For more information on Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State, visit https://unbridled.boisestate.edu/.