Article by Lauren Duffel
Over a decade after her death, the spirit of former Assistant Athletic Director Lori Orr Hays continues to inspire students and faculty.
Born on March 15, 1962, in Lancaster, California, Lori moved to Idaho at the age of 12. She began her academic journey at Boise State University in 1981, where she worked full time to pay her tuition and graduated with a degree in communication in just three years.
In 1985, Lori began her career in the Athletic Department at Boise State as an Assistant to the Athletic Director of the Bronco Athletic Association. The following year, she became the Sports Information Director for nearly every sport at the university, a position she would hold with dedication and passion for the next 22 years before her promotion to Assistant Athletic Director.
Known for her unwavering commitment to the athletic department and her community, Lori left an indelible mark on the university. After a 29 month battle with brain cancer, she died on October 25, 2013. Her legacy lives on through a scholarship in her name, supporting aspiring communicators and sports information professionals, and continues to inspire future generations of students at Boise State.
Lori was more than just a sports information director; she was a beacon of kindness and hard work. Her colleagues remember her not only for her professional accomplishments but also for the personal touches she brought to her role.
“There was no job too small for Lori,” recalled James Hays, her husband and longtime supporter. “She would go out of her way to ensure that everyone felt included by gifting Boise State ball caps to hotel staff or bus drivers during away games.”
Her commitment to student athletes was evident in every aspect of her work. Hays believed in fostering a sense of community, and she made it a point to connect with everyone involved in the athletic programs.
“She had a unique ability to make people feel valued,” James said. “Her humor and quick wit could light up any room, especially when she would warm up the crowd before the coaches spoke at Boise State luncheons.”
One memorable incident exemplified Lori’s dedication. During a crucial men’s basketball game, the half court circle had been painted incorrectly and the arena staff was at a loss. While others hesitated, Lori sprang into action. “She grabbed some tape and went out onto the court, laying it down herself,” James recounted. “She wasn’t going to let the game start with a technical foul because of a small oversight. That was Lori always ready to do what needed to be done.”
Lori’s work ethic was unmatched. She seamlessly balanced a demanding career with raising two children, transforming her home into a makeshift office and consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of quality. “She sacrificed a lot for both her job and her family,” her husband said.”, “But she never failed to make time for what truly mattered.”
In recognition of her contributions, the Lori Orr Hays Memorial Scholarship was established. “We want to ensure that her spirit lives on through the students who benefit from this scholarship,” James said.
Lori’s influence is also felt throughout the athletic department. Coaches and staff who worked alongside her often share stories of her dedication and the relationships she built with athletes. One person who experienced her impact firsthand is Joe Nickell, who served as the Graduate Assistant Sports Information Director.
“I first got the chance to meet Lori during my senior year of college, helping Boise State host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.” he said. When Nickell was offered a graduate assistant position in athletics, he accepted on the spot. Soon enough, he was sharing an office with Hays.
“She was more than a mentor in my first year out of undergrad; she became my Boise mom. I still have Lori’s contact saved in my phone, and I probably will forever. From time to time, I’ll be typing something in and her name pops up. Instantly, I can hear her laugh. I remember her jokes. I remember feeling loved.”
Max Corbet, who worked alongside Lori for nearly three decades, echoes these sentiments, reflecting on the warmth and generosity she brought to every interaction.
“It was her nature to be kind and to always be generous with her time toward others,” Corbet said. “Whether it was fulfilling a request from a media member, mentoring a student athlete or just lending her ear to listen, Lori was always there for the other person.”
Nickell and Corbet are just a small sample of the lives Lori touched. “The beauty in all of that is I know I’m not alone,” Nickell said. “So many people that interacted with Lori through Bronco Athletics had the same experience and feel the same way that I do. She was one of the most amazing people I ever met, and the way she lived her life is still reverberating within the City of Boise and Broncos Athletics today.”
The Lori Orr Hays Memorial Scholarship keeps her legacy alive, inspiring students to pursue their dreams with the passion and dedication Lori embodied. In celebrating her memory, the Boise State community affirms that she will be remembered as a champion of student athletes and the university.