Pocatello, Idaho – Idaho State University Athletics is proud to announce a multi-year gift from long-time Bengal benefactors Larry '72 and Kathy '71 Bell.
Originally from American Falls, the Bell's bleed orange and black and while their fandom started with supporting the football team over 55 years ago and includes all three of their kids following in their footsteps and attending ISU too, their love and support now extends to every one of the 15 NCAA Division I Bengal teams. As a testament to their loyalty, Larry has only missed two football games since 1967 and Kathy has only missed three since they got married in 1970, this is all despite a number of years when the couple resided in Boise for Larry's job with First Security Bank but still dedicated themselves to attending every game. In recognition of their devotion, Larry and Kathy served as the Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals in 2019. While they have seen a number of the Bengals' greatest triumphs in the institution's history take place inside the ICCU Dome (formerly, Holt Arena) and in Reed Gym, they are looking forward to many years of future success and believe that their contribution will help make this happen.
Pauline Thiros, Director of Athletics, has known the Bells for decades, "Friends like Larry and Kathy are a special blessing. They have supported their Bengals, all of us, without fanfare or favors — they are always there for us. They give, they show up, they shout from the rooftops their pride and love for our student-athletes. They are invested in our success straight from the heart, and if the Bengals made a trip to play a game on the moon, I would not be surprised to walk off the bus and see Larry and Kathy waiting for us. That is just the kind of friends they are."
The Bell's contribution, totaling $75,000 is allocated to a number of their favorite teams including the football, men's basketball, as well as women's basketball program. On top of that, the gift also includes a special installment for the Champions Fund and the Cost of Attendance fund — both of which continue to be top-prorities for ISU Athletics and serve a pivotal role in the recruitment, development, and retention of Bengal student-athletes.
When asked about their contribution, Larry and Kathy shared, "We are very encouraged by the progress the ISU sports programs are making. We feel that if we want to see change, we need to be part of the change." They go on to say, "We want to do our part to support the student-athletes at ISU. We have had the pleasure to get to know some of them over the years and continue to be very impressed by their character and friendliness. We could not be more excited about ISU Athletics!".
"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the Bell's incredible contribution towards athletic and academic excellence here at Idaho State University," said Head Football Coach, Cody Hawkins. "Their support of our football program and our athletics department at an even higher level than what they've done previously is greatly appreciated, and will help us continue to elevate the student-athlete experience. Through Cost of Attendance and our Quarterback Club, they continue to have a profoundly positive impact on our team and we look forward to making them proud!".
For both Larry and Kathy, an Idaho State education was an opportunity.that opened the door to following Bengal athletics of which they've been devout supporters for many decades. That love has now created a profound legacy which will live on in the lives transformed through the opportunity Bengal athletics will provide to student-athletes for years to come thanks to their generosity.
Interested in making a contribution to Bengal Athletics? You can do so by visiting this page, or by reaching out to Crew Keller, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and External Relations, via email (crewkeller@isu.edu) for more information.
