Pocatello, Idaho — Idaho State University Athletics and the Idaho State University Foundation proudly announce the continuation of a longstanding legacy of generosity through the newly renamed Kelly Family Endowment, ensuring that the philanthropic vision established by the late Wally C. Kelly continues to positively impact Bengal student-athletes for generations to come.
Originally established in 1998 as the Kelly Memorial Scholarship Endowment, the endowment has been updated to reflect the enduring commitment of the entire Kelly family while modernizing its purpose to meet the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics. Through an amendment approved by the Kelly family and the Idaho State University Foundation, the Kelly Family Endowment will now provide annual support for student-athletes through both institutional Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and scholarship assistance.
The agreement preserves the family's long-standing desire to invest in deserving Bengal student-athletes while allowing Idaho State Athletics the flexibility to address the changing needs of today's collegiate athletic environment.
"Wally Kelly believed deeply in Idaho State University and in the potential of our student-athletes," said Idaho State Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros. "I had the privilege of knowing Wally and working with him when he originally established this endowment. His generosity and commitment to seeing Idaho State succeed left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. We're incredibly grateful to Amy, Ashley, Beau, and the entire Kelly family for ensuring his legacy will continue to create opportunities for future Bengals."
Under the terms of the endowment, the principal will remain permanently invested while annual distributions will be used to support student-athletes as determined by Idaho State Athletics. Should distributions be awarded as scholarships, recipients will continue to reflect the Kelly family's original vision, benefiting student-athletes across multiple sports while giving preference to those hailing from Pocatello-area high schools — just like Wally.
Ashley Walton, daughter of the late Wally C. Kelly and President of The Wally Kelly Foundation, shared that her family's desire to preserve Wally's legacy while ensuring the endowment remains relevant for future generations was pivotal. Walton shared, "It's an incredible honor to preserve Wally's legacy while celebrating our family's long-standing connection to Idaho State University. Wally believed deeply in giving back and found great purpose in helping others, always leading with humility and a genuine desire to make a difference. This endowment reflects something our family has always believed: that the measure of our lives isn't defined by what we achieve, but by what we give back. We hope it continues to support Bengal student-athletes for generations to come and stands as a lasting reflection of the values Wally lived by every day."
Wally C. Kelly was a successful businessman, entrepreneur, and devoted philanthropist whose passion for education and athletics inspired decades of charitable giving. His commitment to supporting student-athletes continues through the Kelly Family Endowment, which will remain a lasting investment in the success of Idaho State University's student-athletes both in competition and in the classroom.
The Kelly Family Endowment stands as another example of the transformational impact donor generosity has on Idaho State Athletics. By providing flexible resources that help address the realities of today's collegiate athletics environment, the endowment will continue to strengthen the student-athlete experience while honoring the remarkable legacy of the Kelly family.
