For more than a quarter century, the BYU–Idaho President’s Club has supported the work and mission of the university through philanthropic donations and other forms of participation. Members include individuals, businesses, and foundations who understand BYU–Idaho’s role in preparing young people to become disciples and leaders. And they desire to help keep that sacred trust.

Philanthropic donations of every amount combine to allow the university to move ahead expeditiously with many priorities, to generally accelerate the work, to reach out to more students, and to bless more lives than would otherwise be possible. The continuing support of President’s Club members makes them vital partners and investors in the future.

BYU–Idaho has received approval from the board of trustees to begin designing two new construction projects on campus. Renovation and expansion work will take place on the Hyrum Manwaring Student Center. The expansion will be constructed on the building’s north side, with an enclosed pedestrian connection to the neighboring David O. McKay Library.

An activities center will also be constructed on land immediately south of the John W. Hart Physical Education Building. The center will feature an auditorium with at least 12,000 seats to accommodate weekly campus devotionals, commencement ceremonies, and a variety of activities program events. The building will also include a number of multiuse areas that will better serve the needs of academics and the activities program for sports, recreational, and social activities.

These projects are intended to meet student needs that have resulted from the enrollment cap set by the board of trustees as part of the transition to BYU–Idaho.

Although construction schedules have not been set, the design process for both projects will begin immediately. FFKR Architects of Salt Lake City has been selected to design the projects. Okland Construction, also of Salt Lake City, will consult in the design process.

On April 28, 2006, BYU–Idaho honored Sylvan and Gail Seely of Rexburg, Idaho, with the 2006 Brigham Young University–Idaho Presidential Service Award. The university holds this award in high esteem and grants it only to those individuals who have shown great love for others through their freewill gifts.

Both raised on southeast Idaho farms, Sylvan and Gail met at Ricks College and later married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Sylvan taught elementary school and farmed with Gail’s help to support their new family. In 1966 he began his first irrigation business, which grew over the years. The family business now operates two stores in Rexburg and Idaho Falls.

Sylvan and Gail have dedicated their lives to family, community, and Church service. Among his callings, Sylvan served as a stake president at Ricks College. Gail is well-known for her musical talents. She has been a member of the Madison Hospital Board of Trustees since 1997, currently serving as the chair of the board’s finance committee. In 2001 BYU–Idaho recognized her with the 2001 Exemplary Woman Award. Likewise, Sylvan was named Businessman of the Year in 1994 by the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce.

The Seelys have served as missionaries at Temple Square and as directors of the Oakland Temple Visitors’ Center. They have 8 children and 24 grandchildren.

Thank you for helping me get through the financial costs of college. It’s funny that with all of the homework, finals, and pressure to get good grades, one of the most stressful parts of college for me has been figuring out how to pay for it. Because of this I feel so grateful that even though you don’t know me and I have no way to repay you, you’ve been willing to sacrifice to help me get through it.

I know that your donation has come at a great deal of sacrifice for you and your family. I wish I could do something more to thank you. I hope once I graduate and start working, I can do the same thing for someone else because I will always remember the relief and gratitude that I felt when I was offered this scholarship.

Sincerely,
Brittanie Byron

Do you find yourself reflecting fondly on your college days in Rexburg? Have you encouraged potential students to attend BYU–Idaho? Do you hear news of BYU–Idaho and feel convinced that the school is heading in the right direction? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you share common beliefs with over 200 BYU–Idaho alumni ambassadors currently serving throughout the United States and Canada.

Ambassadors are alumni who feel passionately about the legacy of Ricks College and the future of BYU–Idaho. They encourage alumni, parents, friends, and students to discover or rekindle the “Spirit of Ricks.” Ambassadors serve as important contacts for the university and do helpful things such as:

1. Represent BYU–Idaho in their hometown.
2. Tell the BYU–Idaho story.
3. Encourage prospective students to consider BYU–Idaho.
4. Share news of local alumni with the university and the alumni association.
5. Help identify local internship and employment opportunities for current students.
6. Inform BYU–Idaho of questions and concerns that alumni and others may have about the university.
7. Encourage new freshmen who are children of alumni to apply for scholarships.
8. Inform alumni and friends about philanthropic opportunities.

Become an alumni ambassador and keep the spirit of the university alive. Please call toll-free at 1-800-537-2586 (1-800- LDS-alum) or send an e-mail to alumni@byui.edu.