We are absolutely floored by the participation, enthusiasm, and celebration shown by our employees across all campuses during Employee Appreciation Week. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make this week such a success. Here are just a few highlights from the celebration:

• 372 Thank Yous shared on the Thank You Wall across all campuses

• 43 employee families attended the free showing of Anaconda in Pocatello

• 19 bowling teams representing more than 71 teammates participated in Pocatello

• 79 crafts created during campus activities in Pocatello

• 10 Great Bengal Race teams with 48 teammates competing in Pocatello

• 18 participants joined the Ambassador Walk in Pocatello

• 37 employees attended Coping with Mental Health Crisis with Rick Pongratz and Jill Adams

• 59 employees attended Change Leadership with Patience Ternus

• 230 employees attended the Employee Luncheon in Pocatello

• 40+ Color-A-Bengal kits picked up with 18+ submissions received.

  • Pocatello winner: Mandy Myers, Pocatello Runner Ups: Emily Tapia and Sara Morris

  • Meridian winner: Phyllis Vernon

• More than 90 employees participated in Be A Bengal in Pocatello

• More than 24 employees participated in Be A Bengal in Meridian

• 226+ years of service recognized across all campuses

• Twin Falls Campus won Employee Appreciation Week Jeopardy

• Brandon Stephens was named the recipient of the Lookout Professional Development Scholarship

Our Bengal spirit also shined through community service efforts across Idaho:

• 17 ISU volunteers in Meridian sorted 12,500 pounds of vegetables and snacks for the Idaho Food Bank

• 9 ISU volunteers in Pocatello packed and donated 150 hygiene kits to Benny’s Pantry

• 15 ISU volunteers in Idaho Falls packed and donated 150 hygiene kits to Benny’s Pantry–Idaho Falls and Locker of Love in Blackfoot

Thank you again for making this year’s Employee Appreciation Week unforgettable. We are already looking forward to next year.

If you would like to provide feedback, please take a moment to fill out our survey. Employee Appreciation Week Survey. 

Lookout Professional Development Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to Brandon Stephens on being selected as this year’s recipient of the Lookout Professional Development Scholarship! 

This recognition reflects your dedication and commitment, and Lookout Credit Union is proud to support your continued professional growth. We look forward to seeing you earn your Certified Performance & Sport Science certification through the National Strength & Conditioning Association.

In celebration of Idaho State University’s Employee Appreciation Week, Lookout Credit Union offers a $500 Professional Development Scholarship to eligible faculty and staff.

Be A Bengal Recognition Ceremony and Award Winners
Sponsored by Lookout Credit Union

The Be A Bengal Recognition Ceremony recognizes all individuals who were nominated in 2025 for the Be a Bengal program, honoring their demonstration of the ISU Values of Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, and Teamwork. 

The Be A Bengal Program and this celebration are generously sponsored by Lookout Credit Union, whose support helps make this recognition possible. 

Thank you to all our nominees for the positive impact you make each day. 

Congratulations to our Award Winners:

Faculty Winner: Jeff Johnson
Faculty Runner Up: Jonathan Fardy

Classified Winner: Lindsey Solomon
Classified Runner Up: Luke Christiansen

Non Classified Winner: Maurice Pittman
Non Classified Runner Up: Juanita Gonzalez

MVP Winner: Esther Ntuli
MVP Runner Ups: Angel Salinas, Casey Skelton, Todd Christensen