Michael J. Byrne Endowed Scholarship Established at the College of Business

Michael Byrne graduated from ISU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting 1974 and an Master’s of Business Administration in 1975. After graduation, he joined Price Waterhouse & Co.’s Southern California Audit Practice where he served major clients in the firm’s Los Angeles, Century City and San Diego offices. He is as an expert in government contract accounting and became a partner in 1986. During the following twenty years, Byrne served clients in the Salt Lake City, Portland, Phoenix, and San Diego offices as well as taking major leadership roles within the Western Region of the firm.   

During his career, Byrne was also involved with numerous professional and charitable organizations in the cities and states where he lived.  While he did enjoy those challenges, his true love was working with educational institutions. In retirement, he continued this work, most notably at his alma maters Rigby High School and Idaho State University. 

The impact for good Byrne has made at ISU is extraordinary. He is chair emeritus and a lifetime member of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors. Byrne has endowed several scholarships in honor of his parents, professors, and others whom he admires. Beneficiaries of his generosity are countless.

Byrne’s contributions extend beyond his philanthropic endeavors. The L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center was completed because he piloted efforts to navigate significant barriers that appeared to doom the project. He also served as special advisor to the University president as a liaison to the Idaho State Board of Education providing insight and advice for university finances. 

Byrne’s tireless service to and support for ISU has earned him numerous honors. These include the College of Business Professional Achievement Award in 1990, the President's Medallion in 2001, the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2007, an honorary Doctor of Letters in 2012, and induction into the ISU Sports Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement in 2019.

This endowed scholarship was established by Byrne’s nieces and nephews. “Uncle Mike” has always shown them unconditional love and is a second father to them because of his kindness, compassion, humor and generosity. They often say, “Everyone should have an Uncle Mike.”