The College of Idaho Surpasses Historic $150 Million Campaign Goal, Transforming Opportunities for Students and Idaho

CALDWELL, Idaho, October 29, 2026, The College of Idaho has surpassed its ambitious $150 million Changing the Story comprehensive campaign goal, raising more than $152 million in gifts and commitments to expand educational opportunities, strengthen academic excellence and invest in the future of the institution.

The achievement represents more than a fundraising milestone. It reflects a commitment from alumni, families, community leaders and friends who believe that an investment in education can change the trajectory of a student’s life and strengthen Idaho for generations to come.

Throughout the campaign, supporters contributed 38,543 gifts, demonstrating the breadth of a philanthropic community united by a shared belief in the College and its mission.

“Surpassing this goal is a remarkable testament to the generosity and belief of our College community,” said College of Idaho CEO, Doug Brigham. “But the true measure of this campaign isn’t found in the dollars raised. It’s found in the doors we’ve opened for students who earned the opportunity to attend The College of Idaho, but lacked the financial resources to make it reality, and in the 10 new endowed chairs that support our great faculty and staff. All made possible because people chose to invest in something bigger than themselves.”

Investing in Students, Faculty and the Future

Among the campaign’s most significant achievements is $52.7 million in scholarship support, helping make a College of Idaho education more accessible to talented students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The campaign has also strengthened the College’s long-term academic foundation, including support for 10 endowed faculty chairs and one endowed professorship. These investments help sustain exceptional teaching, academic programs and the close student-faculty relationships that define the College experience.

For Kylee Wickel ’26, the impact of this generosity is deeply personal. After beginning her college experience at an out-of-state university, Kylee transferred to The College of Idaho, where she found a supportive community and a mentor who encouraged her to pursue her goals. Yet financial challenges threatened to interrupt her journey.

“There was a point when I feared my dream might be impossible. But because of the generosity of donors, I didn’t have to give up,” Kylee shared. “I stayed, I grew, and now I know I’m building a future that once felt out of reach.”

A Legacy of Changing Stories

The power of a College of Idaho education to change the course of a life is woven into the institution’s history. Joe and Kathryn Albertson met in a chemistry class at the College in 1930. Their meeting led to marriage and a shared life that became part of Idaho’s history. Joe went on to found Albertsons, a grocery business that grew far beyond its Idaho roots, while the couple’s legacy of philanthropy continues to benefit communities.

What began with two students on campus became a story of entrepreneurship, family, generosity and lasting impact. For Bob Miller, former CEO of Albertsons and co-chair of the Changing the Story campaign, their story captures the larger meaning behind the campaign’s success.

“Think about that for a moment. Two young people met here at The College of Idaho, and the course of their lives changed forever. None of us could have imagined the extraordinary impact Joe and Kathryn Albertson would go on to have in Idaho and beyond. That’s what makes this College so special. We may never know exactly where a student’s education will lead, but we know that when we invest in their potential, remarkable things can happen. That’s what Changing the Story is all about,” said Miller.

The Albertsons’ legacy reminds us that the impact of education reaches far beyond graduation. It can shape families, launch enterprises, strengthen communities and inspire generosity for generations.

A Community That Answered the Call

The success of Changing the Story was built through contributions of many sizes, reflecting a broad base of generosity and a shared commitment to the College’s future. From individual scholarship gifts to major investments in academic programs and endowed resources, supporters demonstrated how philanthropy creates possibilities beyond any one donor or generation.

The Story Continues

While the campaign has surpassed its financial goal, the College’s commitment to expanding opportunity is far from finished. These investments have strengthened its foundation and created new possibilities for students and faculty. Sustaining that momentum will require continued partnership, innovation and philanthropy.

As The College of Idaho celebrates this historic achievement, it looks ahead with renewed purpose: ensuring future generations of students have the opportunity to learn, lead and make a lasting difference.

To learn more about the Changing the Story campaign and its impact, visit https://collegeofidaho.edu/giving/changing-the-story/.

About The College of Idaho

Founded in 1891, The College of Idaho is a private liberal arts college in Caldwell, Idaho. The college provides students with opportunities to pursue hands-on learning, faculty-mentored research, and academic exploration across disciplines. Ninety-nine percent of College of Idaho students receive scholarships, and the college serves students from communities across Idaho, including rural and agricultural areas.