Bengal Tales

In this Homecoming episode of Bengal Tales, host Amy Dressel celebrates 125 years of Idaho State University pride with guest Col. Paul Briggs (USMC, Ret.). Col. Briggs reflects on his Pocatello upbringing, his family's multi-generational ties to ISU, and his 30-year military career. The conversation centers on the grassroots alumni campaign led by Briggs and his Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity brothers alongside university leadership to commission and return a permanent bronze Benny the Bengal statue to campus outside the Alumni Center. Col. Briggs concludes by urging fellow Bengals to stay connected and support the university through systematic giving and service.

In this May episode of Bengal Tales, host Amy Dressel sits down with Idaho State University alumna and Director of Tribal Relations, Echo Marshall, to explore her journey from Fort Hall and Washington state back home to ISU. Echo shares how her Shoshone-Bannock heritage, years in tribal gaming and marketing, and commitment to student success shape her work connecting ISU and Tribal Nations today.

Get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, heartfelt, and full of Bengal pride. On this month’s episode, Amy Dressel sits down with one of Pocatello’s finest, Lieutenant Akilah Lacey, for a story that goes far beyond the field.

This month, Amy Dressel sits down with Pocatello native and ISU Alumni Board of Directors member Jamie Howerton. Jamie, Assistant Director of Operations at Idaho State University's Albion Center for Professional Development, also serves as chair of the ISUAA Board's nominating committee.

This month, Amy Dressel sits down with two of our 11 Outstanding Student Achievement Award recipients, Hadly Bodell, B.A. Multiplatform Journalism (College of Arts and Letters - Fine Arts and Humanities) and Rifat Tasnim, Ph.D., Computer Science (Graduate School - Doctoral Candidate), to learn more about their stories, accomplishments, and their final goals before graduation.

In this December episode of Bengal Tales, guest host Stephanie Smith sits down with Idaho State University President Robert W. Wagner to talk about his long-term vision for ISU, the realities of a 24/7 presidency, and why he believes this is truly Idaho State’s time to shine. President Wagner reflects on a historic football win in Moscow, the decision to prioritize a new life sciences building, and the importance of being a nimble, innovative public research university that serves communities across Idaho and beyond. He shares what he is most proud of in 2025, including deepened relationships with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and communities from Pocatello to Anchorage, and looks ahead to exciting projects like new facilities, enrollment growth, and expanded research impact. In a fast-paced “Robert’s Roaring Rapid Response” segment, listeners also get a fun glimpse into his favorite campus traditions, e-bike adventures around Pocatello, his walk-on song of choice, and the surprising life skill today’s students are still teaching him: how to take the perfect selfie.

In this episode of Bengal Tales, host Stephanie Smith sits down with Steve Rice, a devoted ISU alum, loyal supporter, and newly-appointed chair of the ISU Foundation Board. Steve shares heartfelt reflections on his lifelong connection to Idaho State University, his family's multi-generational legacy, and the bright future ahead as the foundation works to enhance opportunities and joy for all Bengals.

For this month's Bengal Tales episode, guest host Stephanie Smith welcomes Craig Joseph, Idaho State University’s new Associate Vice President for Strategic Engagement, to the show. Tune in as Craig shares his remarkable journey from Antigua to Idaho, memories of being a Bengal student-athlete, and transformative moments like a landmark win over Boise State.

Tune in to learn more about ASISU's priorities for the year, upcoming events and updates, and all matters concerning Bengal tailgates, student engagement, and opportunities for alumni to connect with students.

Don't miss the chance to listen to this month's Bengal Tales, where Amy Dressel sits down with Executive Director of Philanthropic Engagement, Tabatha Butler, and the 2025 Professional Achievement Award Recipient for the College of Education, Ronda Black.