Bengal Tales

Listen to the exciting March episode of Bengal Tales! Host Amy Dressel sits down with Idaho State University’s new Vice President for University Advancement, Stephanie Smith. Stephanie brings roaring energy, deep expertise, and a passion for the transformative power of public higher education. When she’s not championing student success, you can find her exploring canyons, mountains, and rivers—embracing adventure just like a true Bengal!

In this special episode of Bengal Tales, we celebrate the accomplishments of four exceptional students who have been honored with the 2025 Outstanding Student Achievement Award. Jaden Palmer, College of Science and Engineering: Physical, Computational, and Engineering Sciences; Abigail Card, College of Arts and Letters: Social Sciences; Xavier Christy, College of Science and Engineering: Natural Sciences; and Jayce Packer, College of Business.

In this month's episode, Amy Dressel sits down with ISU Alumni Board Past President and ISU advocate Patty Bolinger. Patty is a dedicated educator, counselor, and community leader with over five decades of experience in education and student advocacy. A proud alumna of Idaho State University, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1972 and a Master of Education in Counseling in 1975. Her ISU journey was filled with rich experiences, from playing on the tennis team to participating in organizations such as Chimes, Mortar Board, and Alpha Chi Omega. Her inspiring Bengal journey also includes overcoming a fear of water with the help of a professor and building lifelong memories through her many campus activities.

Kelsey Gomez, a Pocatello native, is a passionate and experienced event coordinator for the Alumni Association. She specializes in creating meaningful connections and memorable experiences for alumni. With a knack for organization and a love for bringing people together, Kelsey excels at crafting impactful gatherings. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring nature, spending quality time with her children, and cherishing moments with her extended family. Her dedication to fostering community and her joy in life’s simple pleasures make her an invaluable part of the Alumni Association team.

For this month of KISU’s Bengal Tales episode, Amy Dressel hits the road and interviews ISU alumni in LA during the Idaho State University’s Bold Path Forward Alumni Tour. Listen and hear all about how these outstanding alumni are making an impact in California where they tribute their successes to their alma mater. From learning a new language, to building relationships with colleagues and faculty members, and frat parties, these Bengal alumni are fun to know!

ISU President Robert Wagner shares his budding Bengal Tale and outlines new areas of focus for ISUOur new host of Bengal Tales, Amy Dressel, speaks with ISU President Robert Wagner about his first fall semester on the ISU campus, the Bold Path Forward initiative, and five areas of focus for Idaho State University in the coming year.

Interim Alumni Director Amy Dressel sits down with Ryan Sargent, former Alumni Director and current AVP for Government and Community Relations at ISU, in the first episode of Bengal Tales for the academic year. Listen to hear what Ryan’s been up to in his new position, what he’s excited about this fall, and the upcoming alumni events to stay engaged!

Valorie Watkins joins Ryan Sargent this month for Bengal Tales. Valorie graduated from Idaho State in 1966 with a degree in French. She is currently serving on the Dean's Advisory Board, a group of alumni and friends of the College of Arts and Letters who volunteer their time to assist the Dean and his or her colleagues in their efforts to grow the College of Arts and Letters.

Ryan Sargent visits with three of this year's ISU Outstanding Student Award winners, Juliette Bedard, Andrew Sagendorf, and Emma Watts. Twelve 2024 OSA award recipients will be celebrated at the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center on Thursday, February 8. Read-on for a full list of this year's award recipients and additional details about the awards ceremony.

This month on Bengal Tales, ISU Vice President for Alumni Relations Ryan Sargent speaks with former ISU Basketball player Matt Stucki. Stucki joined the Bengals in 2002 after graduating from Century High and named 4A Player of the Year and the Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year. He was twice awarded All-Big Sky honors during his four years with ISU.