Bengal Tales

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, an...

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 Benga...

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.

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—emb...

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 S...

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. He...

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 chi...

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 facult...

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.

This month, Ryan Sargent welcomes Shantay Bloxham, CEO of United Way of Southeast Idaho (UWSEI). Their conversation includes information about an upcoming UWSEI Murder Mystery Dinner event and how the organization collaborates with local nonprofits, schools, government agencies, corporate partners, donors, and volunteers to make a positive impact in our community.