The University of Idaho Argonaut

The College of Business and Economics is receiving $1 million from a private donor. The money will go towards teaching excellence awards. Tyler Macy/Argonaut

Jeff Stoddard, a former student at the University of Idaho, decided to contribute to his alma marter with a $1 million leadership gift.
The Jeff and Kristine Stoddard Distinguished Teaching Scholar Endowment idea originated when Stoddard said he spoke with Jack Morris, dean of the College of Business and Economics.

“I asked him where the greatest need was, and we decided it was within attracting new outside faculty,” he said. “We want to find ways to get new faculty members and keep the ones we have with ideas such as a sabbatical leave to do research regarding their specialty.”

The gift was greatly appreciated in the Business and Economics College, Morris said.
“This is a great way to attract and retain the very best faculty,” he said. “It helps define the college and our quality of education.”
Morris said he thinks when there is a good faculty student relationship, it can have a profound affect on a student and their career.
The UI Athletic Department will benefit as well. Part of the donation will help renovate of the Kibbie Dome.

“This is extremely important, not only for the athletic department, but for everyone,” said Director of Athletics Rob Spear.
Currently between 65 and 70 percent of the facilities used are not associated with Vandal athletics.

“We are going to upgrade our seating to promote accessibility for events and concerts,” Spear said.
The contribution will help cover some of the financial needs of the athletic department, he said.

“Just for athlete scholarship programs, we need upward of 2.5 million dollars a year,” Spear said.
Besides his leadership gift, Jeff also co-found the Quarterback Club, which benefits the athletic department as well.

“Spear, Gary Michael and I went back and forth for years trying to figure out ways to raise money specific to make the football program more successful,” Stoddard said.
He said they came up with the idea of a membership where couples donate $5,000 a year and benefit with things such as cocktail parties in McCall.

“These donations help pay for summer athlete programs, video training and academic scholarship programs,” Stoddard said.

Hal Jones, a favorite professor of Stoddard’s, helped influence the alumni’s donation ideas, he said.
“The idea of this donation is to raise awareness that financial help is needed and appreciated,” Stoddard said.  “It is the alumni’s responsibility to step in and give back in exchange for the opportunities they had in college.”